What is Jenkins?

Jenkins is an open-source continuous integration software used to automate software deployment. It is based on java and was initially released on 2 February 2011. Today, Jenkins is used around the world by both individuals and large enterprises to facilitate the technical aspects of continuous delivery software development.

How Much Does Jenkins Cost?

Jenkins is an open-source software package and as such, there is no cost to licensing the software.

What is Jenkins Used For?

Jenkins is used to automate many desks involved with designing and deploying software applications including building, testing, and deploying changes to software code.

Jenkins can be integrated with a variety of different use cases including:

  • Android
  • Github
  • Java
  • PHP
  • Docker
  • Python
  • Ruby
  • C/C++

Jenkins Server System Requirements

The minimum hardware requirements to run Jenkins are:

  • 256 MB of RAM
  • 1 GB of drive space (although 10 GB is a recommended minimum if running Jenkins as a Docker container)
  • OpenJDK 32 or 64 Bit Installed
  • Supported on Linux, Windows, and Mac.

The recommended hardware configuration for a small team:

  • 1 GB+ of RAM
  • 50 GB+ of drive space
  • OpenJDK 32 or 64 Bit Installed
  • Supported on Linux, Windows, and Mac.

Looking to deploy a Jenkins Server?

Our server experts can find the right server for your needs and budget.

How To Install Jenkins

Jenkins can be deployed using Docker, or with an installation file on Linux, Windows, and Mac. Here are the installation instructions for each OS:

  • DEBIAN / UBUNTU
  • FEDORA
  • WINDOWS

Step 1: Login to the Server As Root

ssh root@SERVER-IP

Step 2: Download the Repository

wget -q -O – https://pkg.jenkins.io/debian/jenkins.io.key | sudo apt-key add –

Step 3: Add the Repository to the Sources

sh -c ‘echo deb https://pkg.jenkins.io/debian-stable binary/ > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/jenkins.list’

Step 4: Update Apt

apt-get update

add-apt-repository universe

Step 5: Install Jenkins

apt-get install jenkins

Step 1: Login to the Server As Root

ssh root@SERVER-IP

Step 2: Download the Repository

wget -O /etc/yum.repos.d/jenkins.repo http://pkg.jenkins-ci.org/redhat/jenkins.repo

Step 3: Add the Repository to the Sources

rpm –import https://jenkins-ci.org/redhat/jenkins-ci.org.key

Step 4: Install Jenkins

dnf upgrade && sudo dnf install jenkins java

Step 5: Start Jenkins and Set to Open on Startup

service jenkins start

service jenkins on

Step 1: Download Jenkins

You can download the latest Windows installer here.

Step 2: Open the Installer

Double click on the archive and then open the installer. Click Run to execute the installer.

Step 3: Run the Installation

First window in the Jenkins install process.

Click Next

Select the directory for installing Jenkins

Select the install location.

Confirm Jenkins Install Screen

Click Install

Complete the Jenkins Install Screen

Click Finish. Jenkins will open in your browser.

Getting Started With Jenkins

Navigate to localhost:8080 in your browser and enter the administrator password found in the password file in order to unlock the program:

Enter Jenkins Admin Password Page

You can then choose to install the common plugins, or select your own:

Choose to install suggested plugins or select plugins to install.

Click Install once you have selected the plugins you wish to work with.

Choose Your Jenkins Plugins

Jenkins will proceed through the installation process:

Jenkins Install Screen

Once completed, you will setup your first admin user:

Create first Jenkins Admin User

Finally, you will specify your Jenkins URL:

Choose Jenkins isntall URL

You can now begin using Jenkins!

Final screen of Jenkins install.

Jenkins Alternatives

If you’re looking for some alternatives to Jenkins, they include:

  • Buddy
  • GitLab
  • Bamboo
  • Travis CI
  • CruiseControl
  • BuildKite

Deploy Your Next Jenkins Server

Are you ready to deploy a new application or setup Jenkins on a new server? You should consider booking an expert server consultation with our team. We’ll listen to your needs and provide a custom server quote that meets your requirements.