What is Jenkins?
Jenkins is an open source automation server designed to handle continuous integration and continuous delivery workflows. It runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS. Teams use its plugin architecture to connect with hundreds of tools in their development stack.
Jenkins provides a web-based interface for configuring and managing automated build, test, and deployment pipelines. It installs on major operating systems and supports distribution of workloads across multiple machines to speed up execution. A large ecosystem of integration plugins lets teams connect Jenkins to version control systems, cloud platforms, testing frameworks, and other tools in their stack. The plugin architecture also allows custom extensions when built-in options fall short. As an open source project, Jenkins carries no license fees and is maintained by a broad community of contributors. It fits organizations ranging from small startups to large enterprises running complex CI/CD pipelines.
Ideal Customer Profile
Development and DevOps teams at any company size who need a flexible, plugin-driven CI/CD server to automate build and deployment pipelines.
Key Features
- Automate build, test, and deploy stages
- Install on Windows, Linux, or macOS
- Web-based configuration interface
- Hundreds of community and vendor plugins
- Extensible through custom plugin development
- Distribute workloads across multiple machines
- Pipeline-as-code with declarative or scripted syntax
- Open source with no license fees
How to use Jenkins
Install Jenkins on a server using platform-specific packages or container images. Open the web interface to configure jobs, connect source repositories, and select plugins that match your workflow. Define pipeline stages in code or through the visual editor, then let agents distribute tasks across available machines for parallel execution.
Pricing
Pricing not listed; talk to sales.
Jenkins is free and open source with no paid tiers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get started with Jenkins?
Download and install Jenkins on your preferred platform, then use the web interface to complete setup. Add plugins and configure jobs to begin automating your build and deployment workflows.
What does Jenkins cost?
Jenkins is open source and free to use. There are no paid plans or license fees listed on the project website.
Why should teams pick Jenkins over alternatives?
Jenkins offers hundreds of plugins, cross-platform installation, and the ability to distribute work across multiple machines. Its open source nature means no licensing costs and a large community for support.
How does Jenkins run automation tasks?
Jenkins executes tasks through plugins that connect to your tools and services. It can split work across agents on different machines to run jobs in parallel.
Is Jenkins free to use?
Yes. Jenkins is fully open source and available at no cost.
Does Jenkins have a partner program?
Major organizations contribute to and support Jenkins, but the project does not publish formal partner details. Users can find commercial support through third-party vendors in the ecosystem.
