Guide on Installing Jenkins on AlmaLinux 9
Jenkins, a popular open-source automation server, integrated with AlmaLinux 9, offers a robust and reliable platform for continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) pipelines. This combination leverages AlmaLinux 9's enterprise-grade features to build scalable, secure, and efficient pipelines for modern software development and deployment workflows.
Benefits of Using Jenkins on AlmaLinux 9
AlmaLinux 9 provides a stable, secure, and consistent environment that is highly compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 9. This consistency across development, testing, and production stages reduces environment-related issues, ensuring a smooth CI/CD pipeline.
The OS supports automation and management tools such as Ansible and Podman, which can easily integrate with Jenkins pipelines to automate complex deployments and scaling operations. Additionally, AlmaLinux 9 offers robust security features, including SELinux and predictable updates that minimize downtime and maintain compliance.
Modern app stacks like LAMP, Node.js, Python, and containerization technologies are also supported on AlmaLinux 9, which Jenkins can orchestrate efficiently in build and deployment pipelines. Jenkins, being open-source and widely supported on Linux, can be easily installed, updated, and managed on AlmaLinux 9, benefiting from community support and frequent feature updates.
Setting Up Jenkins on AlmaLinux 9
To get started with Jenkins on AlmaLinux 9, create a new server on Shape.Host, connect to the instance, and update the system packages. Then, install the Jenkins service using the command .
Next, import the official GPG key for the Jenkins repository, add the Jenkins repository configuration to your system, and install OpenJDK 17, which is required for Jenkins. Once installed, start Jenkins immediately and enable it to start on boot.
To access the Jenkins dashboard, you'll need the initial admin password. Open your browser and go to the Jenkins web interface to complete the setup wizard. Click "Install suggested plugins", create your admin user, and confirm the Jenkins URL to start using Jenkins.
Securing Jenkins on AlmaLinux 9
To safely run Jenkins in production on AlmaLinux 9, it is recommended to enable HTTPS, limit access to Jenkins ports, integrate with LDAP, GitHub OAuth, or SAML for authentication, use role-based access control (RBAC), harden the system with SELinux, disable anonymous access, and rotate credentials regularly.
Jenkins supports a plugin-rich architecture, integrates with virtually all major development, testing, and deployment tools, and is highly customizable through Jenkinsfiles and scripting. With these features, Jenkins on AlmaLinux 9 provides a secure, stable, and scalable environment for automating software development pipelines.
About AlmaLinux 9
AlmaLinux 9 is a community-driven, enterprise-ready alternative to CentOS, fully binary-compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 9. It offers an enterprise-grade OS with 10-year support (until 2032), making it a reliable choice for long-term projects.
For securing the Jenkins server, it is also essential to install UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) to restrict access to the server and protect it from potential threats.
In summary, Jenkins on AlmaLinux 9 offers a robust and secure platform for CI/CD pipelines, leveraging the OS's enterprise stability, security, and automation capabilities. By following the outlined setup and security practices, you can build efficient, scalable, and secure software development and deployment pipelines.
- Embracing AlmaLinux 9's home-and-garden features such as Podman and Ansible can help automate complex deployments and scaling operations when integrated with Jenkins pipelines, enhancing the overall efficiency of CI/CD pipelines.
- For tech-savvy homeowners aiming to digitize their home-and-garden lifestyle, partnering Jenkins with AlmaLinux 9 provides a secure, scalable platform for automating software development, akin to automating smart home devices for a seamless living experience.
