Learn JENKINS-PIPELINE with Real Code Examples

Pipelines automate the build, test, and deployment processes for software projects.

Supports complex workflows, including parallel stages, conditional execution, and integrations with external tools.

Enables versioning of CI/CD logic alongside application source code.

Declarative syntax provides a structured, readable format; Scripted syntax offers more flexibility.

Integrates with SCM tools like Git, Docker, Kubernetes, and cloud services for end-to-end automation.

Pipeline - defines the end-to-end workflow

Stage - logical grouping of steps

Step - single build/test/deploy command

Agent - defines where the pipeline executes

Post - actions executed after stages (success/failure/always)

Jenkinsfile - code defining the pipeline

Agent - machine where jobs run

Stage - pipeline step grouping

Step - single action executed

Post - final actions after pipeline execution

Jenkinsfile at the root of the repository

Scripts or utilities referenced in pipeline steps

Configuration files for environment variables or credentials

Dockerfiles if building container images

Test and artifact directories for build outputs

Define pipeline logic in Jenkinsfile

Store Jenkinsfile in source code repository

Create a Jenkins Pipeline job pointing to SCM

Trigger pipeline manually, via webhook, or schedule

Monitor pipeline execution via Jenkins UI or logs

Beginner: Simple build and test pipeline

Intermediate: Multi-stage pipeline with notifications

Advanced: Parallel and conditional stages with Docker/Kubernetes

Expert: Multi-branch pipelines with parameterized builds

Architect: Complex multi-repo pipelines with dynamic agents

Jenkins Pipeline vs Freestyle Job: Pipeline is code-defined and reproducible, Freestyle is GUI-based

Declarative vs Scripted: Declarative is structured and readable, Scripted is more flexible

Jenkins vs GitHub Actions: Jenkins self-hosted, GitHub Actions cloud-hosted with simpler syntax

Jenkins vs GitLab CI: Both support pipelines as code, Jenkins has larger plugin ecosystem

Jenkins Pipeline vs Travis CI: Jenkins is self-managed and extensible, Travis is simpler SaaS

2011 - Jenkins introduces Pipeline plugin

2013 - Jenkinsfile concept created

2015–2017 - Declarative syntax added

2018–2020 - Blue Ocean UI for pipelines released

2021–2025 - Enhanced SCM, Docker, and Kubernetes integrations

Jenkinsfile - Pipeline code stored in SCM

Pipeline - CI/CD workflow

Stage - Logical grouping of steps

Step - Individual command/action

Agent - Executor of pipeline stages