Jenkins CI/CD pipelines

Jenkins: Imagine Jenkins as a trusty assistant that helps us in the world of software. It’s like a robot that follows instructions to make sure our software works smoothly. We tell Jenkins what to do, and it does the work for us.

CI/CD: CI stands for Continuous Integration, and CD stands for Continuous Delivery (or Deployment). These are fancy words for a process that ensures our software is always up to date and ready to use. It’s like making sure your favorite video game is always in perfect shape for you to play.

Pipeline: In Jenkins, a pipeline is a set of organized and automated steps that Jenkins follows to build, test, and deliver our software. Think of it like a recipe in a cookbook – you follow each step to cook a delicious meal.

Here’s the detailed breakdown:

Code Changes: When a developer makes changes to the software (like adding new features or fixing bugs), these changes are saved in a special place called a code repository (like GitHub). It’s like adding ingredients to a recipe.

Jenkins Trigger: Jenkins keeps an eye on the code repository. When it sees new changes, it gets to work. It’s like having a chef who starts cooking as soon as they see new ingredients in the kitchen.

Build: Jenkins takes the code and compiles it, making it ready for testing. This step is like preparing all the ingredients for cooking.

Testing: After the code is built, Jenkins runs tests on it. These tests check if the software works correctly and doesn’t break. It’s like tasting the food to make sure it’s delicious.

Report: Jenkins tells us the results of the tests. If everything is fine, it gives us a “thumbs up.” If there are issues, it lets us know what went wrong, just like a chef giving feedback on the meal.

Delivery/Deployment: If the code passed all the tests, Jenkins can deliver it to users. It can put the software on a server, making it available for people to use. It’s like serving the meal to your family at the dining table.

Repeat: This process happens every time there are changes to the code. Jenkins keeps watching for new ingredients (code changes) and repeats the cooking and serving process.

Visualize it like a step-by-step recipe with each step leading to the next, and at the end, you have a perfectly cooked meal (your software) ready to enjoy. This continuous loop ensures that your software is always fresh, tested, and available for users.