How do I automate CI/CD pipelines with Jenkins and GitHub?

To automate CI/CD with Jenkins and GitHub, install the GitHub plugin in Jenkins, create a new pipeline job, configure the GitHub repository URL and credentials, set up a webhook in GitHub to trigger Jenkins builds on push events, and write a Jenkinsfile defining your build, test, and deploy stages.

What is the difference between Jenkins and GitHub Actions for CI/CD?

Jenkins is a self-hosted CI/CD server with extensive plugin support and flexibility, while GitHub Actions is a cloud-native CI/CD service built into GitHub. Jenkins requires server management but offers more customization; GitHub Actions is easier to set up but tied to GitHub infrastructure.

How do I configure a GitHub webhook for Jenkins?

To configure a GitHub webhook for Jenkins, go to your GitHub repository Settings > Webhooks > Add webhook. Enter your Jenkins URL followed by /github-webhook/ (e.g., http://jenkins-ip/github-webhook/), select application/json content type, choose 'Just the push event', and save. Jenkins will then trigger builds automatically on each push.

What is a Jenkinsfile and how does it work?

A Jenkinsfile is a text file stored in your repository that defines the Jenkins pipeline as code. It uses Groovy-based DSL to declare stages (e.g., Build, Test, Deploy) and steps within each stage. Storing it in version control ensures pipeline changes are tracked and reviewed alongside application code.

How to Automate CI/CD Pipelines with Jenkins and GitHub

July 17, 2020 / Nirav Shah

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Automate Building CI/CD pipelines with Jenkins and GitHub

Steps To Setting Up CI/CD Pipelines with Jenkins and GitHub

Step 1:Login to your Jenkins account

Step 2:Click on “manage jenkins”

Step 3:Put the description

Step 4:Keep Source Code Management

Step 5:In Build option

Step 6:Click on the job name

Step 7:configure

Step 8:Git account and Clone

Step 9:Source Code Management

Step 10:Write commands

Jenkins with Github is used to create CI and CD pipeline. So that we can automate the Build and Deployment process using Jenkins Jobs.
Don’t know about Jenkins? Go through this article to know, how you can install java and jenkins on AWS.

Step-by-Step: Setting Up CI/CD Pipelines with Jenkins and GitHub

Step 1

Jenkins account login page

Step 2

Click on “manage jenkins”

Jenkins dashboard manage jenkins

And go to the “managed plugins”

Manage plugins in jenkins

So you can see all the required GIT plugins will install. It will take some time

GIT plugins install in jenkins plugins

Now to click on “create a new job” or new item and go to freestyle project

Jenkins dashboard create a new jobs

Add project name details in jenkins job creation process

Step 3

Put the description about the Jenkins job you are creating.keep the value of Max # of builds to keep as 5

Add description about the Jenkins job

Step 4

Keep Source Code Management as none. As we are not using any Source Code right now.

Keep Source Code Management as none

Click on checkbox Build periodically. Put 5 stars with space like * * * * * in the schedule box and this means your job will run on every minute. This is called crontab.

Build triggers and adddetails jenkins job

Step 5

In Build option, Execute Shell.

Jenkins build environment select Execute Shell

Some basic command that I put here are

Pwd 
W
Free -m

Add execute shell command code

Step 6

Now your First Jenkins Build job is created. Click on the job name “New Project” to see your builds

First Jenkins Build job is created

After your build is created you will see “console output” it is very important for troubleshooting purposes.

Jenkins project console output

Step 7

Click on configure

Configure new create dproject jenkins

Step 8

Now go to your git account and Clone or Download and copy the repository URL.

Step 9

Source Code Management and click on Git. Paste the copied URL of Git Repository

Source Code Management and click on Git

Step 10

Now scroll down to build and write below commands

git pull origin master 
git status
Pwd
ls -lrt

Jenkins new project build enter commands

And click on save, Now Click on Build Now and then Click on Build No #7300

Click Build Now and then Click on Build No

And final step click on console output and its look like this

Console output jenkins

Congratulations! You have an automated CI/CD pipeline with Jenkins and GitHub.

Also Read: Integration of jenkins with gitlab

Spread Love By Sharing:

Nirav Shah

Nirav Shah is the Director of Eternal Web Pvt Ltd, an AWS Advanced Consulting Partner and certified Odoo Partner based in the UK. With over a decade of experience in cloud computing, digital transformation, and ERP implementation, Nirav helps enterprises adopt the right technology to solve complex business challenges. He specialises in AWS infrastructure, Odoo ERP, and web development solutions for businesses across the UK and beyond.