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Lab 18: Setting Up Jenkins using Docker

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lab, you will be able to:

  • Set up a Jenkins server using Docker
  • Access Jenkins from the browser
  • Prepare Jenkins for CI/CD with plugins

Prerequisites

  • Docker must be installed (from Lab 17)
  • Internet connection

⚠️ Note: Use the same CentOS/RHEL VM from Lab 17 where Docker is already installed. No need to create a new VM.

Step 1: Pull Jenkins Docker Image

docker pull jenkins/jenkins:lts

💡 lts means Long-Term Support, a stable Jenkins version recommended for production.

Step 2: Create a Docker Volume for Jenkins Data

docker volume create jenkins_home

💡 This ensures Jenkins data (plugins, jobs, users) persists even if the container is removed.

Step 3: Run Jenkins Container

docker run -d \
  --name jenkins \
  -p 8080:8080 -p 50000:50000 \
  -v jenkins_home:/var/jenkins_home \
  -v /var/run/docker.sock:/var/run/docker.sock \
  jenkins/jenkins:lts
  • -p 8080:8080: Maps Jenkins web UI to port 8080.
  • -p 50000:50000: Required for Jenkins agents (slaves).
  • -v jenkins_home:/var/jenkins_home: Persists Jenkins data.
  • -v /var/run/docker.sock:/var/run/docker.sock: Allows Jenkins to use Docker inside the container.

Step 4: Access Jenkins in Browser

Open your browser and go to:

http://localhost:8080

If accessing from a host machine, first find the VM IP:

ip addr

Look under your active network interface (eth0, ens33, etc.) for the IP address. Example: http://192.168.1.100:8080

Step 5: Unlock Jenkins

Retrieve the initial admin password:

docker exec -it jenkins cat /var/jenkins_home/secrets/initialAdminPassword

Copy this password and paste it into the Jenkins web prompt.

Step 6: Install Suggested Plugins

  • Choose Install suggested plugins
  • Wait for installation to complete

💡 Jenkins plugins add features like GitHub integration, Docker pipelines, etc.

Step 7: Create Admin User

Fill in the details:

  • Username
  • Password
  • Full Name
  • Email Address

Click Save and Continue.

Step 8: Verify Jenkins is Ready

You should now see the Jenkins Dashboard. 🎉

🚀 What’s Next?

In the Lab 19, you’ll:

  • Connect Jenkins with GitHub
  • Create your first Jenkins pipeline
  • Run a CI/CD workflow for a sample application