How to Install Jenkins on AlmaLinux 9

What is Jenkins?

Jenkins is a free, open-source automation server that enables continuous integration (CI) and continuous delivery (CD) of software. It automates tasks like building, testing, and deploying code, helping teams deliver applications reliably and efficiently.

Jenkins supports a plugin-rich architecture, integrates with virtually all major development, testing, and deployment tools, and is highly customizable through Jenkinsfiles and scripting.

Why Use Jenkins on AlmaLinux 9?

AlmaLinux 9 is a community-driven, enterprise-ready alternative to CentOS, fully binary-compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 9. It is a solid operating system choice for running Jenkins because of its stability, security, and long-term support.

Key advantages of using Jenkins on AlmaLinux 9:

Enterprise-grade OS with 10-year support (until 2032)
Full compatibility with Java 17+, required by current Jenkins versions
Works with dnf, systemd, SELinux, and firewalld
Supported by the official Jenkins YUM repository for easy setup and updates
Ideal for use in production-grade CI/CD pipelines and automation environments

Core Features of Jenkins

Feature	Description
CI/CD Pipelines	Automate build, test, and deployment workflows using code (Jenkinsfile)
Plugin Ecosystem	1,800+ plugins for version control, containers, notifications, and more
Web Interface	Browser-based UI for managing jobs, builds, and users
Pipeline as Code	Write declarative or scripted pipelines stored in version control
Integration Ready	Supports GitHub, GitLab, Docker, Ansible, Kubernetes, and more
Build Agents	Run distributed builds on remote workers or containers

Common Use Cases

Automating testing and deployment for applications
Coordinating DevOps pipelines in multi-stage environments
Managing container builds and Helm chart deployments
Running infrastructure automation with tools like Terraform or Packer
Performing static code analysis and security scanning
Supporting microservices and monoliths alike

System Integration on AlmaLinux 9

Java Requirement: Jenkins requires Java 17+; installable via EPEL/Remi or Adoptium builds
Service Management: Jenkins runs as a systemd service (jenkins.service)
Web Access: Default port 8080; accessible via browser
Configuration: Data stored in /var/lib/jenkins, with logs in /var/log/jenkins
Firewall & Security: Easily managed using firewalld and SELinux enforcement

Security Practices

To safely run Jenkins in production on AlmaLinux 9:

Enable HTTPS using a reverse proxy (Nginx or Apache) and Let’s Encrypt
Limit access to Jenkins ports with firewalld rules
Integrate with LDAP, GitHub OAuth, or SAML for authentication
Use role-based access control (RBAC) via Matrix Authorization Plugin
Harden system with SELinux (configure correct file contexts for Jenkins directories)
Disable anonymous access and rotate credentials regularly

Performance Optimization Tips

Use SSDs for fast I/O during builds
Configure dedicated build agents for parallel or resource-intensive tasks
Tune Java heap memory for large-scale jobs
Archive logs and artifacts externally (S3, NAS, etc.) to save disk space
Implement build throttling and pipeline optimization to reduce load

Jenkins on AlmaLinux 9 provides a secure, stable, and scalable environment for automating software development pipelines. The combination of Jenkins’ extensive integration support and AlmaLinux’s enterprise-ready foundation makes it a dependable solution for modern DevOps teams.

Whether you’re deploying in a private cloud, hybrid infrastructure, or air-gapped environment, Jenkins on AlmaLinux 9 can support everything from basic CI to advanced release workflows.

Step 1: Create a New AlmaLinux 9 Server on Shape.Host

To get started:

Go to https://shape.host and log in.

Click “Create”, then select “Instance”.

Choose your preferred server location.

Shape.host instance form with the data center location selector highlighted.

Select AlmaLinux 9 (64-bit) as your OS.

Pick a plan with at least 2 CPUs, 4 GB RAM, and 20 GB SSD.

Shape.host instance form with the operating system image selector highlighted.

Click “Create Instance”.

Shape.host instance form with the Create Instance button highlighted.

Once it’s deployed, copy your instance’s IP address from the Resources section.

Shape.host Resources dashboard with the server IP address highlighted.

Step 2: Connect to Your Instance

From Linux/macOS:

ssh root@your_server_ip

From Windows, use PuTTY.

Step 3: Update System Packages

dnf update

This refreshes your system’s package list and installs available updates.

Terminal showing DNF/YUM package management commands and output.

Step 4: Install Java (Jenkins requirement)

dnf install java-17-openjdk

Jenkins needs Java to run. This command installs OpenJDK 17.

Check Java installation:

java -version

Terminal showing java commands or output during Install Java (Jenkins requirement).

Step 5: Add Jenkins Repository and Key

Import the official GPG key:

curl -fsSL https://pkg.jenkins.io/redhat-stable/jenkins.io-2023.key | tee /etc/pki/rpm-gpg/RPM-GPG-KEY-jenkins.io > /dev/null

Add the Jenkins repository configuration:

cat <<EOF > /etc/yum.repos.d/jenkins.repo
[jenkins]
name=Jenkins-stable
baseurl=https://pkg.jenkins.io/redhat-stable
gpgcheck=1
gpgkey=file:///etc/pki/rpm-gpg/RPM-GPG-KEY-jenkins.io
EOF

Terminal showing curl commands or output during Add Jenkins Repository and Key.

Step 6: Install Jenkins

dnf install jenkins

This command installs the Jenkins service on your system.

Step 7: Start and Enable Jenkins

systemctl enable --now jenkins

This starts Jenkins immediately and enables it to start on boot.

Check if Jenkins is running:

systemctl status jenkins

Terminal showing systemd service management commands or output.

Step 8: Set Up Firewall with UFW

Install UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall):

dnf install ufw

Enable and start UFW:

systemctl enable --now ufw

Allow SSH access:

ufw allow 22/tcp

Allow Jenkins port:

ufw allow 8080/tcp

Check firewall status:

ufw status

Step 9: Get Jenkins Admin Password

To access the Jenkins dashboard, you’ll need the initial admin password:

cat /var/lib/jenkins/secrets/initialAdminPassword

Copy this password to use in the next step.

Terminal showing cat commands or output during Get Jenkins Admin Password.

Step 10: Access Jenkins Web Interface

Open your browser and go to:

http://your-server-ip:8080

Paste the password when prompted, then complete the setup wizard.

Jenkins initial unlock screen requesting the administrator password.

Click “Install suggested plugins”

Jenkins Getting Started screen showing plugin installation progress.

Create your admin user

Confirm Jenkins URL

Click “Start using Jenkins”

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Get started at https://shape.host and launch your Jenkins environment in minutes.