Creating Shared Libraries in Jenkins

1. Introduction

Shared libraries in Jenkins allow for the reuse of code across multiple Jenkins pipelines. They help in managing code consistency, reduce redundancy, and improve maintainability.

2. Key Concepts

• **Shared Library**: A collection of Groovy scripts that can be used across Jenkins pipelines.
• **Global Libraries**: Available to all jobs and can be loaded in any pipeline.
• **Custom Libraries**: Libraries that are specific to a project or organization.

3. Setup

1. Go to **Jenkins Dashboard**.
2. Select **Manage Jenkins**.
3. Click on **Configure System**.
4. Scroll to the **Global Pipeline Libraries** section.
5. Click on **Add**.
6. Provide a name for the library.
7. Set the source code repository URL.
8. Choose the default version (e.g., master branch).
9. Save the configuration.

4. Example Code

Here’s how to define a simple shared library function:

def helloWorld() {
    echo 'Hello, World!'
}
            

You can call this function in your Jenkinsfile as follows:

@Library('my-shared-library') _
helloWorld()
            

5. Best Practices

• Keep your libraries versioned using tags.
• Document your library functions for better maintainability.
• Perform regular code reviews and refactoring of shared libraries.

6. FAQ