August 2017 Summaries

Version 1.5 of the Codefresh plugin for Jenkins has been released, enhancing the integration of Docker-native CI/CD pipelines with Jenkins workflows, particularly for groovy-based pipelines. This version allows for easier scripting of complex CI/CD workflows through loops, conditional expressions, and shared libraries, with a unified syntax for defining Codefresh environment variables. The typical Jenkins-to-Codefresh workflow involves Jenkins handling non-Docker tasks before passing control to Codefresh for Docker image building, deployment, and testing, then returning to Jenkins for post-processing. An example involving the "bringon" project demonstrates this workflow, showcasing how Jenkins pipelines can be used to build and test libraries, create GitHub tags, and trigger Codefresh pipelines with specific environment variables. Additionally, Jenkins pipelines can quickly launch composition-based ephemeral environments using docker-compose for testing purposes. The upcoming version 1.6 of the plugin promises further enhancements for on-prem enterprise installations and improved pipeline API features.

The text discusses the integration of Docker with Jenkins using the newly released Jenkins Codefresh plugin, version 1.5, which facilitates seamless Docker-native pipeline integration with existing Jenkins processes. Docker has significantly impacted continuous delivery practices, prompting many projects using Jenkins for orchestration to integrate Docker into their workflows. The plugin is easy to install from the Jenkins plugin repository and allows users to configure Codefresh connections, trigger Docker pipelines, and launch Docker compositions directly from Jenkins. This integration is particularly useful for deploying services to Kubernetes and creating ephemeral testing environments. The text provides a demonstration using a RESTful API service, "bringon," which is built with Docker and deployed using Codefresh pipelines. The service requires a MongoDB connection and is deployed in a Google Kubernetes Engine cluster. The text also highlights the flexibility of Docker compositions for testing, with the option to terminate them after use. The integration aims to enhance the Docker experience in Jenkins and offers a preview of further exploration in triggering Codefresh from Jenkins groovy pipelines, to be discussed in a follow-up post.

Kubernetes has emerged as a leading container orchestrator, prompting Codefresh users to seek improved tools for easier deployment, leading to a collaboration with Google Cloud to create an integration for streamlined app deployment on Kubernetes. Google Container Engine simplifies cluster creation and maintenance, while Codefresh facilitates code deployment and automation. New users benefit from up to $500 in Google Cloud Credits upon starting with Codefresh, and the setup involves creating a cluster via Google Cloud Console and connecting Codefresh to Google Cloud Platform. Additional support is offered through a webinar with experts from Google Cloud Platform and Codefresh, emphasizing the enhanced development velocity provided by a Kubernetes-native pipeline. Codefresh offers 200 free builds per month and $500 in Google Cloud Platform credits for new accounts to encourage users to begin deploying on Kubernetes.

The text is an introductory guide to Docker, created by the author to address the lack of comprehensive beginner resources available online. The guide, designed as a quick 10-minute crash course, is intended for those looking to get started with Docker, particularly in preparation for a class the author will be teaching. It touches on the basics of Docker, such as installing Docker, running containers, and understanding the difference between images and containers. The guide also explains the utility of Docker in modern software development, emphasizing its role in reducing development time, supporting continuous integration, and managing various environments. Additionally, it highlights the lightweight nature of Docker compared to virtual machines, and introduces essential Docker commands and concepts like Docker Hub, Docker layers, and container management. The author provides links to more in-depth articles for readers interested in further exploration and includes a video version of the guide for visual learners.