CI tools like Jenkins: how they compare in 2026

Continuous integration (CI) tools, such as Jenkins, GitHub Actions, GitLab CI/CD, and Northflank, are essential for automating the build and test processes in software development by monitoring version control repositories, executing pipelines upon code changes, and reporting outcomes. Jenkins, a widely used open-source tool operating on a controller-agent model, requires plugins for integrations and is known for its flexibility via Groovy-based Jenkinsfiles. In contrast, Northflank offers a comprehensive CI/CD platform, managing the entire pipeline from build to production without the need for stitching together separate tools, which includes multi-stage pipelines and preview environments. Meanwhile, GitHub Actions and GitLab CI/CD provide native integration within their respective platforms, with pipelines defined in YAML, and cater primarily to their own hosted repositories. The choice of a CI tool often depends on factors like existing infrastructure, source control management (SCM) host, and the extent of deployment capabilities needed, with Northflank providing a seamless all-in-one solution, while Jenkins and others require additional setup for deployment orchestration.