Continuous Integration (CI) is a software development practice where developers frequently integrate code into a shared repository, preferably several times a day. Each integration can then be verified by an automated build and automated tests. This practice helps detect errors quickly and improve software quality. In a Windows environment, Jenkins is a popular tool for implementing CI.

Setting Up Jenkins for Continuous Integration on Windows

Step 1: Install Jenkins on Windows

1. Download Jenkins: Go to the Jenkins download page and download the Windows installer.

2. Run the Installer: Double-click the downloaded .msi file and follow the installation instructions.

3. Start Jenkins: After installation, Jenkins will start automatically. You can access it by navigating to http://localhost:8080 in your web browser.

4. Unlock Jenkins: During the first startup, Jenkins will ask for an unlock key. Follow the instructions in the terminal or command prompt to find the key and enter it.

5. Install Suggested Plugins: Jenkins will prompt you to install suggested plugins. Click on "Install suggested plugins" to proceed.

6. Create Admin User: Set up an admin user account for Jenkins.

Step 2: Configure Jenkins for Your Project

1. Create a New Job:

   • Click on "New Item" on the Jenkins dashboard.
   • Enter a name for your job and select "Freestyle project" then click "OK".

2. Set Up Source Code Management:

   • In the job configuration, under "Source Code Management", select "Git".
   • Enter the repository URL and credentials if necessary.

3. Define Build Triggers:

   • Under "Build Triggers", select "Poll SCM" and enter a schedule (e.g., H/5 * * * * for every 5 minutes).

4. Configure Build Steps:

   • Under "Build", click "Add build step" and select "Execute Windows batch command".
   • Enter the necessary commands to build your project. For example, if you are using MSBuild, you might enter:

     msbuild /p:Configuration=Release YourSolution.sln

5. Set Up Post-build Actions:

   • You can add actions such as publishing test results or archiving artifacts.

Step 3: Test Your CI Setup

1. Run the Job: Go back to the Jenkins dashboard, select your job, and click "Build Now".

2. Check the Console Output: Click on the build number to view the console output and ensure everything is running smoothly.

3. Automate: Once you're satisfied with the setup, Jenkins will automatically build your project according to the schedule or trigger you set.

Examples

Here's a simple example of a batch script you might use in Jenkins to build a .NET application:

@echo off
REM Navigate to the project directory
cd C:\Projects\MyApp

REM Restore NuGet packages
nuget restore MyApp.sln

REM Build the solution
msbuild /p:Configuration=Release MyApp.sln

REM Run tests
vstest.console.exe MyApp.Tests\bin\Release\MyApp.Tests.dll