Question 1

How do I set up the Docker plugin to use a custom Docker image not on Docker Hub?

Accepted Answer

Set the pull strategy to 'Never pull' in the Docker Agent template configuration to avoid 404 errors. Ensure the Docker host can access the local image, and configure the Docker Host URI appropriately, such as using unix:///var/run/docker.sock for local setups.

Question 2

What's the difference between Jenkins Docker plugin and docker-workflow plugin?

Accepted Answer

The Docker plugin is for dynamic provisioning of containers as Jenkins agents, while docker-workflow is for Pipeline steps like docker.image. Use Docker plugin for cloud-based agent management and docker-workflow for in-container build steps within Pipelines.

Question 3

Can I use SSH to connect Docker containers without manual credential setup?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for standard opensshd images like jenkins/ssh-agent, the plugin injects SSH keys based on Jenkins instance identity automatically. However, for non-standard sshd setups, manual credential configuration is required.

Question 4

How to configure multiple Docker hosts for Jenkins agents?

Accepted Answer

Define multiple Docker clouds in Jenkins system configuration, each with its own API URL and templates. Note that Swarm mode is not supported, so each host is managed independently without native orchestration.

Question 5

What are the best practices for creating a Docker image for Jenkins agents?

Accepted Answer

Start from official jenkins/*-agent images (e.g., jenkins/inbound-agent), install required tools using RUN commands in a Dockerfile, and ensure the entrypoint executes passed commands with 'exec "$@"' to maintain agent connectivity.

Question 6

Is it possible to configure the Docker plugin using YAML files?

Accepted Answer

Yes, via the Configuration as Code plugin, you can define clouds and templates in YAML for reproducible setups. An example YAML configuration is provided in the README for creating a cloud with specific agent images and settings.

Docker plugin for Jenkins

What is Docker plugin for Jenkins?

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