Reverting to a Previous Build in Jenkins: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you experiencing issues with the current build in Jenkins and considering reverting to a previous build? This guide will walk you through the steps to effectively revert to a previous build in Jenkins, ensuring you maintain a seamless and efficient development process. Follow the detailed steps to ensure a smooth transition back to a previous state.

Understanding and Reverting Builds in Jenkins

Jenkins, a powerful automation server, allows you to manage and automate the software development process. If you encounter an issue with the current build, you can revert to a previous build that has already passed all necessary tests and configurations. This process can be done manually or automatically, depending on your setup and needs.

Manual Steps to Revert to a Previous Build in Jenkins

Access the Job

The first step in reverting to a previous build is to access the specific job within Jenkins:

Log in to your Jenkins dashboard. Select the job that requires the previous build.

View Build History

To see a list of all previous builds, navigate to the left-hand sidebar:

Click on the build number you wish to revert to.

Rebuild Option

If the job is configured to allow it, you can use the rebuild option:

Ensure the Rebuild Plugin is installed. Click on the Rebuild option.

By utilizing this feature, you can trigger a new build using the same parameters and code as the selected build, ensuring consistency.

Checkout Previous Code

If your project uses a version control system like Git, you can manually check out the commit corresponding to the previous build. This involves:

Navigate to your source code repository. Check out the commit hash associated with the desired build.

Change Build Parameters

If your build involves specific parameters, make sure they match those from the previous build. You can find these parameters in the build details.

Trigger the Build

After you have checked out the previous code and set the parameters, you can trigger a new build. This completes the process of reverting to a previous build.

Automated Reversion and Additional Notes

Backup

Before making any significant changes, ensure you have proper backups of your Jenkins jobs and workspace. This helps protect against data loss or corruption.

Using Plugins for Enhanced Tracking

To track changes and revert to earlier configurations if needed, consider using plugins such as Job Configuration History. These plugins provide valuable insights into the history of the job and the versions of configurations.

Automatic Rollback by Jenkins

Additionally, if Jenkins detects any problems with the current build, it will automatically roll back to a previous known good build. This feature eliminates the need for manual intervention, ensuring that the build process is as robust and reliable as possible.

Conclusion

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively revert to a previous build in Jenkins. Whether you need to do it manually or automatically, Jenkins provides the tools and features to help you achieve this. Always remember the importance of backups and the use of helpful plugins for managing and tracking your builds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I revert to a previous build if I didn't use any version control system?

If you didn't use a version control system, reverting to a previous build may be more challenging. You will need to back up the current build, and then revert the workspace manually. It's recommended to always use a version control system for better manageability and trackability.

What happens if Jenkins detects a problem during a build?

Jenkins automatically rolls back to the previous known good build if it detects any issues. This feature provides a level of security and reliability for your builds, ensuring that only good, tested code is deployed.

What should I keep in mind before making significant changes?

Before making any significant changes, always ensure you have proper backups of your Jenkins jobs and workspace. This step is crucial to protect against data loss or corruption.