Plugin manager usage in Jenkins - Commands & Configuration

Introduction

Jenkins plugins add extra features to your Jenkins server. The plugin manager helps you install, update, and remove these plugins easily to customize your automation.

When you want to add support for a new programming language or tool in Jenkins

When you need to update existing plugins to get new features or security fixes

When you want to remove plugins that are no longer needed to keep Jenkins clean

When setting up a new Jenkins server and need to install essential plugins

When troubleshooting plugin issues by reinstalling or rolling back plugins

Commands

This command lists all installed plugins on the Jenkins server to see what is currently available.

Terminal

java -jar jenkins-cli.jar -s http://localhost:8080 list-plugins

Expected Output

ace-editor 1.1

ansicolor 0.6.2

git 4.10.0

workflow-aggregator 2.6

This command installs the 'git' and 'workflow-aggregator' plugins and restarts Jenkins to apply changes.

Terminal

java -jar jenkins-cli.jar -s http://localhost:8080 install-plugin git workflow-aggregator -restart

Expected Output

Installing git from updates.jenkins.io

Installing workflow-aggregator from updates.jenkins.io

Restarting Jenkins to apply changes...

→

-restart - Restarts Jenkins automatically after plugin installation

This command removes the 'ansicolor' plugin from Jenkins to clean up unused plugins.

Terminal

java -jar jenkins-cli.jar -s http://localhost:8080 uninstall-plugin ansicolor

Expected Output

Uninstalling ansicolor

Plugin ansicolor will be removed after next restart.

This command safely restarts Jenkins to complete plugin installation or removal without interrupting running jobs.

Terminal

java -jar jenkins-cli.jar -s http://localhost:8080 safe-restart

Expected Output

Jenkins is restarting safely...

Key Concept

If you remember nothing else from this pattern, remember: the Jenkins plugin manager lets you add, update, or remove features easily using simple CLI commands.

Common Mistakes

Trying to install plugins without restarting Jenkins

New plugins or updates do not take effect until Jenkins restarts

Always use the -restart flag or run a safe-restart command after installing or uninstalling plugins

Using the wrong Jenkins URL or missing authentication in CLI commands

Commands fail because they cannot connect or authenticate with the Jenkins server

Ensure the Jenkins URL is correct and provide authentication options if needed

Uninstalling plugins that other plugins depend on

This can break Jenkins functionality or cause errors

Check plugin dependencies before uninstalling and remove dependent plugins first if necessary

Summary

Use the Jenkins CLI plugin manager commands to list, install, uninstall, and restart plugins.

Always restart Jenkins after changing plugins to apply updates.

Check plugin dependencies and Jenkins URL/authentication before running commands.