Loading libraries in Jenkinsfile - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the purpose of loading libraries in a Jenkinsfile?

Loading libraries in a Jenkinsfile allows you to reuse shared code and functions across multiple pipelines, making your Jenkinsfiles cleaner and easier to maintain.

beginner

How do you load a shared library in a Jenkinsfile?

You use the @Library annotation followed by the library name, for example: @Library('my-shared-lib') _ at the top of your Jenkinsfile.

intermediate

What does the underscore (_) mean after the @Library('lib-name') annotation?

The underscore tells Jenkins to import the library and make its classes and functions available in the Jenkinsfile.

intermediate

Where do you configure shared libraries in Jenkins?

Shared libraries are configured in Jenkins under Manage Jenkins > Configure System > Global Pipeline Libraries. You define the library name, source code repository, and default version there.

advanced

What is the difference between a global and a local library in Jenkins?

Global libraries are configured once in Jenkins and available to all pipelines. Local libraries are loaded from the same repository as the Jenkinsfile and are only available to that pipeline.

How do you import a shared library named 'utils' in a Jenkinsfile?

A @Library('utils') _

B import 'utils'

C loadLibrary('utils')

D useLibrary('utils')

The correct syntax to import a shared library is using the @Library annotation followed by an underscore.

Where do you set up the repository URL for a shared library in Jenkins?

A Manage Jenkins > Configure System > Global Pipeline Libraries

B Manage Jenkins > Manage Plugins

C Pipeline script in Jenkinsfile

D Manage Jenkins > System Information

Shared libraries are configured globally in Jenkins under Global Pipeline Libraries.

What does the underscore (_) do after the @Library annotation?

A It comments out the line

B It imports the library into the Jenkinsfile

C It defines a variable

D It runs the library code immediately

The underscore tells Jenkins to import the library and make its contents available.

Which of the following is NOT true about shared libraries in Jenkins?

A They are configured globally in Jenkins

B They help reuse code across pipelines

C They can be versioned

D They must be written in Groovy

While global shared libraries are configured in Jenkins, local shared libraries are loaded from the pipeline repository itself and are not configured globally.

What is a local library in Jenkins?

A A library that runs outside Jenkins

B A library configured globally in Jenkins

C A library loaded from the same repository as the Jenkinsfile

D A library downloaded from the internet

Local libraries are stored in the same repository as the Jenkinsfile and only available to that pipeline.

Explain how to load and use a shared library in a Jenkinsfile.

Think about the syntax and where you configure the library.

Describe the difference between global and local libraries in Jenkins and when you might use each.

Consider scope and reuse.