Jenkins X vs OpenShift: What are the differences?

Introduction: In the world of software development, there are various tools and platforms available to streamline the process of Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD). Two popular options in this space are Jenkins X and OpenShift. While both serve the same purpose, there are key differences between them. Let's explore these differences in detail.

1. Architecture and Deployment Model: Jenkins X follows a cloud-native architecture and is primarily built for Kubernetes-based infrastructure. It integrates with various cloud providers and utilizes containerization technologies, such as Docker and Kubernetes. On the other hand, OpenShift is a comprehensive enterprise-grade container application platform that provides built-in CI/CD capabilities. It uses a combination of Docker containers, Kubernetes, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux to deliver a platform that supports the entire application lifecycle.

2. Ease of Use: Jenkins X promotes a GitOps workflow, where the entire CI/CD pipeline is defined and version-controlled in the Git repository. The platform strives to simplify the process of setting up and managing CI/CD pipelines by providing automated project scaffolding, pipeline configuration, and environment provisioning. OpenShift offers ease of use through its web-based interface, allowing developers to easily create and manage applications without getting involved in low-level infrastructure operations.

3. Native Kubernetes Integration: Jenkins X is specifically designed for Kubernetes and leverages its powerful native features. It automatically provisions and manages ephemeral environments for each pull request and provides preview environments for testing changes before merging. OpenShift also integrates with Kubernetes and provides additional enterprise-focused features on top of it, such as built-in monitoring, logging, and security capabilities.

4. Community Support and Ecosystem: Jenkins X has a vibrant and active community with continuous contributions to its open-source codebase. It benefits from the wide adoption of Jenkins and Kubernetes, which translates into excellent community support and extensive integration options with other tools and services. OpenShift, being an enterprise-grade platform developed by Red Hat, has a strong backing and a dedicated support network. It offers a comprehensive ecosystem with a wide range of integrated tools and services to streamline the development and deployment process.

5. Extensibility and Customization: Jenkins X provides an extensible plugin architecture that allows developers to customize and extend its capabilities. It supports a wide range of plugins and integrations with different tools, enabling developers to tailor the CI/CD workflow according to their project requirements. OpenShift also offers extensibility through its rich set of APIs, allowing developers to integrate with custom tools and configure advanced deployment strategies.

6. Pricing and Licensing: Jenkins X is an open-source project under the Apache License 2.0, which means it is free to use and modify. However, depending on the cloud provider and additional services used, there may be costs associated with infrastructure resources. OpenShift, being a commercial product offered by Red Hat, has licensing costs associated with it. The pricing model varies based on the edition and support package chosen, making it suitable for enterprises looking for comprehensive support and assurance.

In summary, Jenkins X is a cloud-native CI/CD platform specifically designed for Kubernetes-based infrastructure, offering extensibility and strong community support. OpenShift, on the other hand, is an enterprise-grade container application platform that provides built-in CI/CD capabilities and a comprehensive ecosystem. The choice between them depends on factors such as the infrastructure used, the level of enterprise features required, support needs, and licensing considerations.