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How to Convert Jenkins Pipelines to GitHub Actions - Step by Step Guide

Step 1

Input Your Jenkinsfile

Start with your existing Jenkinsfile from your repository. Whether you're migrating to GitHub Actions, modernizing your CI/CD, or evaluating different platforms:

•
Paste directly: Copy your Jenkinsfile (declarative or scripted) and paste it into the input editor
•
Upload file: Click "Upload" to select your Jenkinsfile from your computer
•
Try sample: Click "Sample" to load an example Jenkins pipeline with stages, steps, and plugins

Example: Jenkins Declarative Pipeline

Here's what a typical Jenkins pipeline looks like:

pipeline {
    agent any
    stages {
        stage('Build') {
            steps {
                sh 'npm install'
                sh 'npm run build'
            }
        }
        stage('Test') {
            steps {
                sh 'npm test'
            }
        }
    }
}
Step 2

Automatic Conversion & Mapping

The converter automatically transforms your Jenkins pipeline into GitHub Actions format:

•
Stages to Jobs: Jenkins stages are converted to GitHub Actions jobs with dependencies
•
Steps mapping: Shell commands (sh) become run steps, echo becomes echo commands
•
Agent conversion: Jenkins agents map to GitHub Actions runners (ubuntu-latest, windows-latest)
•
Plugin translation: Common Jenkins plugins converted to equivalent GitHub Actions
•
Environment variables: Jenkins env vars and credentials become GitHub Actions secrets

Example: Converted GitHub Actions Workflow

The same pipeline transformed into GitHub Actions YAML:

name: CI Pipeline
on: [push, pull_request]
jobs:
  build:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    steps:
      - uses: actions/checkout@v3
      - run: npm install
      - run: npm run build
  
  test:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    needs: build
    steps:
      - uses: actions/checkout@v3
      - run: npm test
Step 3

Review and Customize

Review the generated workflow and make necessary adjustments:

•
Check dependencies: Verify job dependencies and parallel execution settings
•
Add secrets: Configure repository secrets for sensitive data (API keys, credentials)
•
Adjust triggers: Customize on: events (push, pull_request, schedule, workflow_dispatch)
•
Plugin alternatives: Some Jenkins plugins may need alternative GitHub Actions from the marketplace
Step 4

Deploy to GitHub

Save your workflow file and activate GitHub Actions:

•
Download workflow: Click "Download" to save the workflow YAML file
•
Create directory: Place file in .github/workflows/ directory
•
Commit and push: Add the workflow file to git and push to GitHub repository
•
Automatic execution: Workflow runs automatically on configured triggers (push, PR, etc.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why migrate from Jenkins to GitHub Actions?

GitHub Actions offers native integration with GitHub repositories, no infrastructure to maintain, generous free minutes for public repos, modern YAML syntax, and a vast marketplace of ready-to-use actions. It simplifies CI/CD management while reducing costs compared to self-hosted Jenkins servers.

Does this support both declarative and scripted Jenkins pipelines?

Yes! The converter handles both declarative pipeline syntax (most common) and scripted pipeline syntax. It automatically detects stages, steps, shell commands, environment variables, and common Jenkins plugins, converting them to equivalent GitHub Actions features.

What Jenkins plugins are supported in the conversion?

The tool converts common plugins including git checkout, npm, docker, junit test reports, and artifact publishing. Some specialized Jenkins plugins may require manual mapping to equivalent GitHub Actions from the marketplace. Check the GitHub Actions Marketplace for alternatives.

How do I handle Jenkins credentials in GitHub Actions?

Jenkins credentials become GitHub repository secrets. Go to Settings → Secrets and variables → Actions in your GitHub repo to add secrets. Reference them in workflows using {{ secrets.SECRET_NAME }}. GitHub encrypts secrets and never exposes them in logs.

Can I run the converted workflow on self-hosted runners?

Absolutely! While the converter defaults to GitHub-hosted runners (ubuntu-latest), you can change runs-on to your self-hosted runner labels. This is useful for accessing private networks, specific hardware, or reducing costs for private repositories.

What if I need to convert other CI/CD platforms?

We also offer converters for GitLab CI to GitHub Actions and GitHub Actions to GitLab CI. All tools are free, browser-based, and keep your pipeline configurations secure on your device.

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