Woodpecker CI

Woodpecker CI is an open-source, self-hosted continuous integration and continuous delivery engine that uses Docker containers to execute pipelines. The software is deployed as a server and agent architecture, allowing users to automate software builds, tests, and deployments across various environments.

The system operates as a web application and server that manages multiple workflows. It integrates with Git hosting platforms to trigger automation tasks based on code changes, ensuring that software is tested and deployed automatically. Woodpecker is designed for low resource consumption, requiring approximately 100 MB of RAM for the server and 30 MB for the agent during idle states, making it suitable for smaller servers or home labs.

Key features

• Pipeline execution using Docker containers
• Support for multiple concurrent workflows
• Extensibility through a library of core and community plugins
• Default database integration with SQLite
• Low memory footprint for server and agent components
• Apache 2.0 licensing for the core source code
• Integration with privacy-focused Git hosting platforms like Codeberg

The architecture separates the central server from the agents that perform the actual work. This separation allows for distributed execution, where agents can be hosted on different machines to balance the load of heavy build processes. Users can extend the functionality of the CI/CD engine by adding plugins, which are available through a dedicated plugin overview website. These plugins allow the system to interface with various external tools and services for deployment and notification.

This tool is intended for DevOps engineers and developers who require a self-managed automation pipeline without the overhead of larger enterprise tools. By utilizing a containerized approach, it ensures that build environments remain consistent and isolated from the host system. The use of SQLite by default simplifies the initial setup process for new users.

Woodpecker CI is a lightweight and extensible option for teams seeking a transparent, self-hosted CI/CD platform.