Installing Jira: Options and Step-by-Step Instructions for Linux and Windows

Jira is your one-stop project management solution, with the ability to meet the needs of companies from small startups to global brands. For some organizations, the performance and reliability of running Jira on Atlassian’s own infrastructure — Atlassian Cloud — is enough. But for enterprises who need control over every aspect of their Jira deployment, the customizability of Atlassian Data Center — the only self-install option available with the deprecation of Atlassian Server — is a must. And that requires you to handle installing Jira yourself.

Installing Jira isn’t as simple as pressing a button and waiting for a progress bar to fill up. You’ve got to handle the prep work, like getting your database ready and choosing the right license. And then it’s time to choose between installation methods and actually carry out the install process for your operating system, step by step.

This guide takes you through installing Jira from start to finish for both Linux and Windows.

Your organization will be using Jira on a daily basis, so take the time to think through what you need from it before setting it up. Here are a few major decisions you’ll have to make before installation.

Choose an Operating System

Jira runs on both Linux and Windows. While Linux can offer some minor performance benefits when compared to Windows, the determining factor here should be which operating system your IT professionals are most familiar with. After all, they’re the ones who will be ensuring your Jira deployment stays functional and performant day-in, day-out. If your team has expertise with Linux, that should be your choice. If they’re more comfortable with Windows, go that route instead.

Prepare Your Database

Jira needs a place to store its data, so you need to set up a database before you can install and run it. You have a variety of options when it comes to databases, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Azure SQL. Atlassian provides instructions for setting up all supported databases for Jira.

Consider a Trial

Jira Data Center is only available on an annual basis, so before deciding on a pricing tier and committing to the platform, consider installing a Jira trial. After downloading and running the installer available for either Jira Software or Jira Service Management, you’ll be able to generate a trial license for your Jira instance.

Work with an Atlassian Solution Partner

Getting started with Jira is anything but simple. To ensure that your Jira deployment is aligned with your business goals, and that you’re paying for only what you need, seek the assistance of a certified Atlassian Solution Partner. They come in three tiers — Silver, Gold, and Platinum — with the latter meeting the strictest training requirements and providing the highest level of service.

The assistance Platinum Atlassan Solution Partners can provide goes beyond purchasing, installing, and configuring Jira. They’re experts in aligning Jira with your evolving business needs, and in onboarding your team so they don’t have to struggle for months before they become Jira experts.

There are several methods for installing Jira Server, whether on Windows or Linux, but the two simplest are using an executable to install Jira automatically or manually installing it from an archive.

Using an Executable

You can install Jira by using an executable downloaded from Atlassian, although you will have to create the executable yourself on Linux. If you’ve completed the necessary preparation, all you need to do is follow the directions provided by the installer. While this makes installation relatively simple, it won’t give you complete control over the process.

Manual Installation

If you need control over aspects of the installation like directory locations and which port Jira uses, you should opt for manually installing Jira from an archive instead. While this requires some additional legwork on both Linux and Windows, and hence some additional technical expertise, it’s not significantly more difficult than using an executable.

Using Docker

You can also use a Docker container to set up your Jira instance. If you’re interested in taking advantage of the standardized environment offered by Docker, consider this option.

These instructions will take you through the process of installing Jira on Linux or Windows, step by step, if you’re using an executable. Atlassian provides instructions on alternative methods for installing Jira.

Installing Jira on Linux

Follow these steps to install Jira on Linux:

• Get the installer. You first need to obtain the Linux installer for your version of Jira, whether Software, Service Management, or Core. The files run several hundred megabytes, and the installation will require even more storage, so ensure that you have enough space available beforehand.
• Prepare the executable. When installing on Linux, you need to execute permissions to the installer using the chmod command. First change to the directory that contains the binary you downloaded, then execute the command “$ chmod a+x atlassian-jira-VERSION-X.X.X-x64.bin,” with “VERSION” replaced by either “core,” “software,” or “servicedesk” (the last for Jira Service Management).
• Run the executable. You can then begin the installation process with the sudo command. Use the syntax “$ sudo ./atlassian-jira-VERSION-X.X.X-x64.bin,” again replace “VERSION” as described in the previous step. If you then decide to do a custom install, you’ll have to answer several prompts to complete the installation process: where you want Jira to be installed, where it should store its data, what ports it will use (8080 and 8005 by default), and whether Jira should be run as a service.
• Complete initial setup. You can then access Jira’s web portal by going to http://localhost:8080, with “8080” replaced by any other port number you specified. You can then select “I’ll set it up myself” and move through the initial configuration process.

Installing Jira on Windows

Follow these instructions when installing Jira on Windows:

• Get the installer. Download the Windows installer for Jira Software, Service Management, or Core. All the files run several hundred megabytes, and the installation will require even more storage, so ensure that you have ample space available beforehand.
• Run the executable. Simply run the executable to begin the installation process. You’ll have to answer several prompts to finish installing, including where you want Jira to be installed, where it should store its data, what ports it will use (8080 and 8005 by default), and — if you have administrator permissions — whether Jira should be run as a service.
• Complete initial setup. After installation has concluded, you’ll be directed to your browser to finish required configuration. You can then select “I’ll set it up myself” and move through the initial configuration process.

While the process of preparing for installing Jira, and carrying out the installation itself, can be daunting, this is just the start of the work you need to carry out to get the most out of your Jira deployment. Start out on the right foot by selecting the right version of Jira for your business, completing installation without a hitch, and get the onboarding and continuous help you need by reaching out to Contegix’s team of experts. Contact Contegix today to align Jira with your business needs.