Setting up Local Nexus Artefact Repository

In modern development and DevOps processes, managing dependencies efficiently is crucial. A local artifact registry helps streamline package management, improve caching, and enhance security. Sonatype Nexus is a versatile repository manager that supports various package formats, including Maven, NPM, and Docker. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up a local Nexus artifact registry using Docker, which provides an easy and portable deployment method.


Why Use a Local Nexus Repository?

  • Faster builds: Reduce download times by caching dependencies locally.
  • Increased security: Maintain control over internal artifacts.
  • Reliable artifact storage: Store and manage artifacts efficiently.
  • Supports multiple package types: Maven, NPM, Docker, PyPI, etc.
  • Ideal for DevOps workflows: Integrates seamlessly into CI/CD pipelines.

Various Ways to Set Up Nexus

You can set up Nexus in multiple ways:

  1. Installing as a standalone application (using a binary installer or system package manager)
  2. Deploying on Kubernetes (using Helm charts or custom manifests)
  3. Running as a Docker container (preferred for ease of use and portability)

Why Use Docker?

Running Nexus in a container is quick, easy to manage, and avoids system conflicts. You can easily restart, upgrade, or move it across environments.


Prerequisites

Before proceeding, ensure you have the following:

  • Docker & Docker Compose installed
  • At least 4GB RAM available for Nexus
  • Internet access to pull the Nexus image