A Nexus Repository is an artifact repository manager. It is a centralized system used to store and manage software artifacts in an enterprise environment. Artifacts are any type of deployable component such as binary files, libraries, configuration files, source code or builds. These artifacts can be distributed or shared across different development teams, projects or organizational boundaries. By using a repository manager, organizations can save time, effort and resources by automating the storage, sharing, and lifecycle management of artifacts.
A Nexus Repository runs on a central server that is installed on-premise or in a cloud-hosted environment. It allows users to securely store, manage, and share binary components across their organization or even with external partners. The repository manager stores binaries and artifacts from build systems like Maven, Ant, Jenkins, and Gradle. It supports secure proxy repositories for connecting with remote repositories such as Maven Central, JCenter, npm, RubyGems, etc.
The Nexus Repository also provides secure authentication and authorization for access control. It offers a UI for users to easily search for artifacts and add them to their projects. The repository manager keeps track of all versions of each component, prevents corrupted artifacts from being deployed, and ensures that all artifacts are secure.
In addition to providing security and control over artifacts, the Nexus Repository allows organizations to manage and scale their infrastructure more efficiently. It reduces the cost of cloud hosting, maintains high levels of performance, and simplifies the deployment process. By leveraging the Nexus Repository, organizations can increase productivity and reduce operational challenges.