An introduction to process automation using GitHub Actions
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Introduction
In the world of software development, automation has become a crucial element for code efficiency and quality. GitHub Actions emerged with the goal of fulfilling this task.
In this article, we will explore how GitHub Actions create the necessary workflows to tackle the challenging task of automating processes.
Table of contents
- What are GitHub Actions?
- What is a Workflow?
- Creating your first Workflow
- Customization and advanced configuration
- Integration with external platforms
- Benefits and use cases
- Conclusions
- Related resources
What are GitHub Actions?
GitHub Actions is a set of tools, referred to as "Actions", integrated into GitHub. These actions enable the automation of common processes, such as running tests, compiling code, and deploying applications from GitHub. Turning GitHub Actions into a fundamental service for streamlining and improving software quality.
What is a Workflow?
A workflow in GitHub Actions is a series of automated jobs that run in response to specific events in the associated repository. These events can include actions like code commits, opening pull requests, or even publishing new releases. Workflows allow organizing and coordinating the actions of GitHub Actions involved to achieve the desired goal.
Creating your first Workflow
Creating a workflow in GitHub Actions does not require extensive knowledge. You can start with a workflow that runs tests every time a code commit is pushed to the main branch of the repository. Create a file named .github/workflows/build-and-test.yml and define its properties.
A file with a
.ymlextension (YAML), created within the.github/workflowsdirectory, defines a workflow for GitHub Actions. In it, the actions to be executed, the triggering events, and how it will interact with the repository are established
name: Build and Test
on:
push:
branches:
- main
jobs:
build:
runs-on: ubuntu-latest
steps:
- name: Checkout repository
uses: actions/checkout@v4
- name: Set up NodeJS
uses: actions/setup-node@v4
with:
node-version: '20'
- name: Install dependencies
run: npm ci
- name: Run tests
run: npm run test
Example of
.github/workflows/build-and-test.ymlfile
Customization and advanced configuration
GitHub Actions allows advanced customization of workflows. You can define matrices to run actions in different environments, configure environment variables, and use community actions to integrate specific tools. This provides granular control over how actions are executed and adapts to the specific needs of the project.
Integration with external platforms
One of the highlighted features of GitHub Actions is its ability to integrate with other platforms and services. You can use predefined actions to deploy to cloud services, like: AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. Additionally, the GitHub Actions API allows integration with custom tools and services.
Benefits and use cases
Automation with GitHub Actions brings numerous benefits to software development. It accelerates continuous delivery (CD), improves code quality by automatically running tests, and facilitates deployment in various environments. Common use cases include building and deploying web applications, running integration tests, and notifying changes in external services.
A practical example would be checking pull requests through a workflow triggered for each pull request.
Example of a workflow that checks a pull request
Conclusions
GitHub Actions has proven to be a valuable tool for automation in software development. From simplifying routine tasks to facilitating complex workflows, GitHub Actions improves efficiency and quality in projects of all sizes. Integrating this tool can make a difference in the speed and reliability of your software deliveries.
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