GitHub Actions integrates CI/CD directly into repositories. Workflows trigger on events—pushes, pull requests, schedules. Actions compose into pipelines testing, building, and deploying applications.
Workflow Design
Structure workflows with jobs running in parallel when independent. Use job dependencies for sequential steps. Matrix builds test across configurations. Reusable workflows share common patterns across repositories.
- Trigger workflows on push, pull_request, and schedule events
- Use matrix strategy for multi-version testing
- Cache dependencies between runs for faster builds
- Create reusable workflows for common patterns
- Use environments for deployment approvals
Security Practices
Store secrets in GitHub Secrets, never in workflow files. Limit GITHUB_TOKEN permissions. Review third-party actions before use. Pin action versions preventing supply chain attacks.