yaml
runs-on: ubuntu-latestNotes
Ubuntu is the most common runner for CI workloads.
GitHub Actions: Runners, Containers, Services, and Self-Hosted Execution
GitHub-hosted runners, self-hosted runners, job containers, service containers, labels, and operational patterns for GitHub Actions execution.
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Choosing and targeting runners
Pick the right execution environment for the workload.
yaml
runs-on: [self-hosted, linux, x64]Notes
Self-hosted runners are useful for private networks, special hardware, or custom tooling.
yaml
container:
image: node:20-bookwormNotes
Job containers help standardize tools and dependencies across runs.
Services and operational patterns
Add dependent services and keep runners maintainable.
Start a Redis service for tests
Use a service container for integration or cache tests.
yamlANYredisservices
yaml
services:
redis:
image: redis:7
ports:
- 6379:6379Notes
Service containers provide disposable dependencies within a single workflow run.
Label-based runner targeting
Match jobs to specialized self-hosted infrastructure.
yamlANYrunner-labelsgpu
yaml
runs-on: [self-hosted, gpu, linux]Notes
Runner labels let you route GPU builds, ARM builds, or deployment jobs to the correct machines.
bash
echo "$GITHUB_WORKSPACE"Notes
Helpful when debugging path assumptions in containerized or self-hosted environments.
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Debug failing GitHub Actions workflows with log grouping, debug logging, step summaries, shell flags, and common troubleshooting patterns.
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Practical CI/CD recipes for testing, build matrices, release creation, package publishing, and environment-based deployments in GitHub Actions.
GitHub Actions: Secrets, Permissions, Security, and OIDC
Secure GitHub Actions workflows with permissions, environments, secrets, masking, fork safety, and OpenID Connect for cloud auth.
GitHub Actions: Caching, Artifacts, and GitHub CLI Workflows
Cache dependencies, upload and download artifacts, and drive workflows with GitHub CLI commands in GitHub Actions.
GitHub Actions: Expressions, Contexts, Variables, and Outputs
Expressions, contexts, env vars, configuration variables, step outputs, job outputs, and dynamic workflow logic in GitHub Actions.
GitHub Actions: Jobs, Steps, Matrix, and Reusable Building Blocks
Jobs, steps, matrix builds, conditional execution, reusable workflows, composite actions, and service containers in GitHub Actions.