GitHub workflows have revolutionized how developers automate their CI/CD pipelines. Unlike legacy solutions stored externally, workflow configurations live directly inside your code repository as YAML files, enabling version control and rollback capabilities—a significant advantage that took the industry years to standardize.
Understanding the Fundamentals: Workflows vs. Actions
It’s crucial to distinguish between two often-confused concepts. GitHub workflows are comparable to traditional Jenkins jobs but implemented in YAML format rather than XML. The key distinction lies in repository-native storage, which allows you to apply source control practices to your automation logic itself.
GitHub Actions, by contrast, are reusable components within workflows. A workflow consists of multiple jobs, which contain individual steps. Steps can either execute direct commands or reference pre-built Actions:
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Mastering GitHub Workflows and Actions: Essential Practices for CI/CD Automation
GitHub workflows have revolutionized how developers automate their CI/CD pipelines. Unlike legacy solutions stored externally, workflow configurations live directly inside your code repository as YAML files, enabling version control and rollback capabilities—a significant advantage that took the industry years to standardize.
Understanding the Fundamentals: Workflows vs. Actions
It’s crucial to distinguish between two often-confused concepts. GitHub workflows are comparable to traditional Jenkins jobs but implemented in YAML format rather than XML. The key distinction lies in repository-native storage, which allows you to apply source control practices to your automation logic itself.
GitHub Actions, by contrast, are reusable components within workflows. A workflow consists of multiple jobs, which contain individual steps. Steps can either execute direct commands or reference pre-built Actions: