Automating Workflows with GitHub Actions: Automate software development workflows and seamlessly deploy your applications using GitHub Actions

by Priscila Heller

Build, test, and deploy code right from your GitHub repository by automating, customizing, and executing software development workflows with GitHub Actions

Key FeaturesEnhance your CI/CD and DevOps workflows using GitHub ActionsDiscover how to create custom GitHub Actions using Docker and JavaScriptGet up and running with building a CI/CD pipeline effectivelyBook DescriptionGitHub Actions is one of the most popular products that enables you to automate development tasks and improve your software development workflow. Automating Workflows with GitHub Actions uses real-world examples to help you automate everyday tasks and use your resources efficiently.

This book takes a practical approach to helping you develop the skills needed to create complex YAML files to automate your daily tasks. You'll learn how to find and use existing workflows, allowing you to get started with GitHub Actions right away. Moving on, you'll discover complex concepts and practices such as self-hosted runners and writing workflow files that leverage other platforms such as Docker as well as programming languages such as Java and JavaScript. As you advance, you'll be able to write your own JavaScript, Docker, and composite run steps actions, and publish them in GitHub Marketplace! You'll also find instructions to migrate your existing CI/CD workflows into GitHub Actions from platforms like Travis CI and GitLab. Finally, you'll explore tools that'll help you stay informed of additions to GitHub Actions along with finding technical support and staying engaged with the community.

By the end of this GitHub book, you'll have developed the skills and experience needed to build and maintain your own CI/CD pipeline using GitHub Actions.

What you will learnGet to grips with the basics of GitHub and the YAML syntaxUnderstand key concepts of GitHub ActionsFind out how to write actions for JavaScript and Docker environmentsDiscover how to create a self-hosted runnerMigrate from other continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) platforms to GitHub ActionsCollaborate with the GitHub Actions community and find technical help to navigate technical difficultiesPublish your workflows in GitHub MarketplaceWho this book is forThis book is for anyone involved in the software development life cycle, for those looking to learn about GitHub Actions and what can be accomplished, and for those who want to develop a new skill to help them advance their software development career. If you are new to GitHub and GitHub Actions in general, then this book is for you. Basic knowledge of GitHub as a platform will help you to get the most out of this book.

Table of ContentsLearning the foundations for GitHub ActionsDeep-diving into GitHub ActionsA closer look at WorkflowsWorking with Self-hosted runnersWriting your own Finding Existing Actions and Publishing Your OwnMigrationsContributing to the community and finding helpThe future of GitHub Actions

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2021

Reviews

[pandapoo · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good read that gives an overview of what is possible with github actions. Unfortunately it doesn't go in depth.

[Paul Duplys · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reading this book was quite a disappointing experience. It tries to cover a wide range of topics from beginners (how to create a GitHub) account to advanced users (e.g., working with self-hosted runners), but IMHO explains neither the basic nor the advanced concepts in detail. Many examples, especially in the first half of the book, are snippets that you can’t run. Maybe the book is useful as a reference for specific tasks or use cases, but if you’re looking for a book to cover the topic in breadth and depth, then this one won’t work.