Container Workflows in GitHub Actions

1. Introduction

Container workflows in GitHub Actions allow you to automate software development processes using Docker containers. This lesson will cover the foundational concepts, how to create workflows, and best practices for using containers in GitHub Actions.

2. Key Concepts

3. Creating Workflows

To create a container workflow in GitHub Actions, follow these steps:

1. Set up your repository: Ensure your code is in a GitHub repository.
2. Create a workflow file: In your repository, create a directory called .github/workflows and add a file named container-workflow.yml.
3. Define the workflow: Use YAML syntax to specify the steps and actions within your workflow.

name: Container Workflow
on: [push]

jobs:
  build:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    container:
      image: node:14
    steps:
      - name: Checkout code
        uses: actions/checkout@v2
      - name: Install dependencies
        run: npm install
      - name: Run tests
        run: npm test

4. Best Practices

• Use specific versions of container images to avoid breaking changes.
• Leverage caching to speed up builds.
• Keep your workflows modular by breaking down complex workflows into multiple jobs.
• Test your workflows locally using tools like Act.

5. FAQ