Learn the vocabulary of GitHub Actions: workflows, jobs, steps, runners, secrets, and matrix strategies.
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What is a 'workflow' in GitHub Actions?
A GitHub Actions workflow is a YAML configuration file in .github/workflows/ that defines automated processes (CI, CD, automation) triggered by events like push, pull_request, or schedule.
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What is a 'runner' in GitHub Actions?
A runner is the compute environment where workflow jobs run. GitHub provides hosted runners (ubuntu-latest, windows-latest, macos-latest); teams can also configure self-hosted runners.
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What is a 'matrix strategy' in GitHub Actions?
A matrix strategy defines variable combinations and runs the job once per combination — e.g., matrix: os: [ubuntu, windows], node: [16, 18, 20] creates 6 parallel job runs.
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What is a 'composite action' in GitHub Actions?
A composite action packages multiple steps into a single reusable action — reducing duplication across workflows. Called with uses: ./path/to/action or a public action reference.
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What does 'concurrency' control in GitHub Actions do?
concurrency groups prevent redundant runs — e.g., cancelling the previous push's CI run when a new push arrives on the same branch. Configured with concurrency: group: and cancel-in-progress: true.