GitHub Actions: What Are the Three Types of GitHub Actions?

Discover the three types of GitHub Actions: container actions, JavaScript actions, and composite actions. Learn how each type works and when to use them in your workflows.

Question

What are the three types of GitHub actions?

A. Container actions, JavaScript actions, and composite actions
B. Embedded actions, composite actions, and container actions
C. Workflows, triggers, and composite actions

Answer

A. Container actions, JavaScript actions, and composite actions

Explanation

With container actions, the environment is part of the action’s code. JavaScript actions don’t include the environment in the code. Composite actions allow you to combine multiple workflow steps within one action.

The three types of GitHub Actions are:

1. Container actions: These actions allow you to package the environment with the GitHub Actions code. The environment is defined by a Dockerfile, which includes all the necessary dependencies and configurations. Container actions run in a Docker container, providing a consistent and isolated environment for your action to execute in. This type is useful when your action requires a specific environment or dependencies that differ from the default GitHub Actions runner.
2. JavaScript actions: These actions are written in JavaScript and run directly on the GitHub Actions runner. They don’t require a separate container, making them faster to start up compared to container actions. JavaScript actions are useful for tasks that don’t require a specific environment or dependencies, and they can interact with the GitHub API and other JavaScript libraries.
3. Composite actions: Composite actions allow you to combine multiple workflow steps into a single action. They are defined using a YAML file and can include a mix of JavaScript actions, container actions, and other composite actions. Composite actions are useful for creating reusable workflows that can be shared across multiple projects or for bundling together a series of related steps.

When deciding which type of action to use, consider the following:

• If your action requires a specific environment or dependencies, use a container action.
• If your action is simple and doesn’t require a specific environment, use a JavaScript action for faster startup times.
• If you want to create a reusable workflow or bundle related steps together, use a composite action.

By understanding the three types of GitHub Actions and their use cases, you can create efficient and maintainable workflows for your projects.

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