Note: GitHub Actions support on GitHub Enterprise Server 2.22 is a limited public beta. To review the external storage requirements and request access to the beta, see "Enabling GitHub Actions and configuring storage."
Note: GitHub-hosted runners are not currently supported on GitHub Enterprise Server. You can see more information about planned future support on the GitHub public roadmap.
Workflow syntax
The workflow file is written in YAML. In the YAML workflow file, you can use expression syntax to evaluate contextual information, literals, operators, and functions. Contextual information includes workflow, environment variables, secrets, and the events that triggered the workflow. When you use run in a workflow step to run shell commands, you can use specific workflow command syntax to set environment variables, set output parameters for subsequent steps, and set error or debug messages.
- Workflow syntax for GitHub Actions
- Context and expression syntax for GitHub Actions
- Workflow commands for GitHub Actions
Events
You can configure workflows to run when specific GitHub events occur, at a scheduled time, manually, or when events outside of GitHub occur.
Authentication and secrets
GitHub provides a token that you can use to authenticate on behalf of GitHub Actions. You can also store sensitive information as a secret in your organization or repository. GitHub encrypts all secrets.
GitHub-hosted runners
GitHub offers hosted virtual machines to run workflows. The virtual machine contains an environment with tools, packages, and environment variables for GitHub Actions to use.