GitHub Actions
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What is GitHub Actions?
GitHub Actions is GitHub’s built-in automation platform: workflows defined in YAML run on events such as a push or a pull request, and are the usual way to run CI/CD for a GitHub repository.
An automation platform built directly into GitHub that allows developers to create custom CI/CD workflows triggered by repository events.
GitHub Actions lets you write YAML configuration files to define automated jobs. These jobs run on GitHub's hosted virtual machines whenever an event occurs (like a push or a pull request). Developers use it to compile code, run linters, execute tests, and deploy software directly from their code repository.
How it relates to Orbit
Orbit’s GitHub MCP tools can read Actions status for a connected project. See MCP Tool Catalog for details.
When you would use it
You use GitHub Actions when your code is hosted on GitHub and you want a deeply integrated, highly customizable CI/CD pipeline without relying on external third-party CI tools.
Common operations
- Running automated security checks on every new pull request.
- Publishing a Docker image to a registry whenever a new release tag is created.
Frequently asked questions
Where are GitHub Actions workflows defined?
In YAML files under .github/workflows in the repository.
Can Orbit read GitHub Actions status?
Yes. Orbit’s GitHub MCP tools can read Actions status for a connected project. See MCP Tool Catalog.