Complex workflows
slowing you down?
Learn how to build GitHub Actions to solve the issues you hit every single day, using any programming language you like
Or buy it now if you're ready
Building
GitHub Actions
Hello 👋
I'm Michael and I love GitHub Actions. I work on a team that's built a complex platform to solve exactly the problems we need it to. Of course, this comes at a cost.
Data is stored across multiple repos, with various submodules and test suites that all need to stay in sync. People were struggling to make changes because our workflows were... well, they made doing your taxes look fun. They were repetitive, yet somehow still error prone at the same time.
Then GitHub Actions came along and solved all our problems. What was a complex process involving commits to multiple repos suddenly became as simple as merging a pull request. The time taken to validate changes and get them merged dropped from 20 minutes to 60 seconds overnight.
That was back in October 2018. Since then, I've built over a dozen GitHub Actions to automate our workflows with even more in the works. I've learned which libraries to use when building Actions, how to test them locally and how to build tools to make building Actions even easier. Now, I want to show you how to do the same.
Trusted by the following projects (and more!):
It's like If This Then That, but for GitHub!
Sure, you can use it to run your tests when a pull request is opened, but there's so much more you can do.
You specify which GitHub events you’re interested in and how you want your workflow to respond to those events. GitHub manages the execution of that workflow, provides rich feedback and, better still, lets you do this using your favourite programming language.
What's in the book
Or view the full table of contents
Build your first Action
Learn how to build a GitHub Action, customise it with inputs, and build a workflow to run the action in response to various triggers in the GitHub ecosystem
Testing Actions locally
The feedback cycle of commit, push, wait takes too long when you're building an Action. Learn how to test complete workflows locally, and how to write unit tests for your actions.
Maintainance Tips and Tricks
Writing an action isn't where the story ends. Learn how to document, version and debug your actions as you build a community of users
Pick your package
Includes free updates for new GitHub Actions releases
FULL
$69$99
The book in PDF and ePub Format
Source code access
Screencasts covering all of the exercises from the book
Access to a community of GitHub Actions builders
Purchase NowASK THE EXPERTS
$189$249
The book in PDF and ePub Format
Source code access
Screencasts covering all of the exercises from the book
Access to a community of GitHub Actions builders
A 60 minute call with Michael to design your own Action
Purchase NowBuying for a team?
Help your whole team learn and save more when purchasing a team license, from just $129 for a team of five!
All team licenses come with an invitation to the exclusive Slack community of experts to support your team as they build their actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this suitable for beginners?
The book was written with beginners in mind. It takes you through the process of building your first Action and workflow step by step using JavaScript. It explains all of the concepts you need to know, and provides the source code for each chapter to read at your own pace.
What if I don't know JavaScript?
Don't worry! In Chapter 5 we build an action using Bash so that you can learn how things work under the hood without any libraries hiding the implementation details. With this knowledge, you'll be able to build actions in any language you like!
Can I upgrade to a more complete package later?
Absolutely. Reply to your purchase receipt and we'll make it happen for you.
Is the book kept up to date with GitHub Actions changes?
Of course! Actions is still a relatively new tool, which means that there will be new tools and best practices released regularly. You'll get updates free of charge as the book is updated with these changes.
Can I get a physical copy?
We only offer PDF and epub versions of the book at the moment.
Can I get a refund?
Of course! Reply to your purchase receipt within 2 weeks of purchase and you'll get a full refund.
Ready to purchase?
Buy the screencasts now and save $30 on the regular price!
You'll get access to the book *and* the screencasts today