How do you get started with GitHub Actions workflows as a beginner?

[nazzaamout]

I'm new to GitHub Actions and just set up a few workflows for couple of projects i am working on (yay!).
But I still don’t fully understand when to use it and what cool things people automate with it.

What are some common use cases you’ve seen or built with GitHub Actions?

[nazzaamout]

I found a simple badge-unlocking workflow that echoes a message.
I also used it for a bigger project to install dependencies when the main branch is updated and to run tests.. But what else can be done using those actions that is helpful too?

[nishisurti2608]

There are unlimited things to do with GitHub. CI (Continuous Integration), CD (Continuous Development), and Package Publishing. Most of them are common use cases.

For Project Management Automation You can use GitHub Actions to manage your repository's issues and pull requests automatically.

Labeling automation is pretty easy as well as assign workflow for newuser.

A scheduled workflow can automatically comment on or close issues that have been inactive for a certain period.

Create a workflow that posts a welcoming comment to first-time contributors when they open their first issue or pull request.

[nazzaamout]

Thank you so much for sharing this, Nishi! 🙌

You mentioned some really helpful use cases I hadn’t considered — especially labelling automation and welcoming first-time contributors. I’ll definitely try setting that up next!

Do you have any favourite action templates or GitHub marketplace tools you recommend for these kinds of workflows?

[nishisurti2608]

For Label Automation I prefer : https://github.com/marketplace/actions/auto-labeler
For welcoming new contributors: https://github.com/marketplace/actions/welcome-new-contributors

You may find many alternatives.

[ghostinhershell]

Hi @nazzaamout,

Thanks so much for reaching out in our community. I see that folks have already jumped in and shared some of their favorite resources to help you get started. I'll share some that I think would be helpful as well:

• 📺 What is GitHub Actions?
• 📺 Automate your software development lifecycle with GitHub Actions
• 🆙 GitHub Skills: Automate workflows with GitHub Actions

Good luck on your journey! 🍀