how to test github actions workflow locally

What are the prerequisites for testing GitHub Actions workflows locally?

• Docker Desktop: Install Docker Desktop to set up a local container environment.
• act cli: Install the act CLI, a command-line interface for developing and testing GitHub Actions workflows.
• Node.js: Ensure you have Node.js 12 or later installed.
• GitHub Actions permissions: Configure necessary permissions for the GitHub Actions runner user, such as access to the repository secrets.

How can I set up a local development environment for testing GitHub Actions workflows?

1. Create a local Git repository and clone it locally.
2. Create a GitHub Actions workflow file (e.g., .github/workflows/main.yml).

3. Install the act CLI and initialize a local development environment:

   <code class="bash">npm install @actions/act
   npx act init</code>

4. Run a workflow locally:

   <code class="bash">npx act -a run</code>

What are the best practices for testing GitHub Actions workflows locally?

• Use Docker containers to isolate the testing environment: Each job in the workflow should run in a separate Docker container to simulate the production environment.
• Stub external resources: Mocking external services and APIs can help prevent unnecessary network traffic and reduce testing time.
• Use a testing framework: Consider using a testing framework like Hypothesis or pytest to write unit tests for the workflow logic.
• Test multiple scenarios: Create tests that cover different branches, conditions, and edge cases in the workflow.
• Version control for workflow changes: Track changes to your workflows in a Git repository for better collaboration and version control.

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