Create and Run Workflow

In this guide, you’ll learn how to set up a simple GitHub Actions workflow that runs on every push. We’ll walk through creating a new repository, editing in the browser-based editor, installing the GitHub Actions extension, and troubleshooting a common error.

1. Initialize a New Public Repository

1. Navigate to GitHub and click New to create a repository.
2. Name it actions-1, set visibility to Public, and Initialize with a README.
3. Click Create repository.

2. Edit in the GitHub.dev Browser IDE

1. In your browser’s address bar, replace github.com with github.dev and press Enter.
2. Wait a few seconds for the VS Code–powered editor to load.
3. You can now edit, commit, and push files directly from the web IDE.

3. Install the GitHub Actions Extension

For syntax highlighting, validation, and IntelliSense in YAML workflows:

1. Open the Extensions tab in the sidebar.
2. Search for GitHub Actions.
3. Click Install on the GitHub Actions extension.

4. Create the Workflow File

1. In the file explorer, create a new folder: .github/workflows/.
2. Inside it, add firstexample.yml.

3. Paste the following YAML:

name: My First Workflow
on: push

jobs:
  first_job:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    steps:
      - name: Welcome message
        run: echo "My first GitHub Actions Job"
      - name: List files
        run: ls
      - name: Read file
        run: cat README.md

4. Commit and push your changes:

git add .github/workflows/firstexample.yml
git commit -m "first workflow"
git push

5. Observe the Workflow Run

Since the workflow triggers on push, it runs immediately. Switch back to GitHub.com and click the Actions tab.

Refresh to see My First Workflow in the list.

Click the run to inspect:

6. Troubleshoot: Missing Checkout Step

You’ll see this error in the logs:

Run echo "My first GitHub Actions Job"
Run ls
Run cat README.md
cat: README.md: No such file or directory
Error: Process completed with exit code 1

By default, Actions runners don’t fetch your code. Add the checkout action before accessing files:

steps:
  - name: Checkout repository
    uses: actions/checkout@v3
  - name: Welcome message
    run: echo "My first GitHub Actions Job"
  # other steps...

Workflow Components Overview

Links and References

• GitHub Actions Documentation
• actions/checkout@v3
• GitHub Actions VS Code Extension