test-github-actions

Test GitHub Actions workflows locally using the act tool, which runs your .github/workflows files in a containerized environment. Install act, ensure Docker is running, then use `act -l` to list workflows and `act -W .github/workflows/{workflow-file}.yml -j {job-name}` to execute them locally without pushing changes.

Yes, use act's dry-run mode to validate YAML syntax and job structure. Run `act -W .github/workflows/{workflow-file}.yml -j {job-name} --dryrun` to check for misconfigurations before executing the full workflow.

Prerequisites for local workflow testing with act include installing act (via `brew install act` on macOS or official docs for other platforms), ensuring Docker is running, and confirming act configuration. These prerequisites let you run GitHub Actions workflows in a containerized environment on your machine.

Debug Actions failures by running workflows locally with act. List available workflows with `act -l`, perform a dry-run to check syntax, then run the full workflow with `act -W .github/workflows/{workflow-file}.yml -j {job-name} --container-architecture linux/amd64` and analyze results to identify and fix issues.

Yes, act requires Docker to run GitHub Actions workflows in a containerized environment. Docker enables act to simulate the GitHub Actions runner environment locally, making it essential for testing workflows on your machine before deployment.

Local workflow testing with act catches misconfigurations and failures early before they reach your repository. This approach reduces failed CI/CD runs, saves time by avoiding repeated push-and-wait cycles, and lets you validate .github/workflows changes safely.