validate-workflow

Validate GitHub Actions workflow YAML files with yamllint and actionlint.

18|5|Updated Nov 3, 2025
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/mvillmow/ml-odyssey --skill validate-workflow
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: validate-workflow
Source: https://github.com/mvillmow/ml-odyssey/tree/main/.claude/skills/validate-workflow
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/mvillmow/ml-odyssey --skill validate-workflow

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps ensure your GitHub Actions workflows are syntactically valid, use specific action versions, and follow best practices before committing.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Syntax validation: Check YAML validity, required fields, correct contexts.
  • Linting and best practices: Validate actions and triggers for correctness.

Quick Start

gh workflow list gh workflow view <workflow-name> yamllint .github/workflows/.yml actionlint .github/workflows/.yml

Frequently Asked Questions about validate-workflow

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I validate GitHub Actions workflow YAML files before committing?

Validate GitHub Actions workflows using yamllint for YAML syntax and actionlint for GitHub Actions-specific linting. Run `yamllint .github/workflows/*.yml` and `actionlint .github/workflows/*.yml` to catch syntax errors, missing required fields, and best-practice violations before deployment.

What YAML syntax errors can workflow validation catch?

Workflow validation checks YAML structure correctness, required field presence, proper context usage, and explicit action versions. Tools like yamllint and actionlint detect indentation errors, missing colons, invalid field names, and undefined GitHub contexts that cause workflow failures.

Can I check my GitHub Actions workflows for best practices?

Yes, actionlint enforces GitHub Actions best practices including explicit action versions, timeout specifications, correct trigger syntax, and proper secret handling. Combined with yamllint's YAML validation, it ensures workflows follow security and reliability standards.

How do I view and validate existing workflows in my repository?

Use `gh workflow list` to see all workflows in your repository, then `gh workflow view <workflow-name>` to inspect a specific workflow file. Pipe to yamllint and actionlint for validation without manual editing.

When should I validate workflows during development?

Validate workflows during creation, editing, pre-commit checks, and when workflows fail in CI/CD. Early validation catches configuration errors before they cause production issues or failed job runs.