Cross-Organization Workflows in GitHub Actions

Introduction

Cross-organization workflows in GitHub Actions allow repositories in different organizations to collaborate and trigger workflows across those organizations. This is essential for large projects involving multiple teams or organizations.

Key Concepts

Key Definitions

**Workflow**: A configurable automated process that runs one or more jobs and can be triggered by various events.
**Job**: A set of steps that execute on the same runner.
**Runner**: A server that runs your workflows when they're triggered.
**Event**: A specific activity that triggers a workflow, such as a push to a repository.

Step-by-Step Process

Here’s how to set up a cross-organization workflow:

Create a repository in Organization A.
Create a repository in Organization B.
In Organization A, create a GitHub Action workflow file:

name: CI

on:
  push:
    branches:
      - main

jobs:
  build:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    steps:
      - name: Checkout code
        uses: actions/checkout@v2

      - name: Call External Workflow
        uses: //.github/workflows/.yaml@main

In Organization B, ensure the repository has permission to allow access from Organization A.
Test the workflow by pushing to Organization A’s repository.

Note: Ensure that the necessary permissions are granted for the workflows to interact across organizations.

Best Practices

Use environment variables to manage sensitive information.
Document workflows clearly to facilitate understanding across teams.
Limit access to workflows to only necessary organizations to enhance security.
Regularly review and audit workflows for compliance and efficiency.

FAQ

Can I trigger a workflow in another organization?

Yes, you can trigger workflows in another organization by using the `repository` syntax in your workflow file.

What permissions are needed for cross-organization workflows?

Ensure that the organization’s repository settings allow for actions from external repositories.

Can I use secrets across organizations?

No, secrets are scoped to the repository and cannot be shared across organizations directly.

Conclusion

Cross-organization workflows in GitHub Actions can significantly enhance collaboration and integration between different teams. By following the outlined steps and best practices, teams can ensure efficient and secure workflows.