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Accessing contextual information about workflow runs

You can access context information in workflows and actions.

About contexts

Contexts are a way to access information about workflow runs, variables, runner environments, jobs, and steps. Each context is an object that contains properties, which can be strings or other objects.

Contexts, objects, and properties will vary significantly under different workflow run conditions. For example, the matrix context is only populated for jobs in a matrix.

You can access contexts using the expression syntax. For more information, see "Evaluate expressions in workflows and actions."

${{ <context> }}

Warning: When creating workflows and actions, you should always consider whether your code might execute untrusted input from possible attackers. Certain contexts should be treated as untrusted input, as an attacker could insert their own malicious content. For more information, see "Security hardening for GitHub Actions."

Context nameTypeDescription
githubobjectInformation about the workflow run. For more information, see github context.
envobjectContains variables set in a workflow, job, or step. For more information, see env context.
varsobjectContains variables set at the repository, organization, or environment levels. For more information, see vars context.
jobobjectInformation about the currently running job. For more information, see job context.
jobsobjectFor reusable workflows only, contains outputs of jobs from the reusable workflow. For more information, see jobs context.
stepsobjectInformation about the steps that have been run in the current job. For more information, see steps context.
runnerobjectInformation about the runner that is running the current job. For more information, see runner context.
secretsobjectContains the names and values of secrets that are available to a workflow run. For more information, see secrets context.
strategyobjectInformation about the matrix execution strategy for the current job. For more information, see strategy context.
matrixobjectContains the matrix properties defined in the workflow that apply to the current job. For more information, see matrix context.
needsobjectContains the outputs of all jobs that are defined as a dependency of the current job. For more information, see needs context.
inputsobjectContains the inputs of a reusable or manually triggered workflow. For more information, see inputs context.

As part of an expression, you can access context information using one of two syntaxes.

  • Index syntax: github['sha']
  • Property dereference syntax: github.sha

In order to use property dereference syntax, the property name must start with a letter or _ and contain only alphanumeric characters, -, or _.

If you attempt to dereference a nonexistent property, it will evaluate to an empty string.

Determining when to use contexts

GitHub Actions includes a collection of variables called contexts and a similar collection of variables called default variables. These variables are intended for use at different points in the workflow:

  • Default environment variables: These environment variables exist only on the runner that is executing your job. For more information, see "Store information in variables."
  • Contexts: You can use most contexts at any point in your workflow, including when default variables would be unavailable. For example, you can use contexts with expressions to perform initial processing before the job is routed to a runner for execution; this allows you to use a context with the conditional if keyword to determine whether a step should run. Once the job is running, you can also retrieve context variables from the runner that is executing the job, such as runner.os. For details of where you can use various contexts within a workflow, see "Context availability."

The following example demonstrates how these different types of variables can be used together in a job:

YAML
name: CI
on: push
jobs:
  prod-check:
    if: ${{ github.ref == 'refs/heads/main' }}
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    steps:
      - run: echo "Deploying to production server on branch $GITHUB_REF"

In this example, the if statement checks the github.ref context to determine the current branch name; if the name is refs/heads/main, then the subsequent steps are executed. The if check is processed by GitHub Actions, and the job is only sent to the runner if the result is true. Once the job is sent to the runner, the step is executed and refers to the $GITHUB_REF variable from the runner.

Context availability

Different contexts are available throughout a workflow run. For example, the secrets context may only be used at certain places within a job.

In addition, some functions may only be used in certain places. For example, the hashFiles function is not available everywhere.

The following table lists the restrictions on where each context and special function can be used within a workflow. The listed contexts are only available for the given workflow key, and may not be used anywhere else. Unless listed below, a function can be used anywhere.

Workflow keyContextSpecial functions
run-namegithub, inputs, varsNone
concurrencygithub, inputs, varsNone
envgithub, secrets, inputs, varsNone
jobs.<job_id>.concurrencygithub, needs, strategy, matrix, inputs, varsNone
jobs.<job_id>.containergithub, needs, strategy, matrix, vars, inputsNone
jobs.<job_id>.container.credentialsgithub, needs, strategy, matrix, env, vars, secrets, inputsNone
jobs.<job_id>.container.env.<env_id>github, needs, strategy, matrix, job, runner, env, vars, secrets, inputsNone
jobs.<job_id>.container.imagegithub, needs, strategy, matrix, vars, inputsNone
jobs.<job_id>.continue-on-errorgithub, needs, strategy, vars, matrix, inputsNone
jobs.<job_id>.defaults.rungithub, needs, strategy, matrix, env, vars, inputsNone
jobs.<job_id>.envgithub, needs, strategy, matrix, vars, secrets, inputsNone
jobs.<job_id>.environmentgithub, needs, strategy, matrix, vars, inputsNone
jobs.<job_id>.environment.urlgithub, needs, strategy, matrix, job, runner, env, vars, steps, inputsNone
jobs.<job_id>.ifgithub, needs, vars, inputsalways, cancelled, success, failure
jobs.<job_id>.namegithub, needs, strategy, matrix, vars, inputsNone
jobs.<job_id>.outputs.<output_id>github, needs, strategy, matrix, job, runner, env, vars, secrets, steps, inputsNone
jobs.<job_id>.runs-ongithub, needs, strategy, matrix, vars, inputsNone
jobs.<job_id>.secrets.<secrets_id>github, needs, strategy, matrix, secrets, inputs, varsNone
jobs.<job_id>.servicesgithub, needs, strategy, matrix, vars, inputsNone
jobs.<job_id>.services.<service_id>.credentialsgithub, needs, strategy, matrix, env, vars, secrets, inputsNone
jobs.<job_id>.services.<service_id>.env.<env_id>github, needs, strategy, matrix, job, runner, env, vars, secrets, inputsNone
jobs.<job_id>.steps.continue-on-errorgithub, needs, strategy, matrix, job, runner, env, vars, secrets, steps, inputshashFiles
jobs.<job_id>.steps.envgithub, needs, strategy, matrix, job, runner, env, vars, secrets, steps, inputshashFiles
jobs.<job_id>.steps.ifgithub, needs, strategy, matrix, job, runner, env, vars, steps, inputsalways, cancelled, success, failure, hashFiles
jobs.<job_id>.steps.namegithub, needs, strategy, matrix, job, runner, env, vars, secrets, steps, inputshashFiles
jobs.<job_id>.steps.rungithub, needs, strategy, matrix, job, runner, env, vars, secrets, steps, inputshashFiles
jobs.<job_id>.steps.timeout-minutesgithub, needs, strategy, matrix, job, runner, env, vars, secrets, steps, inputshashFiles
jobs.<job_id>.steps.withgithub, needs, strategy, matrix, job, runner, env, vars, secrets, steps, inputshashFiles
jobs.<job_id>.steps.working-directorygithub, needs, strategy, matrix, job, runner, env, vars, secrets, steps, inputshashFiles
jobs.<job_id>.strategygithub, needs, vars, inputsNone
jobs.<job_id>.timeout-minutesgithub, needs, strategy, matrix, vars, inputsNone
jobs.<job_id>.with.<with_id>github, needs, strategy, matrix, inputs, varsNone
on.workflow_call.inputs.<inputs_id>.defaultgithub, inputs, varsNone
on.workflow_call.outputs.<output_id>.valuegithub, jobs, vars, inputsNone

Example: printing context information to the log

You can print the contents of contexts to the log for debugging. The toJSON function is required to pretty-print JSON objects to the log.

Warning: When using the whole github context, be mindful that it includes sensitive information such as github.token. GitHub masks secrets when they are printed to the console, but you should be cautious when exporting or printing the context.

YAML
name: Context testing
on: push

jobs:
  dump_contexts_to_log:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    steps:
      - name: Dump GitHub context
        env:
          GITHUB_CONTEXT: ${{ toJson(github) }}
        run: echo "$GITHUB_CONTEXT"
      - name: Dump job context
        env:
          JOB_CONTEXT: ${{ toJson(job) }}
        run: echo "$JOB_CONTEXT"
      - name: Dump steps context
        env:
          STEPS_CONTEXT: ${{ toJson(steps) }}
        run: echo "$STEPS_CONTEXT"
      - name: Dump runner context
        env:
          RUNNER_CONTEXT: ${{ toJson(runner) }}
        run: echo "$RUNNER_CONTEXT"
      - name: Dump strategy context
        env:
          STRATEGY_CONTEXT: ${{ toJson(strategy) }}
        run: echo "$STRATEGY_CONTEXT"
      - name: Dump matrix context
        env:
          MATRIX_CONTEXT: ${{ toJson(matrix) }}
        run: echo "$MATRIX_CONTEXT"

github context

The github context contains information about the workflow run and the event that triggered the run. You can also read most of the github context data in environment variables. For more information about environment variables, see "Store information in variables."

Warning: When using the whole github context, be mindful that it includes sensitive information such as github.token. GitHub masks secrets when they are printed to the console, but you should be cautious when exporting or printing the context.

Warning: When creating workflows and actions, you should always consider whether your code might execute untrusted input from possible attackers. Certain contexts should be treated as untrusted input, as an attacker could insert their own malicious content. For more information, see "Security hardening for GitHub Actions."

Property nameTypeDescription
githubobjectThe top-level context available during any job or step in a workflow. This object contains all the properties listed below.
github.actionstringThe name of the action currently running, or the id of a step. GitHub removes special characters, and uses the name __run when the current step runs a script without an id. If you use the same action more than once in the same job, the name will include a suffix with the sequence number with underscore before it. For example, the first script you run will have the name __run, and the second script will be named __run_2. Similarly, the second invocation of actions/checkout will be actionscheckout2.
github.action_pathstringThe path where an action is located. This property is only supported in composite actions. You can use this path to access files located in the same repository as the action, for example by changing directories to the path: cd ${{ github.action_path }} .
github.action_refstringFor a step executing an action, this is the ref of the action being executed. For example, v2.

Do not use in the run keyword. To make this context work with composite actions, reference it within the env context of the composite action.
github.action_repositorystringFor a step executing an action, this is the owner and repository name of the action. For example, actions/checkout.

Do not use in the run keyword. To make this context work with composite actions, reference it within the env context of the composite action.
github.action_statusstringFor a composite action, the current result of the composite action.
github.actorstringThe username of the user that triggered the initial workflow run. If the workflow run is a re-run, this value may differ from github.triggering_actor. Any workflow re-runs will use the privileges of github.actor, even if the actor initiating the re-run (github.triggering_actor) has different privileges.
github.actor_idstringThe account ID of the person or app that triggered the initial workflow run. For example, 1234567. Note that this is different from the actor username.
github.api_urlstringThe URL of the GitHub REST API.
github.base_refstringThe base_ref or target branch of the pull request in a workflow run. This property is only available when the event that triggers a workflow run is either pull_request or pull_request_target.
github.envstringPath on the runner to the file that sets environment variables from workflow commands. This file is unique to the current step and is a different file for each step in a job. For more information, see "Workflow commands for GitHub Actions."
github.eventobjectThe full event webhook payload. You can access individual properties of the event using this context. This object is identical to the webhook payload of the event that triggered the workflow run, and is different for each event. The webhooks for each GitHub Actions event is linked in "Events that trigger workflows." For example, for a workflow run triggered by the push event, this object contains the contents of the push webhook payload.
github.event_namestringThe name of the event that triggered the workflow run.
github.event_pathstringThe path to the file on the runner that contains the full event webhook payload.
github.graphql_urlstringThe URL of the GitHub GraphQL API.
github.head_refstringThe head_ref or source branch of the pull request in a workflow run. This property is only available when the event that triggers a workflow run is either pull_request or pull_request_target.
github.jobstringThe job_id of the current job.
Note: This context property is set by the Actions runner, and is only available within the execution steps of a job. Otherwise, the value of this property will be null.
github.pathstringPath on the runner to the file that sets system PATH variables from workflow commands. This file is unique to the current step and is a different file for each step in a job. For more information, see "Workflow commands for GitHub Actions."
github.refstringThe fully-formed ref of the branch or tag that triggered the workflow run. For workflows triggered by push, this is the branch or tag ref that was pushed. For workflows triggered by pull_request, this is the pull request merge branch. For workflows triggered by release, this is the release tag created. For other triggers, this is the branch or tag ref that triggered the workflow run. This is only set if a branch or tag is available for the event type. The ref given is fully-formed, meaning that for branches the format is refs/heads/<branch_name>, for pull requests it is refs/pull/<pr_number>/merge, and for tags it is refs/tags/<tag_name>. For example, refs/heads/feature-branch-1.
github.ref_namestringThe short ref name of the branch or tag that triggered the workflow run. This value matches the branch or tag name shown on GitHub. For example, feature-branch-1.

For pull requests, the format is <pr_number>/merge.
github.ref_protectedbooleantrue if branch protections or rulesets are configured for the ref that triggered the workflow run.
github.ref_typestringThe type of ref that triggered the workflow run. Valid values are branch or tag.
github.repositorystringThe owner and repository name. For example, octocat/Hello-World.
github.repository_idstringThe ID of the repository. For example, 123456789. Note that this is different from the repository name.
github.repository_ownerstringThe repository owner's username. For example, octocat.
github.repository_owner_idstringThe repository owner's account ID. For example, 1234567. Note that this is different from the owner's name.
github.repositoryUrlstringThe Git URL to the repository. For example, git://github.com/octocat/hello-world.git.
github.retention_daysstringThe number of days that workflow run logs and artifacts are kept.
github.run_idstringA unique number for each workflow run within a repository. This number does not change if you re-run the workflow run.
github.run_numberstringA unique number for each run of a particular workflow in a repository. This number begins at 1 for the workflow's first run, and increments with each new run. This number does not change if you re-run the workflow run.
github.run_attemptstringA unique number for each attempt of a particular workflow run in a repository. This number begins at 1 for the workflow run's first attempt, and increments with each re-run.
github.secret_sourcestringThe source of a secret used in a workflow. Possible values are None, Actions, Codespaces, or Dependabot.
github.server_urlstringThe URL of the GitHub server. For example: https://github.com.
github.shastringThe commit SHA that triggered the workflow. The value of this commit SHA depends on the event that triggered the workflow. For more information, see "Events that trigger workflows." For example, ffac537e6cbbf934b08745a378932722df287a53.
github.tokenstringA token to authenticate on behalf of the GitHub App installed on your repository. This is functionally equivalent to the GITHUB_TOKEN secret. For more information, see "Automatic token authentication."
Note: This context property is set by the Actions runner, and is only available within the execution steps of a job. Otherwise, the value of this property will be null.
github.triggering_actorstringThe username of the user that initiated the workflow run. If the workflow run is a re-run, this value may differ from github.actor. Any workflow re-runs will use the privileges of github.actor, even if the actor initiating the re-run (github.triggering_actor) has different privileges.
github.workflowstringThe name of the workflow. If the workflow file doesn't specify a name, the value of this property is the full path of the workflow file in the repository.
github.workflow_refstringThe ref path to the workflow. For example, octocat/hello-world/.github/workflows/my-workflow.yml@refs/heads/my_branch.
github.workflow_shastringThe commit SHA for the workflow file.
github.workspacestringThe default working directory on the runner for steps, and the default location of your repository when using the checkout action.

Example contents of the github context

The following example context is from a workflow run triggered by the push event. The event object in this example has been truncated because it is identical to the contents of the push webhook payload.

Note: This context is an example only. The contents of a context depends on the workflow that you are running. Contexts, objects, and properties will vary significantly under different workflow run conditions.

{
  "token": "***",
  "job": "dump_contexts_to_log",
  "ref": "refs/heads/my_branch",
  "sha": "c27d339ee6075c1f744c5d4b200f7901aad2c369",
  "repository": "octocat/hello-world",
  "repository_owner": "octocat",
  "repositoryUrl": "git://github.com/octocat/hello-world.git",
  "run_id": "1536140711",
  "run_number": "314",
  "retention_days": "90",
  "run_attempt": "1",
  "actor": "octocat",
  "workflow": "Context testing",
  "head_ref": "",
  "base_ref": "",
  "event_name": "push",
  "event": {
    ...
  },
  "server_url": "https://github.com",
  "api_url": "https://api.github.com",
  "graphql_url": "https://api.github.com/graphql",
  "ref_name": "my_branch",
  "ref_protected": false,
  "ref_type": "branch",
  "secret_source": "Actions",
  "workspace": "/home/runner/work/hello-world/hello-world",
  "action": "github_step",
  "event_path": "/home/runner/work/_temp/_github_workflow/event.json",
  "action_repository": "",
  "action_ref": "",
  "path": "/home/runner/work/_temp/_runner_file_commands/add_path_b037e7b5-1c88-48e2-bf78-eaaab5e02602",
  "env": "/home/runner/work/_temp/_runner_file_commands/set_env_b037e7b5-1c88-48e2-bf78-eaaab5e02602"
}

Example usage of the github context

This example workflow uses the github.event_name context to run a job only if the workflow run was triggered by the pull_request event.

YAML
name: Run CI
on: [push, pull_request]

jobs:
  normal_ci:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    steps:
      - name: Run normal CI
        run: echo "Running normal CI"

  pull_request_ci:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    if: ${{ github.event_name == 'pull_request' }}
    steps:
      - name: Run PR CI
        run: echo "Running PR only CI"

env context

The env context contains variables that have been set in a workflow, job, or step. It does not contain variables inherited by the runner process. For more information about setting variables in your workflow, see "Workflow syntax for GitHub Actions."

You can retrieve the values of variables stored in env context and use these values in your workflow file. You can use the env context in any key in a workflow step except for the id and uses keys. For more information on the step syntax, see "Workflow syntax for GitHub Actions."

If you want to use the value of a variable inside a runner, use the runner operating system's normal method for reading environment variables.

Property nameTypeDescription
envobjectThis context changes for each step in a job. You can access this context from any step in a job. This object contains the properties listed below.
env.<env_name>stringThe value of a specific environment variable.

Example contents of the env context

The contents of the env context is a mapping of variable names to their values. The context's contents can change depending on where it is used in the workflow run. In this example, the env context contains two variables.

{
  "first_name": "Mona",
  "super_duper_var": "totally_awesome"
}

Example usage of the env context

This example workflow shows variables being set in the env context at the workflow, job, and step levels. The ${{ env.VARIABLE-NAME }} syntax is then used to retrieve variable values within individual steps in the workflow.

When more than one environment variable is defined with the same name, GitHub uses the most specific variable. For example, an environment variable defined in a step will override job and workflow environment variables with the same name, while the step executes. An environment variable defined for a job will override a workflow variable with the same name, while the job executes.

YAML
name: Hi Mascot
on: push
env:
  mascot: Mona
  super_duper_var: totally_awesome

jobs:
  windows_job:
    runs-on: windows-latest
    steps:
      - run: echo 'Hi ${{ env.mascot }}'  # Hi Mona
      - run: echo 'Hi ${{ env.mascot }}'  # Hi Octocat
        env:
          mascot: Octocat
  linux_job:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    env:
      mascot: Tux
    steps:
      - run: echo 'Hi ${{ env.mascot }}'  # Hi Tux

vars context

Note: Configuration variables for GitHub Actions are in public preview and subject to change.

The vars context contains custom configuration variables set at the organization, repository, and environment levels. For more information about defining configuration variables for use in multiple workflows, see "Store information in variables".

Example contents of the vars context

The contents of the vars context is a mapping of configuration variable names to their values.

{
  "mascot": "Mona"
}

Example usage of the vars context

This example workflow shows how configuration variables set at the repository, environment, or organization levels are automatically available using the vars context.

Note: Configuration variables at the environment level are automatically available after their environment is declared by the runner.

If a configuration variable has not been set, the return value of a context referencing the variable will be an empty string.

The following example shows using configuration variables with the vars context across a workflow. Each of the following configuration variables have been defined at the repository, organization, or environment levels.

YAML
on:
  workflow_dispatch:
env:
  # Setting an environment variable with the value of a configuration variable
  env_var: ${{ vars.ENV_CONTEXT_VAR }}

jobs:
  display-variables:
    name: ${{ vars.JOB_NAME }}
    # You can use configuration variables with the `vars` context for dynamic jobs
    if: ${{ vars.USE_VARIABLES == 'true' }}
    runs-on: ${{ vars.RUNNER }}
    environment: ${{ vars.ENVIRONMENT_STAGE }}
    steps:
    - name: Use variables
      run: |
        echo "repository variable : $REPOSITORY_VAR"
        echo "organization variable : $ORGANIZATION_VAR"
        echo "overridden variable : $OVERRIDE_VAR"
        echo "variable from shell environment : $env_var"
      env:
        REPOSITORY_VAR: ${{ vars.REPOSITORY_VAR }}
        ORGANIZATION_VAR: ${{ vars.ORGANIZATION_VAR }}
        OVERRIDE_VAR: ${{ vars.OVERRIDE_VAR }}
        
    - name: ${{ vars.HELLO_WORLD_STEP }}
      if: ${{ vars.HELLO_WORLD_ENABLED == 'true' }}
      uses: actions/hello-world-javascript-action@main
      with:
        who-to-greet: ${{ vars.GREET_NAME }}

job context

The job context contains information about the currently running job.

Property nameTypeDescription
jobobjectThis context changes for each job in a workflow run. You can access this context from any step in a job. This object contains all the properties listed below.
job.containerobjectInformation about the job's container. For more information about containers, see "Workflow syntax for GitHub Actions."
job.container.idstringThe ID of the container.
job.container.networkstringThe ID of the container network. The runner creates the network used by all containers in a job.
job.servicesobjectThe service containers created for a job. For more information about service containers, see "Workflow syntax for GitHub Actions."
job.services.<service_id>.idstringThe ID of the service container.
job.services.<service_id>.networkstringThe ID of the service container network. The runner creates the network used by all containers in a job.
job.services.<service_id>.portsobjectThe exposed ports of the service container.
job.statusstringThe current status of the job. Possible values are success, failure, or cancelled.

Example contents of the job context

This example job context uses a PostgreSQL service container with mapped ports. If there are no containers or service containers used in a job, the job context only contains the status property.

{
  "status": "success",
  "container": {
    "network": "github_network_53269bd575974817b43f4733536b200c"
  },
  "services": {
    "postgres": {
      "id": "60972d9aa486605e66b0dad4abb638dc3d9116f566579e418166eedb8abb9105",
      "ports": {
        "5432": "49153"
      },
      "network": "github_network_53269bd575974817b43f4733536b200c"
    }
  }
}

Example usage of the job context

This example workflow configures a PostgreSQL service container, and automatically maps port 5432 in the service container to a randomly chosen available port on the host. The job context is used to access the number of the port that was assigned on the host.

YAML
name: PostgreSQL Service Example
on: push
jobs:
  postgres-job:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    services:
      postgres:
        image: postgres
        env:
          POSTGRES_PASSWORD: postgres
        options: --health-cmd pg_isready --health-interval 10s --health-timeout 5s --health-retries 5
        ports:
          # Maps TCP port 5432 in the service container to a randomly chosen available port on the host.
          - 5432

    steps:
      - run: pg_isready -h localhost -p ${{ job.services.postgres.ports[5432] }}
      - run: echo "Run tests against Postgres"

jobs context

The jobs context is only available in reusable workflows, and can only be used to set outputs for a reusable workflow. For more information, see "Reusing workflows."

Property nameTypeDescription
jobsobjectThis is only available in reusable workflows, and can only be used to set outputs for a reusable workflow. This object contains all the properties listed below.
jobs.<job_id>.resultstringThe result of a job in the reusable workflow. Possible values are success, failure, cancelled, or skipped.
jobs.<job_id>.outputsobjectThe set of outputs of a job in a reusable workflow.
jobs.<job_id>.outputs.<output_name>stringThe value of a specific output for a job in a reusable workflow.

Example contents of the jobs context

This example jobs context contains the result and outputs of a job from a reusable workflow run.

{
  "example_job": {
    "result": "success",
    "outputs": {
      "output1": "hello",
      "output2": "world"
    }
  }
}

Example usage of the jobs context

This example reusable workflow uses the jobs context to set outputs for the reusable workflow. Note how the outputs flow up from the steps, to the job, then to the workflow_call trigger. For more information, see "Reusing workflows."

YAML
name: Reusable workflow

on:
  workflow_call:
    # Map the workflow outputs to job outputs
    outputs:
      firstword:
        description: "The first output string"
        value: ${{ jobs.example_job.outputs.output1 }}
      secondword:
        description: "The second output string"
        value: ${{ jobs.example_job.outputs.output2 }}

jobs:
  example_job:
    name: Generate output
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    # Map the job outputs to step outputs
    outputs:
      output1: ${{ steps.step1.outputs.firstword }}
      output2: ${{ steps.step2.outputs.secondword }}
    steps:
      - id: step1
        run: echo "firstword=hello" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
      - id: step2
        run: echo "secondword=world" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT

steps context

The steps context contains information about the steps in the current job that have an id specified and have already run.

Property nameTypeDescription
stepsobjectThis context changes for each step in a job. You can access this context from any step in a job. This object contains all the properties listed below.
steps.<step_id>.outputsobjectThe set of outputs defined for the step. For more information, see "Metadata syntax for GitHub Actions."
steps.<step_id>.conclusionstringThe result of a completed step after continue-on-error is applied. Possible values are success, failure, cancelled, or skipped. When a continue-on-error step fails, the outcome is failure, but the final conclusion is success.
steps.<step_id>.outcomestringThe result of a completed step before continue-on-error is applied. Possible values are success, failure, cancelled, or skipped. When a continue-on-error step fails, the outcome is failure, but the final conclusion is success.
steps.<step_id>.outputs.<output_name>stringThe value of a specific output.

Example contents of the steps context

This example steps context shows two previous steps that had an id specified. The first step had the id named checkout, the second generate_number. The generate_number step had an output named random_number.

{
  "checkout": {
    "outputs": {},
    "outcome": "success",
    "conclusion": "success"
  },
  "generate_number": {
    "outputs": {
      "random_number": "1"
    },
    "outcome": "success",
    "conclusion": "success"
  }
}

Example usage of the steps context

This example workflow generates a random number as an output in one step, and a later step uses the steps context to read the value of that output.

YAML
name: Generate random failure
on: push
jobs:
  randomly-failing-job:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    steps:
      - name: Generate 0 or 1
        id: generate_number
        run:  echo "random_number=$(($RANDOM % 2))" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
      - name: Pass or fail
        run: |
          if [[ ${{ steps.generate_number.outputs.random_number }} == 0 ]]; then exit 0; else exit 1; fi

runner context

The runner context contains information about the runner that is executing the current job.

Property nameTypeDescription
runnerobjectThis context changes for each job in a workflow run. This object contains all the properties listed below.
runner.namestringThe name of the runner executing the job. This name may not be unique in a workflow run as runners at the repository and organization levels could use the same name.
runner.osstringThe operating system of the runner executing the job. Possible values are Linux, Windows, or macOS.
runner.archstringThe architecture of the runner executing the job. Possible values are X86, X64, ARM, or ARM64.
runner.tempstringThe path to a temporary directory on the runner. This directory is emptied at the beginning and end of each job. Note that files will not be removed if the runner's user account does not have permission to delete them.
runner.tool_cachestringThe path to the directory containing preinstalled tools for GitHub-hosted runners. For more information, see "Using GitHub-hosted runners".
runner.debugstringThis is set only if debug logging is enabled, and always has the value of 1. It can be useful as an indicator to enable additional debugging or verbose logging in your own job steps.
runner.environmentstringThe environment of the runner executing the job. Possible values are: github-hosted for GitHub-hosted runners provided by GitHub, and self-hosted for self-hosted runners configured by the repository owner.

Example contents of the runner context

The following example context is from a Linux GitHub-hosted runner.

{
  "os": "Linux",
  "arch": "X64",
  "name": "GitHub Actions 2",
  "tool_cache": "/opt/hostedtoolcache",
  "temp": "/home/runner/work/_temp"
}

Example usage of the runner context

This example workflow uses the runner context to set the path to the temporary directory to write logs, and if the workflow fails, it uploads those logs as artifact.

YAML
name: Build
on: push

jobs:
  build:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    steps:
      - uses: actions/checkout@v4
      - name: Build with logs
        run: |
          mkdir ${{ runner.temp }}/build_logs
          echo "Logs from building" > ${{ runner.temp }}/build_logs/build.logs
          exit 1
      - name: Upload logs on fail
        if: ${{ failure() }}
        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4
        with:
          name: Build failure logs
          path: ${{ runner.temp }}/build_logs

secrets context

The secrets context contains the names and values of secrets that are available to a workflow run. The secrets context is not available for composite actions due to security reasons. If you want to pass a secret to a composite action, you need to do it explicitly as an input. For more information about secrets, see "Using secrets in GitHub Actions."

GITHUB_TOKEN is a secret that is automatically created for every workflow run, and is always included in the secrets context. For more information, see "Automatic token authentication."

Warning: If a secret was used in the job, GitHub automatically redacts secrets printed to the log. You should avoid printing secrets to the log intentionally.

Property nameTypeDescription
secretsobjectThis context is the same for each job in a workflow run. You can access this context from any step in a job. This object contains all the properties listed below.
secrets.GITHUB_TOKENstringAutomatically created token for each workflow run. For more information, see "Automatic token authentication."
secrets.<secret_name>stringThe value of a specific secret.

Example contents of the secrets context

The following example contents of the secrets context shows the automatic GITHUB_TOKEN, as well as two other secrets available to the workflow run.

{
  "github_token": "***",
  "NPM_TOKEN": "***",
  "SUPERSECRET": "***"
}

Example usage of the secrets context

This example workflow uses the GitHub CLI, which requires the GITHUB_TOKEN as the value for the GH_TOKEN input parameter:

YAML
name: Open new issue
on: workflow_dispatch

jobs:
  open-issue:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    permissions:
      contents: read
      issues: write
    steps:
      - run: |
          gh issue --repo ${{ github.repository }} \
            create --title "Issue title" --body "Issue body"
        env:
          GH_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}

strategy context

For workflows with a matrix, the strategy context contains information about the matrix execution strategy for the current job.

Property nameTypeDescription
strategyobjectThis context changes for each job in a workflow run. You can access this context from any job or step in a workflow. This object contains all the properties listed below.
strategy.fail-fastbooleanWhen this evaluates to true, all in-progress jobs are canceled if any job in a matrix fails. For more information, see "Workflow syntax for GitHub Actions."
strategy.job-indexnumberThe index of the current job in the matrix. Note: This number is a zero-based number. The first job's index in the matrix is 0.
strategy.job-totalnumberThe total number of jobs in the matrix. Note: This number is not a zero-based number. For example, for a matrix with four jobs, the value of job-total is 4.
strategy.max-parallelnumberThe maximum number of jobs that can run simultaneously when using a matrix job strategy. For more information, see "Workflow syntax for GitHub Actions."

Example contents of the strategy context

The following example contents of the strategy context is from a matrix with four jobs, and is taken from the final job. Note the difference between the zero-based job-index number, and job-total which is not zero-based.

{
  "fail-fast": true,
  "job-index": 3,
  "job-total": 4,
  "max-parallel": 4
}

Example usage of the strategy context

This example workflow uses the strategy.job-index property to set a unique name for a log file for each job in a matrix.

YAML
name: Test strategy
on: push

jobs:
  test:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    strategy:
      matrix:
        test-group: [1, 2]
        node: [14, 16]
    steps:
      - run: echo "Mock test logs" > test-job-${{ strategy.job-index }}.txt
      - name: Upload logs
        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4
        with:
          name: Build log for job ${{ strategy.job-index }}
          path: test-job-${{ strategy.job-index }}.txt

matrix context

For workflows with a matrix, the matrix context contains the matrix properties defined in the workflow file that apply to the current job. For example, if you configure a matrix with the os and node keys, the matrix context object includes the os and node properties with the values that are being used for the current job.

There are no standard properties in the matrix context, only those which are defined in the workflow file.

Property nameTypeDescription
matrixobjectThis context is only available for jobs in a matrix, and changes for each job in a workflow run. You can access this context from any job or step in a workflow. This object contains the properties listed below.
matrix.<property_name>stringThe value of a matrix property.

Example contents of the matrix context

The following example contents of the matrix context is from a job in a matrix that has the os and node matrix properties defined in the workflow. The job is executing the matrix combination of an ubuntu-latest OS and Node.js version 16.

{
  "os": "ubuntu-latest",
  "node": 16
}

Example usage of the matrix context

This example workflow creates a matrix with os and node keys. It uses the matrix.os property to set the runner type for each job, and uses the matrix.node property to set the Node.js version for each job.

YAML
name: Test matrix
on: push

jobs:
  build:
    runs-on: ${{ matrix.os }}
    strategy:
      matrix:
        os: [ubuntu-latest, windows-latest]
        node: [14, 16]
    steps:
      - uses: actions/setup-node@v4
        with:
          node-version: ${{ matrix.node }}
      - name: Output node version
        run: node --version

needs context

The needs context contains outputs from all jobs that are defined as a direct dependency of the current job. Note that this doesn't include implicitly dependent jobs (for example, dependent jobs of a dependent job). For more information on defining job dependencies, see "Workflow syntax for GitHub Actions."

Property nameTypeDescription
needsobjectThis context is only populated for workflow runs that have dependent jobs, and changes for each job in a workflow run. You can access this context from any job or step in a workflow. This object contains all the properties listed below.
needs.<job_id>objectA single job that the current job depends on.
needs.<job_id>.outputsobjectThe set of outputs of a job that the current job depends on.
needs.<job_id>.outputs.<output name>stringThe value of a specific output for a job that the current job depends on.
needs.<job_id>.resultstringThe result of a job that the current job depends on. Possible values are success, failure, cancelled, or skipped.

Example contents of the needs context

The following example contents of the needs context shows information for two jobs that the current job depends on.

{
  "build": {
    "result": "success",
    "outputs": {
      "build_id": "123456"
    }
  },
  "deploy": {
    "result": "failure",
    "outputs": {}
  }
}

Example usage of the needs context

This example workflow has three jobs: a build job that does a build, a deploy job that requires the build job, and a debug job that requires both the build and deploy jobs and runs only if there is a failure in the workflow. The deploy job also uses the needs context to access an output from the build job.

YAML
name: Build and deploy
on: push

jobs:
  build:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    outputs:
      build_id: ${{ steps.build_step.outputs.build_id }}
    steps:
      - name: Build
        id: build_step
        run: echo "build_id=$RANDOM" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
  deploy:
    needs: build
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    steps:
      - run: echo "Deploying build ${{ needs.build.outputs.build_id }}"
  debug:
    needs: [build, deploy]
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    if: ${{ failure() }}
    steps:
      - run: echo "Failed to build and deploy"

inputs context

The inputs context contains input properties passed to an action, to a reusable workflow, or to a manually triggered workflow. For reusable workflows, the input names and types are defined in the workflow_call event configuration of a reusable workflow, and the input values are passed from jobs.<job_id>.with in an external workflow that calls the reusable workflow. For manually triggered workflows, the inputs are defined in the workflow_dispatch event configuration of a workflow.

The properties in the inputs context are defined in the workflow file. They are only available in a reusable workflow or in a workflow triggered by the workflow_dispatch event

Property nameTypeDescription
inputsobjectThis context is only available in a reusable workflow or in a workflow triggered by the workflow_dispatch event. You can access this context from any job or step in a workflow. This object contains the properties listed below.
inputs.<name>string or number or boolean or choiceEach input value passed from an external workflow.

Example contents of the inputs context

The following example contents of the inputs context is from a workflow that has defined the build_id, deploy_target, and perform_deploy inputs.

{
  "build_id": 123456768,
  "deploy_target": "deployment_sys_1a",
  "perform_deploy": true
}

Example usage of the inputs context in a reusable workflow

This example reusable workflow uses the inputs context to get the values of the build_id, deploy_target, and perform_deploy inputs that were passed to the reusable workflow from the caller workflow.

YAML
name: Reusable deploy workflow
on:
  workflow_call:
    inputs:
      build_id:
        required: true
        type: number
      deploy_target:
        required: true
        type: string
      perform_deploy:
        required: true
        type: boolean

jobs:
  deploy:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    if: ${{ inputs.perform_deploy }}
    steps:
      - name: Deploy build to target
        run: echo "Deploying build:${{ inputs.build_id }} to target:${{ inputs.deploy_target }}"

Example usage of the inputs context in a manually triggered workflow

This example workflow triggered by a workflow_dispatch event uses the inputs context to get the values of the build_id, deploy_target, and perform_deploy inputs that were passed to the workflow.

YAML
on:
  workflow_dispatch:
    inputs:
      build_id:
        required: true
        type: string
      deploy_target:
        required: true
        type: string
      perform_deploy:
        required: true
        type: boolean

jobs:
  deploy:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    if: ${{ inputs.perform_deploy }}
    steps:
      - name: Deploy build to target
        run: echo "Deploying build:${{ inputs.build_id }} to target:${{ inputs.deploy_target }}"