Understanding and Using Composite Actions in GitHub

The article provides a comprehensive guide on utilizing GitHub composite actions to optimize workflows by bundling multiple steps into a single, reusable action. It begins with instructions on setting up a new GitHub repository and crafting a composite action using an `action.yml` file, outlining the necessary metadata, inputs, outputs, and execution steps. The guide emphasizes the benefits of composite actions, such as modularity and efficiency, and explains how they differ from reusable workflows by requiring a repository checkout. It also details how to incorporate composite actions into workflows, including configuration for external services like databases, and highlights the importance of versioning for managing updates. Additionally, the article discusses the organizational strategies for composite actions within a repository and concludes by underscoring the advantages of using these actions for streamlined CI/CD processes.