Using GitHub Actions and Tailscale to build and deploy applications securely

The blog post by Naman Sood discusses a method for automating the deployment of a personal blog using GitHub Actions and Tailscale, focusing on security and efficiency. Sood describes the challenges of deploying updates to a web server written in Go, highlighting how changes require manual compilation and restarting. To automate this process, Sood developed a GitHub Action that builds and packages the application, then deploys it via Tailscale, a VPN service that secures server access. One issue encountered was the need for the GitHub Action to join the Tailscale network, which was initially complicated by the persistent registration of Docker containers. This was resolved by using ephemeral authentication keys, which allow temporary access without permanent registration. Sood, an intern at Tailscale, also contributed to creating a GitHub Action for Tailscale connections, facilitating seamless integration with CI/CD workflows. The solution not only enhances deployment efficiency but also broadens the potential for using Tailscale in various cloud environments.