Git & GitHub Interview Question #89

What is a runner in GitHub Actions?

GitHub Collaboration, Repository Rules, Issues, Releases & Actions CI/CD Mid-Level Intermediate

Quick Interview Answer

A runner is the machine or environment that executes a GitHub Actions job. GitHub provides hosted runners for supported operating systems, and organizations can also configure self-hosted runners.

Detailed Explanation

A runner is the machine or environment that executes a GitHub Actions job. GitHub provides hosted runners for supported operating systems, and organizations can also configure self-hosted runners.

The runner choice affects available software, operating-system behavior, security boundaries, cost, and network access. Self-hosted runners require additional operational and security responsibility.

Code Example

jobs:
  windows-build:
    runs-on: windows-latest
    steps:
      - uses: actions/checkout@v4
      - run: dotnet --info