act
Run GitHub Actions workflows locally using Docker containers to test CI/CD pipelines without pushing to GitHub.
Act is a command-line tool that executes GitHub Actions workflows locally using Docker containers. It reads workflow definitions from .github/workflows/ directories and runs the defined actions on your local machine, eliminating the need to commit and push changes to test workflow modifications. The tool uses the Docker API to pull or build necessary images as specified in workflow files, then creates containers that replicate the GitHub Actions execution environment.
The tool maintains compatibility with GitHub's environment by configuring the same environment variables and filesystem structure that GitHub provides in its hosted runners. Act determines execution paths based on workflow dependencies and runs containers sequentially according to the defined workflow logic. This allows developers to test complex CI/CD pipelines, debug action failures, and validate workflow changes before pushing to remote repositories.
Act can also serve as a local task runner, replacing traditional Makefiles by leveraging existing GitHub Actions workflow definitions for local development tasks. The tool supports the full spectrum of GitHub Actions features and integrations, making it suitable for developers working with GitHub repositories who want faster feedback cycles during workflow development.
Installation
# via Manual Build
make install
