GitHub Actions YAML Validator

Validate GitHub Actions workflow YAML, check jobs, steps, triggers, permissions, runners, and common workflow mistakes directly in your browser.

Workflow YAML

Paste a GitHub Actions workflow file from .github/workflows to check its structure before committing or debugging a failed CI run.

Validation Options

Validation Level

Output

Check action versionsWarn when actions are not pinned with a version or commit.Check permissionsLook for missing workflow or job permissions.Check secrets usageWarn about plain secret-looking values in workflow text.

Validation Output

GitHub Actions validation output will appear here.

Workflow validation happens directly in your browser. Your GitHub Actions YAML is not uploaded to a server.

Checking GitHub Actions Workflow YAML Before It Fails

GitHub Actions workflows can fail because of small YAML mistakes, missing runners, incomplete steps, wrong triggers, or unclear permissions. Sometimes the file looks fine at a quick glance, but the workflow still fails after you push it.

This GitHub Actions YAML Validator checks the workflow structure and points out common issues in jobs, steps, triggers, permissions, runners, action versions, and secret handling. It is meant for quick checks before committing or while debugging CI problems.

Validating a GitHub Actions Workflow

Paste the workflow YAML from your .github/workflows folder.
Choose basic or strict validation.
Turn on checks for action versions, permissions, and secrets.
Review the workflow overview, jobs, and issues.
Copy the summary, JSON, or checklist output for notes or fixes.

Common GitHub Actions YAML Issues This Tool Checks

Missing workflow triggers such as push or pull_request.
Jobs without runs-on values.
Steps without uses or run commands.
Actions without pinned versions.
Missing permissions blocks in stricter workflows.
Secret-looking values written directly in the YAML.

Example GitHub Actions Workflow

name: CI

on:
  push:
    branches:
      - main

jobs:
  test:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    steps:
      - uses: actions/checkout@v4
      - run: npm ci
      - run: npm run build

Why Permissions and Secrets Matter

GitHub Actions workflows often touch source code, packages, release jobs, deployment keys, and cloud credentials. A clear permissions block and proper secret usage make workflows easier to review and safer to maintain.

Use repository or organization secrets for real values. Avoid writing tokens, passwords, API keys, or private URLs directly in workflow files.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a GitHub Actions YAML validator?

It checks a GitHub Actions workflow file for common structure, job, step, trigger, permission, and secret-related issues.

Does this run the workflow?

No. This tool only checks the YAML text. It does not connect to GitHub or run any action.

Can this replace GitHub’s own workflow checks?

No. It is a quick browser-side review tool. Always test the final workflow in GitHub Actions.

Are my workflow files uploaded anywhere?

No. Validation happens directly in your browser, and your YAML is not uploaded to a server.