Learn how to create DevOps CI/CD pipelines for web, database, container and cloud apps with Github Actions
What you will learn
The fundamentals for writing CI/CD pipelines with Github Actions
Best practices for editing Github workflows
Triggering a workflow on a Pul Request, Tag, Push or on a schedule
Creating DevOps pipelines for Web Apps, Container apps and Databases
Deploying apps and infra into Azure Cloud
Using Terraform and Bicep (Infra as Code) with Github Actions
Creating custom runner to run the pipelines
Implement DevSecOps principles
Description
DevOps became very important for organizations willing to automate and modernize their workloads. Thanks to its capabilities, it is never been easier create a pipeline that can do all the required steps to build ‘almost’ any kind of application and deploy ‘almost’ to any environment. All of this with a click of a button.
Not only that, using DevOps features makes it possible to secure the pipelines when managing secrets or when connecting to the target production environment. That become today what is known as DevSecOps.
Many known tools are available to implement DevOps like Jenkins, Gitlab CI, Azure DevOps Pipelines and many more. Github Actions is one of these tools. It did become popular from the first day it was launched back in 2018. That success was due to the popularity of Github as a platform to host the source code used by more than 50 million users. It was very natural to use the same platform to build and deploy that code into production.
This course will walk you through the creation of CI/CD DevOps pipelines to take your code, build it, scan it, test it then deploy it into Dev, Test and Prod environments whether that is in premise or on the cloud.
Using multiple demonstrations, we will show the powerful features of Github Actions.
Content
Starting with the basics
Creating Workflow for .NET apps
Deploying Infrastructure into the Cloud
Alright, let’s talk about the ‘Learn GitHub Actions for CI/CD DevOps Pipelines’ course. As someone who’s been deep in the trenches of DevOps for a while, I’m always on the lookout for resources that can actually move the needle for developers and Ops folks alike. This course promises a lot: building CI/CD pipelines for a pretty broad spectrum of applications, from your standard web apps all the way to cloud infrastructure. So, did it deliver?
Overview
My initial take on this course is that it aims to be a one-stop shop for getting hands-on with GitHub Actions. It doesn’t just scratch the surface; it delves into building actual, functional pipelines. What struck me as particularly strong was its commitment to covering not just the “how” but also the “why” behind certain configurations, especially concerning best practices for workflow editing. The inclusion of IaC tools like Terraform and Bicep, alongside cloud deployment to Azure, really pushes it beyond a basic CI/CD intro. Itβs clear theyβre trying to equip you with skills that are immediately applicable to real-world DevOps challenges, which is crucial in this fast-paced industry. The inclusion of DevSecOps principles is also a welcome and increasingly necessary addition, moving beyond just getting code out the door to getting it out securely.
Prerequisites
This isn’t a “learn to code from zero” course, and that’s a good thing. You’ll want a solid understanding of version control, specifically Git and how to use GitHub repositories. Basic familiarity with command-line interfaces is a must. If you’re aiming to follow along with the web app deployments, some experience with web development stacks (e.g., Node.js, Python, etc.) will be beneficial. For the containerization parts, a grasp of Docker concepts is pretty much non-negotiable. And for the cloud and IaC sections, some foundational knowledge of cloud computing concepts, particularly Azure, will make the learning curve much smoother. They donβt hold your hand on these fundamentals.
Skills & Tools
By the end of this course, you’ll be proficient in:
- Writing and optimizing GitHub Actions workflows from scratch.
- Leveraging various workflow triggers (PRs, tags, schedules, pushes) effectively.
- Building robust CI/CD pipelines for web applications, containerized applications (Docker), and database deployments.
- Deploying applications and infrastructure to Azure Cloud.
- Implementing Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using Terraform and Bicep within GitHub Actions.
- Understanding and configuring custom GitHub Actions runners for specific environments.
- Integrating DevSecOps principles into your CI/CD pipelines for enhanced security.
- Industry-standard tools like GitHub Actions, Docker, Terraform, Bicep, and Azure CLI.
Career Benefits & Job Roles
This course is a fantastic asset for anyone looking to level up their DevOps game. The skills you acquire here are directly transferable to roles like DevOps Engineer, Cloud Engineer, Site Reliability Engineer (SRE), and even Software Engineer roles that require CI/CD expertise. It provides the job-ready skills that hiring managers are actively seeking. Furthermore, the practical, real-world projects and understanding of industry-standard tools can significantly boost your profile for career growth and even aid in certification prep for cloud and DevOps certifications.
Pros
- Comprehensive Coverage: It really does try to cover a wide array of use cases, from application deployment to cloud infrastructure management, all within the GitHub Actions ecosystem. The inclusion of both Terraform and Bicep is a significant plus for IaC learners.
- Practical, Hands-On Approach: The emphasis on building actual pipelines and deploying to a real cloud environment (Azure) makes the learning very concrete. These aren’t just theoretical exercises; they’re hands-on labs that build practical muscle memory.
- DevSecOps Integration: The inclusion of DevSecOps principles is a forward-thinking aspect that sets it apart from many basic CI/CD courses. It addresses the critical need for security in modern software delivery.
Cons
My main critique is that the breadth of topics covered, while a strength, can also be a double-edged sword. Some of the more advanced sections, particularly around custom runners and the deeper dives into DevSecOps, might feel a bit rushed if you’re not already comfortable with the foundational concepts of each. While it covers a lot, a truly beginner to advanced journey might require supplementing some of the more complex areas with additional resources for deeper mastery.