GitHub Actions Best Practices for Azure Deployments

GitHub Actions helps teams run tests and deploy code to Azure. This guide shows you how to set up workflows that work well.

Workflow Setup

Keep your work clean:

• Store workflows in .github/workflows/ with clear names

• Set triggers to run only when needed

• Break down common tasks into reusable parts

• Name test workflows with "test-" prefix

Try these approaches:

• Use matrix strategies to test across platforms

• Run small tests before big ones to fail fast

• Structure jobs from quick to complex

Security First

Protect your secrets:

• Store secrets in Azure Key Vault

• Set up monthly audits of access

• Use dynamic secrets that expire

• Give minimal permissions to runners

• Create team-based access control

For dependencies:

• Pin actions to full SHA hashes

• Check third-party actions for risks

Test Smart

Group your tests:

• Unit Tests: Run on every push

• Integration Tests: Run on PR merges

• End-to-End Tests: Run against staging

For Azure resources:

• Deploy test resources with ARM templates

• Check deployment status with Azure CLI

• Clean up test resources after use

Speed up your tests:

• Run tests in parallel when possible

• Use test reports for clear results

• Allow limited retries for flaky tests

Azure Deployment Checks

Before you deploy:

• Check Azure Resource Manager templates

• Validate ARM parameters

After you deploy:

• Check Azure resource health

• Test endpoints with simple tools

• Set up auto-rollback if things break

Stay Informed

Keep your team in the loop:

• Set up Microsoft Teams alerts for failures

• Tag team members when tests fail

• Watch test run times to spot problems

• Connect apps to Azure Monitor

Pipeline Setup

Make your pipeline safe:

• Block merges until tests pass

• Limit who can access repos

• Move code through environments in order

Write It Down

Keep good notes:

• Add comments to explain complex steps

• Create a TESTING.md file for your team

• Maintain a README for each workflow

Keep Getting Better

Look back and improve:

• Check workflows every quarter

• Remove old steps and tools

• Compare your setup with best practices