GitHub Actions Events Table
| Event | Description | Common Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
push | Triggered when commits are pushed to a repository branch. | Run CI builds, deploy code, run tests, or linting after code is pushed to a branch. |
pull_request | Triggered when a pull request is opened, synchronized, or closed. | Run tests, build previews, and lint code when a pull request is created or updated. |
pull_request_review | Triggered when someone submits a review to a pull request. | Notify team members or run workflows based on PR reviews. |
pull_request_review_comment | Triggered when a comment is added to a pull request review. | Automate responses or actions based on review comments on pull requests. |
workflow_dispatch | Allows manually triggering a workflow via the GitHub Actions interface. | Trigger workflows manually, often used for custom workflows like deployments or tests. |
schedule | Triggered based on a cron schedule (e.g., daily, weekly). | Run periodic tasks like nightly builds, backups, or maintenance tasks. |
release | Triggered when a release is published, edited, or deleted. | Automatically deploy, notify teams, or create release notes when a new release is created. |
issue_comment | Triggered when a comment is added to an issue or pull request. | Respond to comments, automate issue management, or trigger builds/tests based on comments. |
issues | Triggered when an issue is opened, edited, labeled, or closed. | Automate issue triaging, labeling, or closing stale issues. |
create | Triggered when a branch or tag is created. | Notify teams, or trigger CI/CD workflows when new branches/tags are created. |
delete | Triggered when a branch or tag is deleted. | Clean up resources or notify teams when a branch or tag is removed. |
fork | Triggered when a repository is forked. | Send a notification or log repository forks for tracking. |
star | Triggered when a repository is starred or unstarred. | Send a thank-you message or track the repository’s popularity. |
watch | Triggered when someone starts watching the repository. | Notify maintainers or track the repository’s watchers. |
public | Triggered when a repository is made public. | Notify teams or trigger security workflows when a repository’s visibility changes. |
workflow_run | Triggered by the completion of another workflow. | Chain workflows together, such as triggering deployments after a successful test run. |
workflow_call | Triggered when a reusable workflow is called from another workflow. | Allows reusability of workflows across repositories. |
status | Triggered when the status of a GitHub check run changes (e.g., success, failure). | Notify teams or execute follow-up actions based on the status of previous checks. |
check_run | Triggered when a check run (e.g., CI test) is created, completed, or updated. | Trigger workflows based on the results of automated checks. |
check_suite | Triggered when a check suite (collection of check runs) is requested or completed. | Perform actions based on the aggregate results of check suites. |
repository_dispatch | Triggered when an external service or another workflow sends a repository_dispatch event. | Trigger workflows from external systems or via API requests. |
deployment | Triggered when a deployment is created. | Automate deployment processes like deploying applications or setting up infrastructure. |
deployment_status | Triggered when a deployment status is updated (e.g., success, failure). | Perform actions like rollback or notification based on the outcome of a deployment. |
pull_request_target | Triggered for pull requests targeting the repository, but runs in the context of the base branch. | Useful for workflows involving forked repositories, maintaining security while allowing PR contributions. |
branch_protection_rule | Triggered when a branch protection rule is added, edited, or deleted. | Monitor or enforce branch protection changes. |
discussion | Triggered when a discussion is created, edited, or deleted. | Automate discussion management, notify teams, or categorize discussions. |
discussion_comment | Triggered when a comment is added to a discussion. | Automate responses or notifications based on discussion comments. |
repository_vulnerability_alert | Triggered when GitHub detects a security vulnerability in the repository. | Automate security workflows, patch dependencies, or notify security teams. |
package | Triggered when a package is published or updated. | Automate tasks like deployment or testing when a new package is released. |
push_tag | Triggered when a tag is pushed to the repository. | Use for versioning, release automation, or CI based on tagging. |
milestone | Triggered when a milestone is created, edited, or closed. | Automate milestone tracking or notify teams of milestone progress. |
label | Triggered when a label is created, edited, or deleted. | Automate label management for issues and pull requests. |
registry_package | Triggered when a registry package is published, updated, or deleted. | Manage or monitor changes in packages stored in GitHub’s registry. |
page_build | Triggered when a GitHub Pages site build completes. | Automate tasks like notifying teams or triggering follow-up actions after a site is built. |
member | Triggered when a user is added, removed, or invited to a repository. | Automate onboarding or offboarding workflows for team members. |
team | Triggered when a team is added, modified, or deleted. | Automate team management workflows. |
workflow_call | Triggered when another workflow calls a reusable workflow. | Useful for creating reusable workflows that can be invoked by multiple workflows. |
secret_scanning_alert | Triggered when GitHub identifies sensitive data in the repository. | Automatically notify security teams or handle leaked secrets. |
Explanation of Key Events
push: This is one of the most commonly used events, triggering workflows when commits are pushed to a specific branch.pull_request: Triggered whenever a pull request is opened, updated, or merged. It’s useful for running CI/CD pipelines based on pull requests.workflow_dispatch: This allows manual triggering of workflows, useful for scenarios like manually starting a deployment.schedule: Allows workflows to run at specific times using cron syntax. Useful for nightly builds or periodic maintenance tasks.release: Used to trigger workflows when a new release is created. This is often used for deployment workflows.check_run/check_suite: These events are triggered when automated checks (like CI tests) complete or fail. Actions can be taken based on the results.deployment/deployment_status: Automate the deployment process when a new deployment is created or monitor the deployment status to handle rollback or notification.repository_dispatch: Trigger workflows from external services or systems using the GitHub API.
Example
I’m Rajesh Kumar, a DevOps, SRE, DevSecOps, Cloud, and Platform Engineering expert passionate about sharing practical knowledge, real-world experiences, and industry best practices. I have worked at Cotocus and regularly write about technology, travel, investing, health, product reviews, and digital marketing through my various platforms.
I publish technical articles at DevOps School, travel stories at Holiday Landmark, stock market insights at Stocks Mantra, health and fitness guidance at My Medic Plus, product reviews at TrueReviewNow, and SEO and digital marketing strategies at Wizbrand.
Find Trusted Cardiac Hospitals
Compare heart hospitals by city and services — all in one place.
Explore Hospitals
