workflow files

YAML-based configuration files that automate software development lifecycles by defining specific triggers, jobs, and execution environments.

Workflow files function as the declarative blueprint for CI/CD pipelines (typically stored in the .github/workflows directory). These YAML documents orchestrate complex sequences: triggering on push or pull_request events, spinning up virtual runners (like ubuntu-latest), and executing discrete steps such as npm install or docker build. By version-controlling these configurations alongside source code, teams ensure every commit validates against specific linting rules and deployment targets. It is the industry standard for modern automation: defining exactly how code moves from a local branch to a production environment.

https://docs.github.com/en/actions/using-workflows/about-workflows