GitHub Actions tutorial: Automate tests and deploys for Node.js and Python, because manual Friday screw-ups were so last sprint

GitHub Actions is a built-in CI/CD system that automates routine tasks, allowing developers to focus on coding. Continuous Integration (CI) checks code changes automatically, while Continuous Deployment (CD) deploys code to servers after successful checks. GitHub Actions offers a free limit for public repositories, a vast ecosystem of pre-built actions, and YAML files that can be stored alongside code. A basic CI workflow for a Node.js project can be created using a YAML file, which includes steps such as checking out code, setting up Node.js, installing dependencies, and running tests. GitHub Actions also supports Docker and allows for the addition of linter checks and deployment scripts. Secrets, such as SSH keys, can be stored securely using GitHub's Secrets feature. By using GitHub Actions, developers can automate testing, reduce human error, and speed up releases, making it an essential tool for modern software development. With its ease of use and integration with GitHub, it is an ideal choice for small to medium-sized projects.