github-service-containers

Installation
SKILL.md

GitHub Actions Service Containers

Run Docker containers (Redis, PostgreSQL, etc.) alongside workflow jobs for integration testing.

Not what you need? For building Docker container actions (Dockerfile + action.yml), see the github-docker-action skill.

Prerequisites

  • Linux runners only (ubuntu-latest or self-hosted Linux with Docker)
  • Service containers cannot be used inside composite actions
  • Each service is created fresh per job and destroyed when the job completes

Job Type Decision Tree

Networking depends on whether your job runs in a container or on the runner:

Related skills
Installs
6
Repository
kjanat/skills
First Seen
Feb 25, 2026