Easy CI/CD

Keep CI/CD boring, fast, and proportionate to the size of the project.

Workflow

1. Inspect the repo first.

   • Detect language, package manager, test command, and likely runtime command.
   • Read the existing README/config before adding automation.
   • Do not invent build steps the repo does not support.

2. Choose the minimum useful pipeline.

   • Default to one OS and one runtime version.
   • Trigger on push and pull_request to the main branch unless the repo clearly uses another default branch.
   • Add concurrency with cancel-in-progress for redundant runs.
   • Prefer one job unless the user explicitly wants more.

3. Add only high-value checks.

   • Run the smallest realistic install step.
   • Add a smoke check if it is cheap and meaningful.
   • Run the repo's existing tests if they are available.
   • Prefer fast feedback over exhaustive matrices.

4. Add a tiny release/deploy feature only when it helps.

   • Good defaults: upload test results, upload a source archive on tags, or build a minimal container.
   • Do not add cloud deploy, secrets, registries, or production rollout logic unless the user explicitly asks.

5. Add containerization only when requested or clearly useful.

   • Prefer a common slim base image for the language/runtime.
   • Install only common/lightweight system packages that are likely needed.
   • Keep the default command safe and easy to override.
   • Add a small .dockerignore.

6. Verify locally when practical.

   • Run the same cheap checks you put into CI when the environment allows.
   • If full verification is not practical, say so plainly.

7. Update docs minimally.

   • Add 1 short section or a few lines to README if needed.
   • Do not turn a small repo into a manual.

Guardrails

• Keep YAML readable and short.
• Prefer standard marketplace actions.
• Avoid multi-OS and multi-version matrices unless the project really needs them.
• Avoid long installs and unnecessary services.
• Avoid secret-dependent steps unless the user explicitly provides that direction.
• Match the repository's existing style and naming.

Good Defaults

GitHub Actions

For small repos, prefer:

• actions/checkout
• language setup action with dependency caching if cheap
• install deps
• smoke check
• test command
• artifact upload if useful

If you need examples, read references/templates.md.

Docker

For small Python repos, prefer:

• python:\x3Cversion>-slim
• PYTHONDONTWRITEBYTECODE=1
• PYTHONUNBUFFERED=1
• small apt install block only if likely needed
• install from requirements.txt or project metadata
• safe default CMD

Output Expectations

When reporting back:

• say what was added
• say where it lives
• say how it was verified
• mention anything intentionally left out to keep it minimal