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GitHub Actions Criticized for Slow Builds and Poor UX

Hacker News: Front Page •
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An article on Hacker News dissects the shortcomings of GitHub Actions, arguing it's detrimental to engineering teams. The author, a veteran of several CI/CD systems, criticizes its slow log viewer, cumbersome UI, and the YAML configuration complexity. He contrasts it with the more streamlined experience of Buildkite, highlighting the frustrations developers face daily.

The core issue revolves around GitHub Actions' user experience. The article laments the slow feedback loops, the opaque nature of debugging, and the reliance on a marketplace of potentially risky third-party actions. The author believes developers waste significant time navigating the system, hindering productivity. The lack of control over the build environment is another significant drawback.

Further, the article touches on the dangers of the GitHub Actions Marketplace. It warns about the risks of running unvetted code, emphasizing the potential security implications. The author's experience and the commentary on Hacker News suggest many teams are still struggling to find a CI/CD solution that fits their needs.

Ultimately, the discussion points to a broader trend. As software development becomes more complex, the tools we use must be efficient and secure. The challenges highlighted serve as a reminder for teams to carefully evaluate their CI/CD choices. The alternative, according to the author, is a system that slowly drains resources and frustrates teams.