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How to Convert GitHub Actions to Azure Pipelines - Step by Step Guide

Step 1

Input Your GitHub Actions Workflow

Start with your existing GitHub Actions workflow. Whether you're migrating to Azure Pipelines, consolidating with Azure DevOps, or evaluating platforms:

•
Paste directly: Copy your workflow YAML from .github/workflows/ and paste into the editor
•
Upload file: Click "Upload" to select your workflow YAML file
•
Try sample: Click "Sample" to load an example GitHub Actions workflow

Example: GitHub Actions Workflow

Here's what a typical GitHub Actions workflow looks like:

name: CI Pipeline
on: [push, pull_request]

jobs:
  build:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    steps:
      - uses: actions/checkout@v3
      - uses: actions/setup-node@v3
        with:
          node-version: '16'
      - run: npm install
      - run: npm run build
Step 2

Automatic Conversion & Mapping

The converter automatically transforms your GitHub Actions workflow into Azure Pipelines format:

•
Jobs to Jobs: GitHub Actions jobs convert to Azure Pipelines jobs with proper structure
•
Actions to Tasks: Common actions like setup-node, setup-python map to Azure Pipeline tasks
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Runners to Pools: GitHub Actions runners map to Azure vmImage specifications
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Dependencies: Job needs become dependsOn in Azure Pipelines for proper sequencing
•
Artifacts: upload-artifact actions convert to PublishBuildArtifacts tasks
•
Environment variables: Job env becomes Azure Pipeline variables

Example: Converted Azure Pipelines Configuration

The same workflow transformed into Azure Pipelines YAML:

name: CI Pipeline
trigger:
  branches:
    include:
      - main
      - master
pool:
  vmImage: ubuntu-latest

jobs:
- job: build
  steps:
  - checkout: self
  - task: NodeTool@0
    inputs:
      versionSpec: '16'
  - script: npm install
  - script: npm run build
Step 3

Review and Customize

Review the generated configuration and make necessary adjustments:

•
Check agent pools: Verify Azure agent pool (vmImage) matches your requirements
•
Configure variables: Move GitHub secrets to Azure Pipeline variables or variable groups
•
Custom actions: GitHub marketplace actions may need Azure Pipeline task equivalents
•
Service connections: Set up Azure DevOps service connections for deployments
Step 4

Deploy to Azure DevOps

Save your pipeline file and set up Azure Pipelines:

•
Download pipeline: Click "Download" to save the azure-pipelines.yml file
•
Add to repository: Place file in repository root (azure-pipelines.yml)
•
Create pipeline: In Azure DevOps, create a new pipeline and select existing YAML file
•
Run pipeline: Save and run - Azure DevOps will execute your pipeline automatically

Frequently Asked Questions

Why convert GitHub Actions to Azure Pipelines?

Teams convert to Azure Pipelines when consolidating with Azure DevOps for project management, integrating with Azure services, requiring enterprise support, or leveraging Azure-specific features like test plans, boards, and artifacts. Azure Pipelines also offers parallel job minutes and self-hosted agents.

Are GitHub Actions marketplace actions supported?

Common actions like checkout, setup-node, setup-python, and upload-artifact convert automatically to equivalent Azure Pipeline tasks. For marketplace-specific actions, you'll need Azure Pipeline task equivalents or custom scripts. Azure also has its own marketplace with hundreds of tasks.

How do GitHub secrets map to Azure Pipelines?

GitHub repository secrets become Azure Pipeline variables or variable groups. Configure them in Pipeline → Library → Variable groups for shared secrets, or directly in pipeline settings for pipeline-specific values. Azure also supports Azure Key Vault integration for enhanced security.

What about GitHub-specific features like environments?

GitHub environments with protection rules map to Azure DevOps deployment stages with approvals and checks. Azure Pipelines supports stage dependencies, manual approvals, and deployment gates. Set these up in the pipeline YAML or through the Azure DevOps UI.

Can I use self-hosted agents like GitHub self-hosted runners?

Yes! Azure Pipelines supports self-hosted agents similar to GitHub self-hosted runners. Install the Azure Pipelines agent on your infrastructure and reference custom agent pools in your pipeline. This is useful for accessing private networks, specific software, or reducing costs.

Can I convert back to GitHub Actions?

Yes! Use our Azure Pipelines to GitHub Actions converter for the reverse conversion. We also offer converters for CircleCI, Jenkins, and other platforms.

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