Learning GitHub Actions for DevOps CI/CD - What Is a GitHub Runner

The video tutorial explains GitHub Actions, focusing on the differences between GitHub hosted and self-hosted runners. GitHub hosted runners are managed by GitHub, offering ease of use and automatic updates, while self-hosted runners provide customization and control over hardware and software configurations. The video discusses scenarios where self-hosted runners are beneficial, such as when specific software or network access is required. It highlights the cost implications and management responsibilities associated with each type of runner.

What is a key benefit of using GitHub Hosted Runners?

• They allow for custom hardware configurations.

• They are only available for Linux operating systems.

• They automatically manage maintenance and upgrades.

• They require manual software installation.

What is a benefit of using the latest OS version on GitHub Hosted Runners?

• It requires manual updates to the workflow.

• It limits the choice of operating systems.

• It automatically uses the latest available version.

• It ensures compatibility with older software.

What is a primary advantage of self-hosted runners?

• They are fully managed by GitHub.

• They offer free unlimited usage.

• They allow for custom hardware configurations.

• They automatically update to the latest OS version.

Why might an organization choose a self-hosted runner?

• To avoid any costs associated with GitHub Actions.

• To use proprietary software not available on GitHub Hosted Runners.

• To use only open-source software.

• To ensure automatic updates and maintenance.

How do self-hosted runners handle network-specific API access?

• They cannot access network-specific APIs.

• They allow for persistent network configurations.

• They require GitHub to whitelist the API.

• They automatically destroy instances after each job.

What is a limitation of GitHub Hosted Runners?

• They are only available for Windows operating systems.

• They require manual updates.

• They do not support proprietary software installations.

• They allow for custom hardware configurations.

What is a scenario where self-hosted runners are preferred?

• When needing to install software that takes a long time.

• When requiring GitHub to manage all updates.

• When using only pre-installed software.

• When needing a temporary virtual machine.