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Learn how to handle JSON data safely in GitHub Actions workflows by avoiding shell interpretation issues.
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How to Safely Write JSON Output to a File in a GitHub Workflow

When working with GitHub Actions, processing data from JSON responses can sometimes become challenging, especially when dealing with special characters. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your script breaks because of unwanted single quotes in JSON data? If so, you're not alone. This post will guide you through the safe handling of JSON output in a GitHub workflow and show you how to avoid potential pitfalls regarding shell interpretation.

The Challenge: Handling JSON in GitHub Actions

In one scenario, a user was working with a GitHub workflow that retrieves information about all GitHub releases using the octokit/request-action. The user attempted to write the JSON response to a file but faced issues when JSON data contained special characters, particularly single quotes. The failure stemmed from shell code interpreting these characters, potentially leading to errors in the workflow.

Here’s a quick look at the problematic code snippet:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

The issue occurs because the command echo does not adequately escape single quotes in the JSON data, resulting in potential script failure. So, how can we write JSON output to a file without such risks?

The Solution: Using Environment Variables

The simplest and safest approach is to leverage environment variables. Instead of writing the JSON directly to a file using echo, you can store the JSON output in an environment variable. This way, you can pass the variable contents directly to jq without the risk of shell interpretation errors. Here’s how it can be done:

Updated Code Snippet

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Breakdown of the Solution

Storing JSON Data: By setting an environment variable DATA to steps.release.outputs.data, you isolate the JSON from shell interpretation.

Using here strings: The <<< operator allows you to feed the contents of the variable directly to jq. This bypasses the need for writing data to a file first, thus eliminating potential issues with special characters.

Direct Processing: By doing so, you can easily extract specific fields such as the browser_download_url and the body without worrying about formatting issues.

Conclusion

Writing JSON output to a file in GitHub workflows doesn't have to be fraught with risk. By using environment variables and the proper shell syntax, you can avoid common pitfalls associated with special characters in JSON data. This approach ensures that your workflows run smoothly and your JSON data is processed safely.

Next time you find yourself working with JSON in GitHub Actions, remember this easy fix and keep your pipelines running without a hitch!