File Distribution
When to Use This Skill
Automated file distribution across multiple repositories using GitHub Actions and GitHub Apps.
Pattern Overview
A three-stage workflow that discovers targets, distributes files in parallel, and reports results. Idempotent design ensures safe reruns.
Prerequisites
- GitHub App Setup - Organization-level GitHub App
- Actions Integration - Token generation in workflows
Implementation
Core Workflow
- Architecture - Three-stage workflow overview
- Stage 1: Discovery - Query organization for target repositories
- Stage 2: Distribution - Parallel distribution to each repository
- Stage 3: Summary - Aggregate and display results
Configuration
- Workflow Configuration - Triggers and permissions
- Supporting Scripts - Branch preparation and helper scripts
Reliability
- Idempotency - Safe re-execution guarantees
- Error Handling - Failure strategies and reporting
- Troubleshooting - Common issues and solutions
Extensions
- Extension Patterns - Multi-file, conditional, and template distribution
Operations
- Performance - Parallel processing and rate limits
- Monitoring - Workflow summaries and metrics
- Security - Token scope and audit trails
Key Principles
- Start Small - Test with 2-3 repositories before full rollout
- Monitor First Run - Watch logs carefully on initial deployment
- Gradual Rollout - Increase
max-parallelgradually - Clear Documentation - Document what files are distributed and why
- Review Process - Ensure PRs are reviewed before merging
Techniques
Patterns Applied
This workflow implements patterns from the Developer Guide:
| Pattern | Purpose | | ------- | ------- | | Three-Stage Design | Separates discovery, execution, and reporting | | Matrix Distribution | Parallelizes operations with conditional logic | | Idempotency | Ensures safe reruns after partial failures | | Work Avoidance | Skips version-only changes |
Troubleshooting
See troubleshooting.md for common issues and solutions.