github-workflow-gradle-template

name	github-workflow-gradle-template
description	Provides a GitHub Actions CI workflow template for Gradle/Java projects. Claude should use this skill when creating or updating CI workflows to ensure current action versions and best practices are followed.

GitHub Actions Workflow Template for Gradle Projects

When creating a GitHub Actions CI workflow for a Gradle/Java project, use this template:

name: CI

on:
  push:
    branches: [ main ]
  pull_request:
    branches: [ main ]

jobs:
  build:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest

    steps:
      - uses: actions/checkout@v4

      - name: Set up JDK 17
        uses: actions/setup-java@v4
        with:
          java-version: '17'
          distribution: 'temurin'

      - name: Setup Gradle
        uses: gradle/actions/setup-gradle@v4
        with:
          cache-read-only: false

      - name: Build with Gradle
        run: ./gradlew build

Key Points

1. Action versions (as of December 2025):

   • actions/checkout@v4
   • actions/setup-java@v4
   • gradle/actions/setup-gradle@v4

2. Do NOT use deprecated actions:

   • gradle/wrapper-validation-action - no longer needed, wrapper validation is included in gradle/actions/setup-gradle
   • gradle/gradle-build-action - replaced by gradle/actions/setup-gradle

3. Avoid redundant steps:

   • ./gradlew build already runs tests, so a separate ./gradlew test step is unnecessary

4. Gradle caching: The gradle/actions/setup-gradle action handles caching automatically. Use cache-read-only: false to allow cache writes.

Customization

Adjust as needed for your project:

• Change java-version if using a different JDK version
• Add additional branches to the trigger
• Add environment variables or secrets as required