Fixing CI/CD Workflow Permissions For Test Reporting

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Fixing CI/CD Workflow Permissions for Test Reporting

Hey guys! Ever stumble upon a pesky permissions error in your CI/CD pipeline? I know I have! Let's dive into a common issue where the test reporter in an Enterprise CI/CD workflow is throwing a permissions error. We'll explore the root cause, the proposed solutions, and how to get those test results shining in the GitHub UI. So, grab a coffee and let's get started!

The Permissions Predicament

Understanding the Problem: The HttpError

So, what exactly is the issue? Well, the Enterprise CI/CD workflow's test reporter step is failing with a permissions error. When the dorny/test-reporter@v1 action tries to publish test results, it hits a snag. The error message? An HttpError: Resource not accessible by integration. This is like the action can't get the right keys to unlock the door and publish the reports. The error comes from lines 438-447 of the .github/workflows/enterprise_ci_cd.yml file, which is responsible for publishing the test results. It's frustrating when things don't work, right?

Unveiling the Root Cause: A Hidden Issue Exposed

Now, here's the kicker: this isn't a brand-new issue. This permissions problem has been hiding in the shadows because the workflow was failing at earlier steps. It's like a chain reaction; one thing breaks, and everything behind it gets masked. But after a previous fix, the workflow now progresses far enough to expose this permissions error. The current permissions block is set up like this:

permissions:
  actions: read
  contents: read
  security-events: write

The dorny/test-reporter@v1 action requires checks: write permission to create check runs with test results. Think of it like this: the test reporter needs a special key (checks: write) to make sure it can create those check runs and share the test results. Currently, the workflow doesn't have it, and that's the problem. We need to find a solution to grant the necessary permission so the test reporter can do its job properly.

Proposed Solutions: How to Fix the Permissions

Option A: The Recommended Fix – Add checks: write Permission

This is the preferred method. By adding checks: write, we're giving the action the ability to publish the results. Here's how to do it:

# In .github/workflows/enterprise_ci_cd.yml, lines 35-39
permissions:
  actions: read
  contents: read
  security-events: write
  checks: write  # Add this line

It's straightforward, and it gets the job done. Just add that one line, and the test reporter should be able to publish results without a hitch. This is the cleanest and most direct fix, and it's generally what you want to do.

Option B: The Temporary Fix – Make Test Reporter Non-Blocking

If you need a quick fix, this is an option, but it's not the best one. This means that even if the test reporter fails, the whole workflow won't fail. It's like saying, "Okay, if this part fails, let's keep going." Add continue-on-error: true to the test reporter step in the workflow file:

# In .github/workflows/enterprise_ci_cd.yml, line 438
- name: Publish test results
  continue-on-error: true  # Add this line
  uses: dorny/test-reporter@v1

This is a temporary workaround. While it lets the workflow continue, it doesn't solve the core permissions issue. The test reporter still won't be publishing results successfully.

Option C: The Last Resort – Remove the Test Reporter Step

If publishing test results isn't essential for your workflow, you can remove the test reporter step entirely. The test results will still be visible in the workflow logs. It's like sweeping the problem under the rug. Not ideal, but sometimes necessary. This will make sure that the workflow completes without any errors.

Acceptance Criteria: How to Know It's Fixed

Checklist to Verify the Fix

Here’s a checklist to ensure the solution works:

  • [x] The checks: write permission is added to the workflow permissions block.
  • [x] The test reporter action successfully publishes results. This is crucial; you want to see those results in the GitHub UI!
  • [x] No security implications from granting additional permissions. Always make sure that you're not opening up any security vulnerabilities.
  • [x] The test results are visible in the GitHub UI. That's the ultimate goal – easy-to-read test results in GitHub!

This ensures that everything functions as expected and that you're not introducing any unexpected problems. Always double-check your work to ensure it's doing what you expect.

Priority: Why It's Not a High-Priority Fix

Understanding the "Nice-to-Have" Status

This is a low-priority fix, and here's why. The test results are still visible in the workflow logs, even without the test reporter. Having the test results in the GitHub UI is a nice-to-have feature. The primary function of the workflow is still working, so this is an enhancement rather than a critical fix. It's about improving the user experience and making things more convenient.

Related Information: Where to Find More Help

Additional Resources

Here's some information to help you if you need it:

  • PR #1: This previous pull request addressed earlier failures in the workflow.
  • Action: dorny/test-reporter@v1 is the action used to publish test results.
  • Documentation: Check out the documentation for the dorny/test-reporter action: https://github.com/dorny/test-reporter#permissions. It's always a good idea to read the documentation to understand what the action does and how it works.

This information should help you solve the permission issue and improve your CI/CD workflow. Good luck, and happy coding, guys!