Github actions failing after upgrading to node v20

ONLINECAST

2 min read

·

04-10-2024

11

0

Share

GitHub Actions Stumble After Node.js Upgrade: A Troubleshooting Guide

The Problem: After upgrading to Node.js v20, your GitHub Actions workflows start failing, leaving you scratching your head.

Let's break it down:

Imagine you're building a house. You carefully choose the right tools and materials for each step, ensuring everything works seamlessly. Now imagine you suddenly swap out the foundation for a new, incompatible one. Your house might start to crumble, and you'll need to rebuild the whole structure. This is similar to what happens when you upgrade Node.js in your GitHub Actions workflows.

Scenario:

You've been using Node.js v16 in your workflow for months, everything is working perfectly. Then, you decide to upgrade to Node.js v20 for its new features. You update your workflow file:

name: CI

on:
  push:
    branches:
      - main

jobs:
  build:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    steps:
    - uses: actions/checkout@v3
    - name: Setup Node.js
      uses: actions/setup-node@v3
      with:
        node-version: 20  # You've updated this to v20
    - name: Install dependencies
      run: npm install
    - name: Run tests
      run: npm test

But now, your workflow starts failing.

Why is this happening?

Node.js v20 brings significant changes that may break compatibility with older versions:

• New Features and APIs: Node.js v20 introduces new features and APIs that might not be supported in older packages.
• Module Resolution Changes: Changes in module resolution behavior can lead to unexpected errors, especially if your project relies on complex package structures.
• API Deprecations: Some APIs previously available in older versions are deprecated or removed in Node.js v20.

Debugging and Solutions:

1. Identify the Culprit: First, pinpoint the specific step in your workflow where the error occurs. Check the logs for detailed error messages. This will provide valuable clues.
2. Check Package Compatibility: If you see errors related to modules, check the package.json for outdated dependencies. Upgrade them to compatible versions with Node.js v20.
3. Review Code for API Usage: Review your code for potential API deprecations. Search for deprecated APIs in the Node.js v20 documentation and update your code accordingly.
4. Consider Polyfills or Shims: If you absolutely need to use deprecated APIs, consider using polyfills or shims to ensure compatibility. These are essentially patches that provide missing functionality.
5. Downgrade Node.js (Temporary Fix): As a temporary fix, you can temporarily downgrade Node.js to a compatible version if the upgrade is causing severe issues. However, this is not a long-term solution and can hinder you from utilizing new features.

Additional Tips:

• Use npm audit: Run npm audit to automatically check for vulnerabilities and outdated dependencies in your project.
• Pin Dependencies: Always try to pin your project's dependencies to specific versions in your package.json to avoid unexpected behavior during upgrades.
• Start with Smaller Upgrades: If upgrading directly to Node.js v20 causes problems, try upgrading in smaller steps (e.g., from v16 to v18, then from v18 to v20) to isolate the issue.

Moving Forward:

Upgrading to a new Node.js version can be daunting, but it's essential to keep your projects up-to-date and benefit from the latest features and security enhancements. By following these tips, you can navigate through the upgrade process smoothly and ensure your GitHub Actions workflows continue to run successfully.

Remember: The most important thing is to test thoroughly after any changes. Use a test environment to simulate your production setup and catch any potential issues before they impact your live workflow.