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GitHub Actions

GitHub Actions step is missing run or uses

Every step must define a `uses` or `run` key.

GitHub Actions could not validate the workflow because a step exists without either running a command or calling an action.

Every step must define a `uses` or `run` keyconfiguration

Observed message

Every step must define a `uses` or `run` key.

Why it happens

  • A step contains metadata like name or env but no run or uses key.
  • A workflow edit removed the action or command from a previously valid step.
  • Indentation or YAML structure made the run or uses key fall outside the step unexpectedly.

How to fix it

  1. Add either a run command or a uses reference to the failing step.
  2. Check YAML indentation so keys stay inside the intended step object.
  3. Remove placeholder steps that are not yet implemented rather than leaving them incomplete.

Official reference

GitHub Docs: Workflow syntax for GitHub Actions

Related errors

GITHUB_ENV cannot be used to set the NODE_OPTIONS environment variableGitHub Actions blocks NODE_OPTIONS from being set through GITHUB_ENVWrapping with double quotes (") will throw an errorGitHub Actions expression string used double quotes and failed`!` is reserved notation in YAML formatGitHub Actions if expression starting with ! failed YAML parsingon.workflow_call.inputs.<input_id>.typeGitHub Actions reusable workflow input is missing a required type

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GitHub Actions every step must define uses or run | Error Atlas