Support Variable Replacement in 'defaults' Working Directory Path

[elada-lb]

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I would like to propose an enhancement to the GitHub Actions workflow syntax that enables variable replacement within the working-directory field under the defaults section. Specifically, the ability to use a variable like ${{ var_dir_name }} within the path would significantly enhance the flexibility and reusability of workflows.
Currently, the following does not work:

defaults:
  run:
    working-directory: /dir1/${{ var_dir_name }}

Currently, setting a dynamic working directory using variables is not supported directly in the defaults section. Implementing this feature would streamline workflows where the working directory needs to be dynamically set based on the context or environment, reducing redundancy and making the workflows more maintainable.

This feature would benefit users who manage multiple directories or environments and require a more dynamic and adaptable workflow setup.

[shaharz-lb]

I fully support this proposal. Adding the ability to use variables within the working-directory field in the defaults section of GitHub Actions workflows would significantly enhance their flexibility and reusability. Currently, we can't dynamically set the working directory using variables, which leads to redundancy and less maintainable workflows.

Implementing this feature would be particularly beneficial for users who manage multiple directories or environments, allowing for a more dynamic and adaptable workflow setup. This enhancement would undoubtedly improve the overall efficiency of GitHub Actions.

[evyatar-lb]

This fix is highly needed.
Hope it will be added soon.

[github-actions[bot]]

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[muzimuzhi]

According to the docs for contexts availability,

Workflow key	Context	Special functions
jobs.<job_id>.defaults.run	github, needs, strategy, matrix, env, vars, inputs

So yes currently it's impossible to use any contexts in the top-level defaults workflow key.

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[shaharz-lb]

Is there an intention to work on this feature?