Building: The before block

	A course on GitHub Learning Lab can guide you through this step.

The before block in config.yml is optional. It defines a series of actions. These actions execute after Learning Lab creates a copy of the template for the learner, but before the user is expected to complete steps.

Usage examples

Here are some common uses for the before block.

• seed the learner's repository with an issue and store the issue url for later

  before:
  - type: createIssue
    title: Getting Started with GitHub
    body: introduction.md
    store:
      first_issue_url: '{{ result.data.html_url }}'

• set up branch protections

  before:
  - type: updateBranchProtection

• complete multiple setup steps, like creating multiple pull requests

  before:
    - type: updateBranchProtection
    - type: createPullRequest
      title: "Welcome! Let's resolve a conflict"
      body: 00_welcome-conflict-1.md
      head: update-config
    - type: createPullRequest
      title: Another User's Change
      body: 00_another-user-conflict-6.md
      head: education-conflict
      store: 
        education_conflict_pr: '{{ result.data.html_url }}'
    - type: createPullRequest
      title: More conflicts
      body: 00_more-conflicts-3.md
      head: add-experience
    - type: createPullRequest
      title: Create your own conflict
      body: 00_create-conflict-5.md
      head: add-education