act workflow_dispatch inputs missing running Actions locally
On GitHub you supply workflow_dispatch inputs through the UI or API. act does not prompt for them, so inputs.* is empty unless you trigger the workflow_dispatch event and pass values with --input or an event JSON file.
What this error means
A step reads inputs.version (or similar) as empty and fails or uses a default, because no dispatch input was provided to act.
act
Error: Input 'version' is required but was empty
| inputs.version resolved to an empty stringCommon causes
The workflow_dispatch event was not triggered
Running act with the default push event never populates dispatch inputs at all.
No input values were supplied
Even on workflow_dispatch, act leaves inputs empty unless you pass --input or an event payload file.
How to fix it
Trigger dispatch with inputs
Run the workflow_dispatch event and pass each input value.
Terminal
act workflow_dispatch --input version=1.2.3 -j releaseProvide an event payload file
Supply a JSON payload with the inputs under inputs and pass it with -e.
Terminal
act workflow_dispatch -e event.jsonHow to prevent it
- Trigger the
workflow_dispatchevent explicitly with act. - Pass required inputs with
--inputor an event payload file. - Set sensible defaults so missing local inputs do not break the run.
Frequently asked questions
What causes "workflow_dispatch inputs are empty"?
Running act with the default push event never populates dispatch inputs at all.
How do I fix workflow_dispatch inputs are empty?
Run the workflow_dispatch event and pass each input value.
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