Which two top-level keys are required in every action.yml metadata file? (Choose two)
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Short Explanation and Infographic
name and runs are required for action metadata. branding is optional Marketplace polish; author is optional — neither is required for the action to execute on a runner.
Full explanation below image
Full Explanation
The action metadata file must include name (display name) and runs (how the action executes: node, docker, or composite). description is strongly conventional and expected for Marketplace publication, while branding.icon and branding.color customize Marketplace listing appearance and are optional. author is optional. inputs and outputs are optional blocks. Missing runs prevents GitHub from knowing how to execute the action; missing name breaks core metadata expectations. When publishing to Marketplace, additional requirements apply such as a solid README and proper releases. For this question, the pair contrasted against clearly optional branding and author fields is name and runs as the essential top-level keys.