Update GitHub Actions to use checkout v6.

Change Summary

This update modifies the GitHub Actions workflows for deployment (deploy.yml) and planning (plan.yml). Specifically, the change involves updating the actions/checkout action from version v4 to a specific commit (8e8c483db84b4bee98b60c0593521ed34d9990e8), which corresponds to version v6.

Technical Details

• Files Modified: .github/workflows/deploy.yml and .github/workflows/plan.yml
• Action Updated: actions/checkout
  • Old Version: v4
  • New Version: Specific commit 8e8c483db84b4bee98b60c0593521ed34d9990e8 (version v6)
• Reason for Specific Commit: The change to a specific commit rather than a tagged version (v6) suggests a need for a particular set of fixes or features available in that commit but not yet released in an official version.

Key Learnings & Insights

• Dependency Management: Pinning to a specific commit can be crucial when a tagged version does not include necessary fixes or features. This approach ensures that the workflow uses a known-good state of the action.
• Version Control: Using specific commits can help avoid unexpected changes that might be introduced in newer versions, providing more control over the CI/CD pipeline.
• Problem-Solving: The decision to use a specific commit indicates a proactive approach to managing dependencies, ensuring that the workflow remains stable and functional.

Impact Assessment

• Performance: There should be no significant performance impact, as the change is primarily about dependency versioning.
• Security: Using a specific commit can enhance security by avoiding potential vulnerabilities introduced in newer versions until they are thoroughly vetted.
• Maintainability: This change might complicate maintenance if the specific commit becomes outdated or if future changes require updates to the action. Regular reviews and updates will be necessary to keep the workflow current.

Developer Notes

• Gotchas: Be cautious when updating to newer versions of the actions/checkout action, as there might be breaking changes or new behaviors that could affect the CI/CD pipeline.
• Future Improvements: Consider transitioning back to tagged versions once a stable release incorporating the necessary fixes or features is available. This will simplify maintenance and upgrade processes.
• Context for Future Developers: The choice of a specific commit was made to ensure stability and include specific fixes not yet available in an official release. Regularly review and update the dependency to leverage new features and security patches.