Gactions

Gactions is a command-line interface tool created by Google for developing, testing, and deploying Actions on Google, the platform that enables the creation of conversational experiences for Google Assistant. It provides a local workflow for managing the lifecycle of an action, from packaging definitions to releasing updates.

The tool centers on action packages that describe how an action behaves, including intents, scenes, prompts, and webhook integrations. Developers create these definitions in a structured format and use gactions to validate their syntax and logic before deployment. Through the CLI, developers can simulate conversations, verify dialog flows, and catch configuration errors without repeatedly interacting with the live console.

A typical workflow with gactions involves installing the binary, authenticating with a Google account, preparing an action package, and then using commands to push or update the package to the Actions Console. After deployment, the action can be tested inside the Google Assistant simulator or on real devices to ensure correct behavior and integration with external services.

Gactions is designed to be cross-platform, with binaries available for major operating systems, and it integrates with the broader Google Cloud and Actions on Google developer ecosystem. While it was a central tool during the evolution of Google Assistant development, developers should consult current Google documentation for any changes in tooling, workflows, or recommended best practices, as tooling and platform guidance can evolve over time.