What it does
Woodpecker CI executes pipeline steps in Docker containers. Its docs show activating a repository with a webhook, then defining a YAML workflow that runs on a selected push event and branch; separate workflow files can organize build, test, lint, and deploy work.
Activate a repository, configure its webhook, and define a YAML workflow with an event and branch filter. Steps run in containers and share a workspace within that workflow. Separate workflows can depend on earlier ones, but files are not automatically shared between workflows; use a storage plugin or another transfer mechanism when later workflows need generated artifacts.
The project site describes Woodpecker as free and open source, and its repository identifies Apache License 2.0. Repository activation requires administrator rights to add a webhook. Hosted-service pricing was not established by the pages accessed.
Strengths
- The project site describes Woodpecker as open-source and free, and the repository license is Apache 2.0.
- The docs cover repository activation, event and branch filters, container images, ordered steps, and dependent workflows.
Watch out for
- Activating a repository requires administrator rights so Woodpecker can add a webhook.
- Files are shared only between steps in the same workflow; separate workflows need a storage plugin or other transfer mechanism for artifacts.
Best for
- Teams seeking a free, open-source CI engine with YAML workflows and containerized steps.
- Projects that need explicit control over workflow boundaries and artifact handoff.
Sources
- Woodpecker CI (Oct 25, 2026)
- Workflows | Woodpecker CI (Oct 25, 2026)
- Your first pipeline | Woodpecker CI (Oct 25, 2026)
- LICENSE | woodpecker-ci/woodpecker (Oct 25, 2026)