Fix GitHub error: Resource not accessible through integration

You may encounter this error in the “Cancel Previous Runs” step of your workflow:

Error: Resource not accessible through integration

This cryptic message often leaves developers scratching their heads. What resource? What integration? The error is caused by running a GitHub action in the .github/workflows/update-preview-deps.yml file.

name: "Update Preview Dependencies (feat/v2)"
on:
  schedule:
    - cron: "15 */3 * * *" # every three hours
  workflow_dispatch:

jobs:
  update:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    steps:
      - name: Cancel Previous Runs
        uses: styfle/cancel-workflow-action@0.9.1
        with:
          access_token: ${{ github.token }}

      - name: Checkout
        uses: actions/checkout@v2.3.5
        with:
          ref: 'feat/v2-ci'

        # ... (rest of the workflow steps)         

The explanation

This error typically occurs when the GitHub token you’re using doesn’t have enough permissions to access the resources it needs. But sometimes, the issue can be more fundamental. Check if the feat/v2-ci branch exists in the repository and fix it.

The solution

1. Check branch’s existence in our repo

Copy, paste, and execute the following command in your terminal:

branch_name="feat/v2"

function check_branch {
  local branch_name="$1"
  if git rev-parse --verify --quiet refs/heads/"$branch_name" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
    echo -e "\n\e[32mBranch $branch_name exists.\e[0m\n"
  else
    echo -e "\n\e[31mBranch $branch_name does not exist.\e[0m\n"
  fi
}

check_branch "$branch_name"

If you see Branch feat/v2 does not exist, continue. If you see Branch feat/v2 exists, push the branch and continue with the GitHub Actions execution.

2. Pull the missing branch from template

git fetch [e-mail]:medusajs/medusa-starter-default.git feat/v2:feat/v2

You should see:

From github.com:medusajs/medusa-starter-default
 * [new branch] feat/v2 -> feat/v2

3. Switch branch & push

git switch feat/v2 && git push origin feat/v2

4. Test GitHub Action

Go to GitHub and run Action “Update Preview Dependencies (feat/v2)” by clicking on the “Run Workflow” button.

Conclusion

The “resource not accessible through integration” error can be frustrating, but it’s often due to missing branches or insufficient permissions. For MedusaJS backends, ensure the necessary branches exist and your GitHub token has the right permissions. Happy coding!