Claude Code GitHub Actions can work on a bug while your laptop is off. A useful first task is a reproducible error with a clear expected result.
You need a repository on GitHub.com with Actions enabled, admin access for setup, and Claude Code and GitHub CLI installed locally. Authentication uses a Claude subscription token or an API key; GitHub Actions usage is accounted for separately.
1. Connect the repository once.
In its local checkout, run
gh auth login, then start claude. Inside Claude Code, run /install-github-app.Follow the prompts to install the app and configure authentication. Continue with Actions setup and select the workflow that responds to @claude mentions. Create and merge the workflow pull request opened by the installer. Official setup guide.
2. Open an issue describing one bug.
Include the steps to reproduce it, the actual result and the expected result. Add relevant file names and the test command if you know them.
For example, if an empty search crashes your app, describe exactly which page and action cause it. Then post this comment from an account with repository write access:
@claude Fix the empty-search crash described above. An empty query should show “Enter a search term” without sending a search request. Keep normal searches working and avoid unrelated changes.
Add a regression test using the existing test framework. Report which checks you ran and which you could not run. Prepare the fix on a new branch for review.
3. Turn the result into a reviewed pull request.
Claude updates its issue comment with progress. For issue requests, it creates a branch and can return a link to a prefilled pull request page. Follow that link and create the pull request. Documented behavior.
Review the changed files. Run the regression test and try both an empty search and a normal search. If Claude could not run checks, run them yourself before merging.