GitHub Actions matrix value not interpolating in job name

The name field renders matrix values only when they are written as expressions. A bare matrix.os without \${{ }} prints the literal text instead of the value.

What this error means

The job appears in the Actions UI with the unexpanded text like "build (matrix.os)" rather than "build (ubuntu-latest)".

# UI shows the literal text instead of the value:
build (matrix.os)

Common causes

Missing expression delimiters

Without \${{ }}, the name is treated as a literal string.

Quoting the whole name as a constant

Wrapping the name so the expression is inside quotes prevents evaluation.

How to fix it

Interpolate the matrix value

1. Wrap the dynamic part in \${{ }}.
2. Keep static text outside the expression.
3. Confirm the rendered name in the Actions UI.

strategy:
  matrix:
    os: [ubuntu-latest, windows-latest]
name: build (${{ matrix.os }})

How to prevent it

• Always wrap dynamic name segments in \${{ }}.
• Preview matrix expansions in the Actions UI after changes.

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