docs: clarify secrets vs inputs syntax usage (#8166)

Add info blocks to documentation explaining when to use secrets. vs inputs. syntax:
- Recommend secrets. as the default for most use cases
- Explain inputs. provides flexibility for reusable blocks
- Reference GitHub Actions pattern for clarity

This addresses user confusion around the two syntaxes and provides clear guidance on when each should be used.

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Co-authored-by: Continue Agent <[email protected]>
Co-authored-by: Ting-Wai To <[email protected]>
Co-authored-by: Continue <[email protected]>

Author: 4 people

docs/guides/configuring-models-rules-tools.mdx

@@ -107,6 +107,19 @@ When configuring a local model or MCP server, you can use the same mustache nota
 </Card>
 </Columns>
 
+<Info>
+**When to use `secrets.` vs `inputs.`**
+
+For most use cases, **use `${{ secrets.SECRET_NAME }}`** directly in your configuration. This is the recommended approach for both personal and organizational workflows.
+
+Use `${{ inputs.INPUT_NAME }}` only when you need flexibility to:
+- Allow users to customize which secret a block uses without editing the block itself
+- Change the secret name without modifying the block configuration
+- Create reusable blocks where different users may have differently-named secrets
+
+This pattern is inspired by GitHub Actions, where inputs provide an abstraction layer between block definitions and user-specific values. For most scenarios, directly referencing `secrets.` keeps configuration simpler and more straightforward.
+</Info>
+
 ## Overriding Properties
 
 You can directly override properties using the `override` syntax:

docs/hub/blocks/create-a-block.mdx

@@ -27,3 +27,13 @@ After filling out information on the block, you will want to create a block foll
 ### Block Inputs
 
 Blocks can receive values, including secrets, as inputs through templating. For values that the user of the block needs to set, you can use template variables (e.g. `${{ inputs.API_KEY}}`). Then, the user can set `API_KEY: ${{ secrets.MY_API_KEY }}` in the `with` clause of their agent.
+
+<Info>
+**Choosing between `secrets.` and `inputs.`**
+
+When creating blocks for the hub:
+- Use `${{ inputs.INPUT_NAME }}` in your block definition when you want users to be able to customize which secret is used
+- Users will then map their own secrets using `${{ secrets.SECRET_NAME }}` in the `with` clause
+
+For personal or single-use configurations, you can skip the inputs layer and reference `${{ secrets.SECRET_NAME }}` directly in your block.
+</Info>