What is repeatable?
A repeatable process is one that can be performed the same way over and over and still produce the same result. In tech it means that if you follow the exact steps, use the same inputs, and run the same tools, you’ll get identical output each time.
Let's break it down
- Deterministic steps - every action has a predictable outcome.
- Documented instructions - the process is written down so anyone can follow it.
- Version‑controlled assets - code, scripts, and configurations are stored in a system that tracks changes.
- Automation - tools (like scripts or pipelines) run the steps without manual guesswork.
Why does it matter?
When a process is repeatable you can trust the results, catch bugs faster, and share work with teammates without surprises. It also makes scaling easier because you can copy the same setup on many machines or environments.
Where is it used?
- Building software (repeatable builds)
- Running automated tests (repeatable test suites)
- Deploying infrastructure (Infrastructure‑as‑Code)
- Processing data pipelines (repeatable ETL jobs)
- Manufacturing hardware prototypes
Good things about it
- Consistency: same output every time.
- Faster onboarding: new team members can follow the documented steps.
- Easier collaboration: everyone works from the same recipe.
- Reduced human error: automation handles repetitive tasks.
Not-so-good things
- Initial setup can be time‑consuming and require extra tooling.
- Too much rigidity may make it hard to adapt to unique edge cases.
- Over‑automation can hide underlying problems that need manual investigation.
- Maintaining the repeatable process adds ongoing maintenance overhead.