runbooks
Operations reference guides
Runbooks are documented procedures for handling specific operational tasks or incidents, typically in IT and software systems.
They provide step-by-step instructions for responding to alerts, performing maintenance, or troubleshooting problems: The runbook for database failover saved us during the outage.
Runbooks range from simple checklists to detailed scripts, helping teams respond consistently without relying on individual memory.
The term comes from the idea of a book you "run to" when something goes wrong.
Documented set of tactics
- checklistItemized verification guide
- step-by-stepIn sequential stages
- workflowSequential task progression
- processSteps toward a result
protocol · instructions · routine · script · sequence · execution · tasks · drill
Self-operating system design
- orchestrationScoring for instrumental ensemble
- deploymentOrganized distribution of resources
- monitoringOngoing observation of something
- troubleshootingSystematic fault diagnosis
recovery · alerting · on-call · pager · servers · infrastructure · configuration · logs
Suggested rules for behavior
- policiesAdopted courses of action
- protocolsEstablished codes of conduct
- complianceAdhering to requirements
- governanceHow authority is exercised
audit · review · approval · ownership · maintenance · lifecycle · retirement · onboarding
Compact reference guide
- manualWritten instructions for use
- guidebookReference for travelers
- referenceDirecting attention elsewhere
- compendiumCondensed reference collection
primer · cookbook · wiki · templates · diagrams · schematics · outlines · versioning
playbook
Documented set of tactics
- checklistItemized verification guide
- step-by-stepIn sequential stages
- workflowSequential task progression
process · protocol · instructions · routine · script · sequence · execution · tasks · drill · action
automation
Self-operating system design
- orchestrationScoring for instrumental ensemble
- deploymentOrganized distribution of resources
- monitoringOngoing observation of something
troubleshooting · recovery · alerting · on-call · pager · servers · infrastructure · configuration · logs · metrics
guidelines
Suggested rules for behavior
- policiesAdopted courses of action
- protocolsEstablished codes of conduct
- complianceAdhering to requirements
governance · audit · review · approval · ownership · maintenance · lifecycle · retirement · onboarding · training
handbook
Compact reference guide
- manualWritten instructions for use
- guidebookReference for travelers
- referenceDirecting attention elsewhere
compendium · primer · cookbook · wiki · templates · diagrams · schematics · outlines · versioning · changelog
runbooksimprovisation
Spontaneous, unplanned creation
winging it · tribal knowledge · gut instinct · firefighting · institutional memory
run, runs, ran, running, runner, runners, runny, rerun, reruns