What is a runbook?
Also called: run book, operations runbook, IT runbook
Last updated
A runbook is a set of step-by-step instructions for carrying out one operational task, such as restoring a backup, failing over a database or responding to an alert. It is written so whoever is on duty can do the task the same way every time, and includes the checks to make and what to do if one fails.
In more detail
Runbooks are most common in IT operations, DevOps and managed service providers. They are often used during an incident or a change window, when people are under pressure and a missed step can make things worse. That is why a good runbook separates the steps clearly, says what to check before anything that cannot be undone, and includes the rollback and escalation steps for when a check fails.
A runbook is narrower than a standard operating procedure. An SOP describes how a routine job is done in general. A runbook covers one specific technical task, often down to the command to run. A playbook is broader again: it describes how a team responds to a type of situation, such as a security incident, and often points to several runbooks.
Example
A database restore runbook might start by recording the incident and stopping the failed change, then disable writes and choose the point to restore to. A named person approves the restore before it starts. After the restore, two checks must pass: the database is valid, and the application’s smoke tests succeed. If either fails, an escalation step appears; if both pass, the steps to put the database back into service follow.
Runbooks in CheckFlow
In CheckFlow a runbook is a checklist template. Each step can carry its instructions and the fields to record, a halt stops the checklist until a check is done, and conditional logic shows the rollback or escalation steps only when they apply. Each time the runbook is run, the checklist records who did each step, what they entered and when. Describe one to the free AI runbook generator for a first draft.
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