Do-nothing scripting: the key to gradual automation (2019) (blog.danslimmon.com)

Article summary

The article discusses the concept of 'do-nothing scripting' as a way to gradually automate manual procedures. This approach involves creating a script that outlines each step of a process, but does not actually perform any actions, instead prompting the user to complete each step manually. The goal is to make it easier to maintain focus and eventually automate parts of the process. By encoding the instructions of a slog into a script, teams can develop a library of useful steps and make future automation tasks more efficient.

Main themes

• Gradual automation
• Do-nothing scripting
• Process automation
• Manual procedures
• Scripting
• Automation strategies

What commenters say

• Do-nothing scripting is a useful approach for automating manual procedures by first encoding the instructions of a process into a script that prompts the user to complete each step manually.
• The approach allows for incremental automation, where parts of the process can be automated over time, making it a flexible and efficient way to automate tasks.
• Some commentators argue that do-nothing scripting can lead to a proliferation of single-purpose scripts with different conventions and expectations, making it difficult to manage and maintain.
• Others see do-nothing scripting as a way to create a catalog of scripts that automate common tasks, making it easier to hand over tasks to others and free up time for more complex problems.
• There are concerns that do-nothing scripting may not be suitable for all types of processes, particularly those with complex or tedious steps that require significant automation.
• Some commentators suggest that do-nothing scripting can be improved by using nicer CLI libraries or tools like Makefiles or Just, which can provide more features and flexibility.
• The approach is seen as a way to bridge the gap between manual processes and automation, making it easier to automate tasks and free up time for more strategic work.
• Do-nothing scripting is not a replacement for proper automation, but rather a stepping stone towards more comprehensive automation solutions.