This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Nandini Pahuja
Automation isn’t magic — it’s deliberate setup. Spend an hour now to save dozens later. This guide walks you through a human, practical route to automating a repetitive task without drama.
Pick the right task
Choose a repetitive, rule-based task you do often (copy-paste, file uploads, moving leads). If it requires judgement or creativity, skip it for now.
Map the process
Write each step down: triggers, inputs, decisions, outputs. A clear checklist prevents surprises when you automate.
Prefer APIs over scraping
If the app offers an API, use it. APIs are faster, more reliable, and less likely to break than screen-scraping or GUI automation.
Pick your tool
No-code: Zapier or Make for fast wins. Low-code: Node.js/Python scripts with Puppeteer/Playwright or requests. Choose what you can maintain.
Build a minimal version
Start small—automate a single path end-to-end. Prove it works before expanding to edge cases.
Secure credentials and config
Never hardcode passwords. Use environment variables, secrets managers, or Zapier’s built-in credential fields. Respect privacy and platform terms.
Test like a human
Run your automation on sample data, then on a live but low-stakes set. Watch for rate limits, CAPTCHAs, or layout changes that might break flows.
Add retries & logging
Implement retry logic for transient errors and keep a log of actions and failures. Logs are your best friend when something goes sideways.
Schedule and monitor
Deploy your workflow as a scheduled job, webhook, or event-driven process. Check it daily at first, then weekly. Set alerts for failures.
Iterate and document
Collect feedback, handle new edge cases, and update your checklist. Document how it works, assumptions, and rollback steps so anyone can understand it.
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Nandini Pahuja