Automation

In short: Automation is the independent execution of recurring tasks by software or machines.

In more detail: It saves time and reduces errors.

In Depth

Examples

Scripts (Bash, PowerShell, Python), schedules (cron), CI/CD pipelines, backups, macros in Excel, industrial robots.

Rule of thumb

Tasks you do by hand more than three times are often worth a script. Describe processes as a workflow. See DevOps.

See also: Workflow, CI/CD Pipeline, Bash, DevOps