DoStep

DoStep is a term used in software engineering and project management to describe a workflow approach that structures work into discrete, repeatable steps. Each step defines a task, its prerequisites, inputs, outputs, and acceptance criteria. The emphasis is on explicit sequencing, traceability, and reproducibility, allowing teams to audit progress and re-run steps if issues arise.

In a DoStep framework, steps can be executed sequentially or in parallel according to a defined dependency graph. A coordinating runner or orchestration layer manages execution, handles errors and retries, and collects metrics such as cycle time and step success rate. Idempotence is often prioritized so that re-running a step does not leave the system in an inconsistent state. DoStep-oriented systems are typically designed to be lightweight and compatible with existing tools, enabling integration with version control, issue trackers, and continuous integration/continuous deployment pipelines.

Common use cases for DoStep include process automation, data processing pipelines, software build and deploy workflows, and incident response playbooks where predictability and auditability are important. While the approach can improve consistency and accountability, it may also impose rigidity if step definitions become overly prescriptive. Successful adoption of DoStep generally requires clear ownership, governance over step definitions, and disciplined change management to maintain flexibility where appropriate.