dryrunning

Dry running, also written as dry-run, is the practice of rehearsing a process or test to verify its correctness without causing real-world changes or side effects. The goal is to identify logical flaws, sequencing errors, or decision points before implementation.

In information technology and software development, a dry run may execute code paths with simulated inputs and no writes to external systems. It is used in deployment scripts, database migrations, and infrastructure automation to show what would happen, without applying changes. Some tools offer explicit check or simulate modes. The term is also used for unit tests that exercise control flow without performing I/O.

In project management and operations, dry runs are rehearsals for procedures, events, or service delivery. They help teams practice steps, timing, communications, and handoffs. In manufacturing and logistics, dry runs validate routes and procedures using non-production materials or stand-ins.

In safety and emergency preparedness, dry runs or drills simulate incidents to train personnel and assess readiness without risk to people or property. Tabletop exercises, walkthroughs, and rehearsals fall under this category.

Benefits and limitations: dry runs help catch planning gaps, improve documentation, and provide a safeguard against unintended consequences. However, they may not reveal timing constraints, performance issues, or rare edge cases. A successful dry run requires clearly defined scope, representative data, an isolated environment, and documentation of outcomes.

Best practices include defining clear objectives, using representative data and a safe environment, running end-to-end steps, recording results, and following up with concrete changes to implementation or procedures.