Failure is normal. So why not embrace it?

In DevOps we like to do the right thing at the right time...that includes failing!

In the world of software development and deployment, it's important to have principles and practices that guide the process. One such principle is the concept of "fail forward," which refers to the idea that when a failure occurs during deployment, it should be used as an opportunity to learn, adapt, and improve the process going forward.

At its core, "fail forward" is about embracing failure as a natural and necessary part of the software development process. Instead of viewing failure as a setback, it's seen as an opportunity for growth and improvement. By analyzing what went wrong and why, developers can identify the root cause of the problem and take steps to prevent it from happening again and lessening the impact of such failures, by isolating critical environments from trial ones.

There are several key principles that are associated with "fail forward," including:

1. Continuous Improvement: This principle is all about constantly learning from failures and using that knowledge to improve the software deployment process. It's important to view each failure as an opportunity to learn something new and make the necessary changes to prevent similar issues from happening in the future.
2. Rapid Iteration: When a failure occurs, it's important to quickly iterate and make changes to the software deployment process. This allows developers to implement fixes and improvements in a timely manner, which can help minimize the impact of the failure.
3. Collaborative Approach: "Fail forward" requires a collaborative approach, where developers work together to analyze failures and identify the root cause of the problem. By working together, they can pool their expertise and come up with solutions that address the underlying issues.
4. Embrace Risk: Embracing risk is an important part of "fail forward," as it requires developers to be willing to take risks in order to improve the software deployment process. This means being open to trying new things, experimenting with different approaches, and accepting the possibility of failure. Fail when and where you should!
5. Focus on the Future: "Fail forward" is about looking forward and focusing on what can be done to improve the software deployment process in the future. Instead of dwelling on past failures, it's important to use them as a learning opportunity and move forward with a plan to improve.

So, implementing the "fail forward" principle can be challenging, but it can ultimately lead to a more efficient, effective, and resilient software deployment process. By embracing failure and using it as an opportunity to learn and improve, developers can create a culture of continuous improvement that drives innovation and success.

Remember: the only people that never fail, are those who never try anything.