How can you safely rollback a web application deployment in case of errors?

2 Test the rollback

The second step to safely rollback a web application deployment is to test the rollback in a staging or testing environment before applying it to the production environment. This is to ensure that the rollback works as expected and does not introduce new errors or inconsistencies. The testing environment should mimic the production environment as much as possible, including the code, configuration, data, and traffic. The rollback should be performed using the same tools and commands as the production rollback, and the results should be verified and monitored using the same criteria and metrics as the production rollback.

3 Execute the rollback

The third step to safely rollback a web application deployment is to execute the rollback in the production environment according to the rollback plan. This should be done as quickly and smoothly as possible, with minimal downtime and disruption for the users and the business. The rollback should be communicated to the relevant stakeholders, such as the developers, the managers, the customers, and the support team, using the appropriate channels and messages. The rollback should be executed using the same tools and commands as the testing rollback, and the results should be verified and monitored using the same criteria and metrics as the testing rollback.

4 Analyze the rollback

The fourth step to safely rollback a web application deployment is to analyze the rollback after it is completed and stabilized. This is to identify and understand the root cause of the errors that triggered the rollback, as well as the impact and effectiveness of the rollback. The analysis should involve reviewing the logs, reports, feedback, and metrics related to the deployment and the rollback, and comparing them with the baseline and the expectations. The analysis should also involve evaluating the performance, functionality, and usability of the web application after the rollback, and identifying any issues or improvements that need to be addressed.

5 Learn from the rollback

The fifth step to safely rollback a web application deployment is to learn from the rollback and use the insights and lessons to improve the web application development and deployment process. This means applying the best practices and standards for coding, testing, reviewing, and deploying the web application, as well as implementing the necessary changes and fixes to the code, configuration, and data. It also means updating and refining the backup and rollback plan, as well as the tools and commands used for the rollback, based on the feedback and experience from the rollback. Finally, it means sharing and documenting the knowledge and findings from the rollback with the rest of the team and the organization, and incorporating them into the future web application projects and plans.