> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://pedal.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://pedal.gitbook.io/docs/best-practices.md). # Best Practices Follow these best practices to get the most out of PEDAL and ensure reliable, maintainable workflows. ## Workflow Design ### Keep Workflows Focused * Design workflows for a single, clear purpose * Break complex workflows into smaller, reusable components * Use descriptive names that explain what the workflow does ### Error Handling * Always include error handling and retry logic * Use conditional steps to handle different scenarios * Log errors with sufficient context for debugging ### Dependencies * Minimize dependencies between workflows * Use explicit dependency declarations * Avoid circular dependencies ## Configuration Management ### Environment Variables * Use environment variables for sensitive data (API keys, passwords) * Keep configuration in version control when possible * Use different configs for different environments ### Secrets Management * Never hardcode secrets in workflow definitions * Use PEDAL's built-in secrets management * Rotate secrets regularly ## Performance Optimization ### Resource Usage * Monitor workflow execution time and resource consumption * Optimize slow steps or consider parallelization * Clean up temporary files and artifacts ### Caching * Cache expensive operations when possible * Use PEDAL's built-in caching features * Invalidate caches when dependencies change ## Security ### Access Control * Use least-privilege access for workflows * Regularly review and update permissions * Audit workflow access and execution logs ### Input Validation * Validate all external inputs * Use PEDAL's schema validation features * Sanitize data before processing ## Monitoring and Observability ### Logging * Use structured logging with consistent formats * Include relevant context in log messages * Set appropriate log levels ### Metrics * Track key performance indicators * Monitor workflow success rates * Set up alerts for critical failures ## Testing ### Workflow Testing * Test workflows with realistic data * Include negative test cases * Test error conditions and edge cases ### Integration Testing * Test workflows end-to-end * Verify integration with external systems * Test rollback and recovery procedures ## Documentation ### Workflow Documentation * Document the purpose and expected behavior of each workflow * Include examples and use cases * Keep documentation up to date with changes ### Code Comments * Add comments for complex logic * Explain business rules and requirements * Document assumptions and limitations ## Team Collaboration ### Version Control * Use meaningful commit messages * Review workflow changes before deployment * Tag releases for important changes ### Communication * Notify team members of workflow changes * Document breaking changes clearly * Share knowledge and lessons learned *** > For troubleshooting, see [Common Issues](https://github.com/ForestMars/PEDAL/blob/main/troubleshooting/common-issues.md).