Rollback
A rollback is a controlled step backward – not out of fear, but out of responsibility.
For developers: a technical mechanism.
For teams: a safety net.
For businesses: a sign of professional operations.
And for us: a built-in part of any stable infrastructure.
When is a rollback needed?
Rollbacks are crucial when:
- A new version causes errors that can’t be resolved immediately
- A service becomes unavailable or unstable
- Critical systems are impacted – and time is of the essence
- It's clear: rolling back is better than pushing forward with issues
A good rollback protects users, data, and trust – quickly and traceably.
How does a rollback work technically?
It depends on the environment:
- Kubernetes: Previous deployments can be rolled back automatically – including config and volumes
- Virtual Machines: Snapshots or backups are restored
- Databases: Replication, dumps, or point-in-time recovery are used
- IaC (e.g., Terraform): Targeted reverts or corrected states are applied
Key requirement: The previous state must be complete, testable, and documented – or the rollback becomes a risk.
Rollback ≠ Reset
A rollback does not mean “undo everything.”
Often, it's about:
- A single service
- A specific configuration
- A single database migration
Well-architected systems allow precise reversals – without side effects on unrelated parts.
How we handle rollbacks at RiKuWe
Rollbacks are not a last resort – they’re built into the process:
- Every deployment is versioned, documented, and recoverable
- We use snapshots, automated backups, point-in-time recovery, and reproducible CI/CD artifacts
- Whether manual or automated – the way back is defined and safe
Responsibility doesn’t end at “go live.”
It starts there – with the ability to go back when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a rollback?
A rollback is the controlled restoration of a system to a previous, working state – typically after a failed update or configuration change.
When is a rollback used?
When a new version causes issues, services become unstable, or critical systems are affected and fast recovery is required.
Is a rollback always automated?
No. Depending on the system, rollbacks can be automated (e.g., in Kubernetes) or manual (e.g., restoring a database backup). What matters is being prepared.
How is a rollback different from a reset?
A rollback is targeted and reversible – often affecting just one component. A reset usually impacts the whole system and carries more risk.
What’s required for a safe rollback?
Good versioning, complete backups, tested recovery strategies, and clear documentation. Without these, a rollback can become a risk itself.
