> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://developer.harness.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://developer.harness.io/ai-sre/3.0/ai-sre-for-administrators/set-up-runbook-management/workflows/best-practices.md).

# Best Practices

### Use the data picker <a href="#use-the-data-picker" id="use-the-data-picker"></a>

* Always use the data picker UI when possible (avoids typos)
* The data picker shows only fields available in your configured context
* Hover over fields in the picker to see descriptions

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### Test with sample data <a href="#test-with-sample-data" id="test-with-sample-data"></a>

* Use the runbook test mode to validate Mustache variables render correctly
* Test with different incident types to ensure custom fields work as expected
* Verify output from one action can be consumed by the next

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### Handle missing values <a href="#handle-missing-values" id="handle-missing-values"></a>

* Not all fields are guaranteed to be populated
* Use descriptive defaults: `{{incident.owner | default: "Unassigned"}}`
* Consider optional vs. required fields when designing runbooks

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### Keep Mustache syntax clean <a href="#keep-mustache-syntax-clean" id="keep-mustache-syntax-clean"></a>

* Use clear, readable syntax
* Add spacing for readability: `{{incident.title}}` not `{{incident.title}}`
* Use consistent formatting across runbooks

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### Document custom fields <a href="#document-custom-fields" id="document-custom-fields"></a>

* Add descriptions to custom fields in incident type configuration
* Name custom fields clearly (e.g., `error_rate` not `field1`)
* Document expected values and formats

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### Next steps <a href="#next-steps" id="next-steps"></a>

* Go to [Use Mustache templates in runbook actions](/ai-sre/ai-sre-for-administrators/set-up-runbook-management/workflows/use-mustache-runbook-actions.md) to apply these practices.
* Go to [Use CEL in runbook actions](/ai-sre/ai-sre-for-administrators/set-up-runbook-management/workflows/use-cel-runbook-actions.md) to review CEL best practices.
* Go to [Common use cases](/ai-sre/ai-sre-for-administrators/set-up-runbook-management/workflows/common-use-cases.md) to review practical examples.