Automation refers to the use of technology to perform tasks without human intervention. In the context of software development and IT, automation often involves using scripts, tools, or software to execute repetitive or time-consuming tasks, such as testing, deployment, monitoring, and infrastructure management. Automation aims to increase efficiency, reduce errors, and free up human resources for more complex and creative work.

Automation is a key component of modern development practices like DevOps, where it is used to streamline processes and ensure consistent, reliable results. For example, automated testing can quickly verify that new code changes do not introduce bugs, while automated deployment tools can ensure that software is released to production environments without manual intervention. By standardizing and speeding up routine tasks, automation helps organizations deliver software faster and with higher quality.