---
title: "Write a procedure someone can repeat."
description: "State prerequisites, ordered steps and an observable completion check."
canonical: https://editmd.app/learn/lessons/procedures/
markdown: https://editmd.app/learn/lessons/procedures.md
status: pre-release, waiting list open
generated: editmd-website
---

# Write a procedure someone can repeat.

Lesson 18 of 18 in Markdown School. State prerequisites, ordered steps and an observable completion check.

## Define the result before the steps

A procedure is useful when someone needs to repeat a task consistently. It should say what they need, what to do and how to check completion. This fictional example labels two empty seed trays; it is not specialist horticultural or safety guidance. Practise [ordered lists](/learn/lessons/tasks/) first.

## Include a check someone can observe

```markdown
# Label seed trays

## Before

Two empty trays; removable labels.

## Steps

1. Write Basil and Mint on labels.
2. Attach one label to each tray.

## Check

Both names are readable.
```

Before lists the materials. Steps names the actions in order. Check describes an observable result. Ordered lists are part of [CommonMark’s list syntax](https://spec.commonmark.org/0.31.2/#lists); the Before, Steps and Check labels are our document design, not required Markdown keywords.

## Explain what to do when a check fails

For this example, replace or rewrite an unreadable label, then check again. A real procedure may need an explicit stop condition, escalation route or rollback. Ask the responsible person for those rules; do not invent operational or safety instructions to fill a gap.

Compare these endings: “Done” provides little evidence. “Both names are readable” tells the reader what to inspect. The Markdown preview can show the check, but it cannot inspect the trays.

## Practise completing the procedure

Add the missing Check section beneath the ordered steps. Keep the materials and both actions. The exercise checks document structure and the supplied completion statement. It cannot tell whether the physical work succeeded.

## Using AI as a reviewer

Give an assistant the actual procedure and ask it to identify missing prerequisites, ambiguous steps or unverifiable checks. Treat the response as review suggestions. A person responsible for the real task must validate changes before anyone relies on them.

## Exercise

Add a Check section saying Both names are readable. Keep Before and the two ordered Steps. This fictional procedure labels two empty seed trays.

## Takeaway

A repeatable procedure includes a way to tell whether it worked.

Related guide: https://editmd.app/docs/writing/. All lessons: https://editmd.app/learn.md