Zar Labs
What is durable execution?
Last reviewed: 2026-09-28
Executive summary
Durable execution keeps workflow progress in durable state so processes resume after crashes — foundational to Temporal-style orchestration.
Why it matters
- Partial failures are normal in distributed systems
- Timers and human waits need durable state
- Replay-friendly code enables safe recovery
Pros & cons
Pros
- Reliability
- Visibility
Cons / watch-outs
- Requires deterministic workflow code discipline
Comparison
| Pattern | Recovery |
|---|---|
| Fire-and-forget job | Manual |
| Durable workflow | Automatic resume |
Frequently asked questions
Is Temporal the only durable execution system?
No — but it popularized the model. Step Functions and others overlap. See /services/temporal-workflow-development.
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