  The Deep Lens Survey (DLS) is a deep BVRz' imaging survey of seven 2x2 degree
fields, with all data to be made public. The primary scientific driver is weak
gravitational lensing, but the survey is also designed to enable a wide array
of other astrophysical investigations. A unique feature of this survey is the
search for transient phenomena. We subtract multiple exposures of a field,
detect differences, classify, and release transients on the Web within about an
hour of observation. Here we summarize the scientific goals of the DLS, field
and filter selection, observing techniques and current status, data reduction,
data products and release, and transient detections. Finally, we discuss some
lessons which might apply to future large surveys such as LSST.
