What is the best way to replace only a few pieces of cedar siding that are in the middle of an outdise wall without breaking or damaging the rest of it?

Cedar shakes? They go on piece by piece like shingles are laid. The next row covers over the nails holding the preceding one down. You would use a pry bar to loosen them up a little then slip a hacksaw blade up until you can use it to saw off the nail you can't see. Slip the replacement in and face nail it and set and caulk the nailheads

What is the best way to replace only a few pieces of cedar siding that are in the middle of an outdise wall without breaking or damaging the rest of it?
Thanks.