Workflow Builder

The Workflow Builder is Axellero Studio's visual interface for creating automated processes. Build complex workflows using a drag-and-drop canvas with pre-built nodes and components.

Overview

The Workflow Builder provides comprehensive automation capabilities:

Capability	Description	Key Features
Visual Design	Drag-and-drop workflow creation	Node-based canvas, connection lines, visual data flow
System Integration	Connect to external data sources and services	Database connectors, API integrations, file operations
Process Automation	End-to-end business process automation	Multi-step workflows, conditional routing, error handling
Data Operations	Transform, validate, and route data	Data mapping, validation rules, format conversion
Logic Implementation	Conditional branching and decision making	If/then/else logic, loops, switch statements

Interface Components

Canvas

The main workspace where you build workflows:

Grid Layout: Organize nodes in a structured manner
Zoom Controls: Scale the canvas for detailed work or overview
Pan Navigation: Move around large workflows easily
Selection Tools: Select single or multiple nodes
Connection Lines: Visual data flow indicators

Node Library

Comprehensive collection of workflow building blocks:

Node Category	Purpose	Available Nodes	Primary Use Cases
Data Nodes	Input/output and data handling	Input, Output, Database Query, File Operations, API Request/Response	Data collection, storage, retrieval, formatting
Logic Nodes	Control flow and decision making	Branch (if/then/else), Loop, Switch, Merge	Conditional logic, iteration, flow control
Transform Nodes	Data processing and conversion	Data Mapper, Format Converter, Validator, Calculator	Data transformation, validation, calculations
Integration Nodes	External system connectivity	Connectors, HTTP Client, Email, Notifications, File System	System integration, communication, external operations
AI Nodes	Intelligent processing	AI Agent, Text Analysis, Content Generation, Decision Support	AI-powered automation, intelligent data processing

Properties Panel

Configure selected nodes and connections:

Node Settings: Customize node behavior and parameters
Data Mapping: Define input/output relationships
Validation Rules: Set data validation criteria
Error Handling: Configure failure responses

Quick access to common actions:

Save/Load: Store and retrieve workflow configurations
Run/Debug: Execute workflows with debugging capabilities
Undo/Redo: Reverse and replay changes
Copy/Paste: Duplicate workflow sections

Building Workflows

Creating a New Workflow

Open Workflow Builder: Navigate to Workflows in the main menu
Create New: Click the "+" button to start a new workflow
Name Your Workflow: Provide a descriptive name and description
Choose Template: Start from scratch or use a template
Begin Building: Drag nodes onto the canvas

Basic Workflow Structure

Start Node:

Every workflow begins with a start node
Defines workflow triggers and initial parameters
Can be triggered manually, on schedule, or by events

Processing Nodes:

Add nodes to handle data and perform operations
Connect nodes to create the workflow flow
Configure each node's specific parameters

End Node:

Workflows conclude with end nodes
Define final outputs and completion actions
Handle success and error scenarios

Connecting Nodes

Creating Connections:

Click and drag from an output port
Connect to an input port on another node
Configure data mapping between nodes
Validate connection compatibility

Connection Types:

Data Connections: Pass data between nodes
Control Connections: Manage workflow flow
Error Connections: Handle failure scenarios

Data Flow Management

Operation	Description	Configuration Options	Use Cases
Data Mapping	Connect data between nodes	Field mapping, type conversion, default values	Transform API responses, prepare database inputs
Data Transformation	Convert data formats and structures	JSON/XML conversion, array operations, object restructuring	Normalize data from different sources
Calculations	Apply formulas and computations	Mathematical operations, string manipulation, date functions	Calculate totals, format outputs, derive values
Data Validation	Ensure data integrity and quality	Required fields, data types, custom validation rules	Validate user inputs, ensure data consistency

Variable Management

Variable Type	Scope	Persistence	Common Applications
Workflow Variables	Current workflow execution	Execution duration	Temporary calculations, intermediate results
Global Variables	Application-wide	Until modified	Configuration values, shared constants
Context Variables	Node execution context	Node execution	Loop counters, conditional values
Environment Variables	Workspace/application	Persistent	API keys, database connections, environment-specific settings

Advanced Features

Conditional Logic

Implement decision-making in workflows:

If/Then/Else Nodes:

Evaluate conditions and branch workflow paths
Support multiple condition types
Handle complex logical expressions
Provide alternative execution paths

Switch Nodes:

Route workflow based on multiple conditions
Support case-based routing
Handle default cases
Enable complex decision trees

Loop Processing

Handle repetitive operations:

For Each Loops:

Iterate over arrays and collections
Process each item individually
Accumulate results across iterations
Handle large datasets efficiently

While Loops:

Continue processing while conditions are met
Support complex termination criteria
Prevent infinite loops with safeguards
Handle dynamic iteration counts

Error Handling

Manage workflow failures gracefully:

Try/Catch Blocks:

Wrap risky operations in error handling
Provide fallback actions for failures
Log errors for debugging
Continue workflow execution after errors

Retry Logic:

Automatically retry failed operations
Configure retry counts and delays
Handle transient failures
Implement exponential backoff

Parallel Processing

Execute multiple operations simultaneously:

Parallel Branches:

Split workflow into concurrent paths
Execute independent operations simultaneously
Synchronize results at merge points
Improve overall workflow performance

Batch Processing:

Handle multiple items in parallel
Optimize throughput for large datasets
Balance load across system resources
Monitor parallel execution progress

Workflow Design Patterns

Pattern	Description	When to Use	Implementation
Linear Processing	Sequential execution of tasks	Simple data processing, step-by-step operations	Chain nodes in sequence with data flow
Conditional Branching	Different paths based on conditions	Business rule implementation, error handling	Use Branch nodes with conditional logic
Parallel Processing	Simultaneous execution of independent tasks	Performance optimization, concurrent operations	Split workflow into parallel branches
Data Aggregation	Collect and combine data from multiple sources	Reporting, data consolidation	Use Merge nodes to combine multiple inputs
Loop Processing	Iterate over collections or repeat operations	Batch processing, array operations	Use Loop nodes with collection data

Testing and Debugging

Testing Feature	Description	Configuration	Best Practices
Test Mode	Safe execution environment with sample data	Test data sets, mock responses	Use realistic test data, test edge cases
Debug Mode	Step-by-step execution with breakpoints	Breakpoint placement, variable inspection	Set breakpoints at decision points, inspect data flow
Performance Monitoring	Track execution metrics and bottlenecks	Execution time tracking, resource monitoring	Monitor frequently executed workflows, optimize slow nodes
Error Tracking	Log and analyze workflow failures	Error logging, failure patterns	Implement comprehensive error handling, monitor error trends

Debugging Tools

Tool	Purpose	Usage	Information Provided
Execution Log	Track workflow execution history	View past executions, analyze patterns	Execution time, success/failure status, data flow
Variable Inspector	Examine data at each step	Debug mode, breakpoint inspection	Variable values, data types, transformation results
Performance Profiler	Identify slow operations	Monitor execution times	Node execution duration, bottleneck identification
Error Console	View and analyze errors	Error details, stack traces	Error messages, failure points, recovery suggestions