The logical flow of a workflow is the progression of the workflow from one element to the next in the schema as the workflow runs. You define the logical flow of the workflow by linking elements in the schema.

The standard path is the path that the workflow takes through the logical flow if all elements run as expected. The exception path is the path that the workflow takes through the logical flow if an element does not run as expected.

Different styles of arrows in the workflow schema denote the different paths that the workflow can take through its logical flow.
  • A blue arrow denotes the standard path that the workflow takes from one element to the next.
  • A green arrow denotes the path that the workflow takes if a Boolean decision element returns true.
  • A red dashed arrow denotes the path that the workflow takes if a Boolean decision element returns false. Alternatively, a red dashed arrow denotes the exception path that the workflow takes if a workflow element does not run correctly.

The following figure shows an example workflow schema that demonstrates the different paths that workflows can take.

Figure 1. Different Workflow Paths Through the Logical Flow of the Workflow

An example workflow schema that demonstrates the different workflow paths.

This example workflow can take the following paths through its logical flow.

  • Standard path, true decision result, no exceptions.
    1. The decision element returns true.
    2. The SnapVMsInResourcePool workflow runs successfully.
    3. The sendHtmlEmail action runs successfully.
    4. The workflow ends successfully in the completed state.
  • Standard path, false decision result, no exceptions.
    1. The decision element returns false.
    2. The operation the scriptable task element defines runs successfully.
    3. The sendHtmlEmail action runs successfully.
    4. The workflow ends successfully in the completed state.
  • true decision result, exception.
    1. The decision element returns true.
    2. The SnapVMsInResourcePool workflow encounters an error.
    3. The workflow returns an exception and stops in the failed state.
  • false decision result, exception.
    1. The decision element returns false.
    2. The operation the Scriptable task element defines encounters an error.
    3. The workflow returns an exception and stops in the failed state.

Element Links

Links connect schema elements and define the logical flow of the workflow from one element to the next.

Elements can usually set only one outgoing link to another element in the workflow and one exception link to an element that defines its exception behavior. The outgoing link defines the standard path of the workflow. The exception link defines the exception path of the workflow. In most cases, a single schema element can receive incoming standard path links from multiple elements.

The following elements are exceptions to the preceding statements.

  • The Start Workflow element cannot receive incoming links and has no exception link.
  • Exception elements can receive multiple incoming exception links, and have no outgoing or exception links.
  • Decision elements have two outgoing links that define the paths the workflow takes depending on the decision's true or false result. Decisions have no exception link.
  • End Workflow elements cannot have outgoing links or exception links.

Create Standard Path Links

Standard path links determine the normal run of the workflow.

When you link one element to another, you always link the elements in the order in which they run in the workflow. You always start from the element that runs first to create a link between two elements.

Prerequisites

  • Open a workflow for editing in the workflow editor.
  • Verify that the Schema tab of the workflow editor contains elements.

Procedure

  1. Place the pointer on the element that you want to connect to another element.
    A blue and a red arrow appear on the element's right.
  2. Place the pointer on the blue arrow.
    The blue arrow enlarges.
  3. Left-click the blue arrow, hold down the left mouse button, and move the pointer to the target element.
    A blue arrow appears between the two elements and a green rectangle appears around the target element.
  4. Release the left mouse button.
    The blue arrow remains between the two elements.

Results

A standard path now links the elements.

What to do next

The elements are joined, but you have not defined the data flow. You must define the input and output bindings to bind incoming and outgoing data to workflow variables.