Process (Actions)
Process actions let a process work with other processes and running instances. Use them to break a big process into reusable subprocesses, to coordinate separate instances, or to find out which process an instance is running.
There are two patterns here: running a subprocess from a parent, and messaging between two independent instances.
Note
Configure these actions in the Builder. See Builder Navigation and Workspace Basics for the surrounding UI.
Running a subprocess
A process can start another process as a subprocess and get its results back.
| Action | Blocks the parent? | Use it to |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Subprocess | No | Start a subprocess and keep going |
| Await Subprocess | Yes | Wait for launched subprocesses to finish |
| Launch and Await Subprocess | Yes | Run a subprocess inline and wait for it |
- Use Launch then Await to fan out several subprocesses and join them later.
- Use Launch and Await for a simple “call this subprocess and wait.”
Messaging between instances
Two separate running instances can talk to each other:
| Action | Blocks? | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Call other Instance | No | Sends a message to a waiting instance |
| Receive Instance Call | Yes | Waits for a matching incoming message |
The receiver waits at a Receive Instance Call step; a Call other Instance step in another process sends to it. The caller never waits.
Looking up a process
- Get Process - find out which process a given instance is running.
Related
- Processes - the processes you launch as subprocesses.
- Tasks, Processes, Process Instances - the underlying concepts.
- Monitor - watch parent and subprocess instances run.
Last updated on