Process Flow Language

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Lvanwinkle
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    Can anyone provide any insight to what language process flow uses?  We are trying to make changes to existing flows and copying them for revisions to create new flows.  It's a Frankenstein operation!

    If anyone could give us some insight into the type of code or what some of the numberic/symbol combinations mean, it would be appreciated.  Any information, we would be so happy for!

    Lauren
    BarbR
    Veteran Member
    Posts: 306
    Veteran Member
      Process Flows are xml files. But you can't (or at least should not!) edit them directly. You need to install and use the PF Designer, download the current flow, make your changes in the designer, and upload the new version. That will keep the flows on your server as well as the LOGAN table in sync. Don't do it any other way or big trouble awaits you.
      Kyle Jorgensen
      Veteran Member
      Posts: 122
      Veteran Member
        I agree with Barb; download the flow designer, preferrably the one that uses Eclipse.

        As an FYI; the flows are in XML, they utilize javascript expressions and, I believe, the process flow engine on the server uses Java to interpret and execute the flows and their miscellaneous nodes.
        Tim Cochrane
        Veteran Member
        Posts: 154
        Veteran Member
          Sounds like you've created your own monster...

          After following Barb and Kyle's suggestion and installing the designer tool, download the Designer Manual from inforXtreme and AT LEAST learn what the functions of the common nodes are. You'll be amazed at how easy it can be to build & modify flows...trust me, i've been doing this for 12 years now...some people on this board even longer.

          Tim Cochrane - Principal LM/IPA Consultant
          Woozy
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          Posts: 709
          Veteran Member
            One more note - if you happen to be using IPA, the files are saved with a .lpd extension, but they are still xml. 

            As BarbR mentioned, editing flows outside of designer is fraught with dangers.  However, occasionally I need to change the ID of a node that is referenced in lots of other places in the flow, and the Designer makes that very painful. So, I will make a copy of a flow, open it in a "true" text editor (PSPad, Notepad++, etc) and do a find/replace. After I save it with the text editor, I will open that copy with designer and then immediately save it using designer so it doesn't balk later. If it opens and saves OK, then I will rename it to the "old" name and continue development.

            That said, I would not try do do any significant manipulation outside of the designer.
            Kelly Meade
            J. R. Simplot Company
            Boise, ID