FlexiRule Docs
Start (Entry Action)
The starting root node on every visual rule canvas.
Start Node#
The Start node is the mandatory starting point of every visual rule canvas. It initializes rule data when a triggering event occurs and directs execution to your first action node.
1. What is it?#
Every rule canvas begins with a Start node. It represents the entry point when a rule is triggered (such as when a document is saved or submitted). It makes document data (@doc), historical pre-event data (@old_doc), variables (@vars), and system context (@system) available to all downstream actions.
Start (Event Trigger) ──→ Check / Set Value / Query Records
2. How it Works#
- Automatic Presence: The Start node is created automatically whenever you create a new rule. It cannot be deleted.
- No Manual Configuration: It requires no manual configuration settings on the canvas.
- Outbound Edge: Connect its outbound port directly to your rule’s first action (such as a Check or Query Records block).
3. Available Data Provided at Start#
When execution begins at the Start node, the following context data is made available through the Smart Value Selector:
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
Document Fields (@doc) | The current values of the document that triggered the rule. |
Previous Values (@old_doc) | Document values prior to the current save/update (useful for change tracking). |
System Info (@system) | Active session user, timestamp, and company information. |
Variables (@vars) | Temporary rule variables available for storage throughout execution. |
4. Practical Example#
- Trigger Event: Set rule header trigger to
Sales InvoiceonBefore Save. - Start Node: Automatically initializes with form field values when a user clicks Save.
- First Connection: Connect the Start node’s outbound port directly to a Check or Set Value block.
5. Related Features#
- Rule Lifecycle: Understand how triggers initiate rule execution.
- Canvas: Learn how to build visual flows starting from the Start node.
6. Developer & Technical Details#
For graph traversal bootstrapping and context initialization mechanics:
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