Advanced Workflow Mode for Precise Control Over Workflow Timing

bailey · 2024-10-11T07:00:07.002Z

Here’s the link to vote: Advanced Workflow Mode for Precise Control Over Workflow Timing | Bubble

Have you found that sometimes your workflows don’t run as expected or consistently? It can be frustrating when actions happen too fast, out of order, or at the same time, especially with complex processes like data updates or API calls.

What’s Needed:

A mode that gives users more control over workflows, allowing steps to either wait for each other or run in parallel when appropriate. This would empower advanced users to manage more complex processes without encountering execution issues or having to rely on inefficient workarounds.

Why It’s Important:

Ensures actions happen exactly when they should.
Reduces errors caused by overlapping or missed steps.
Improves app performance by running steps concurrently when possible.

Example

For example, when creating multiple records or making several API calls, I need to ensure some actions wait for others to finish, or run certain steps together to save time and avoid delays.

The Problem

Bubble’s workflow editor presents actions in a sequential “Step 1, Step 2, Step 3” format. This is deceiving as it suggests that this is the order that the workflow will run. However this isn’t always the case as bubble runs as many workflows as it can at the same time to improve performance of your application and doesn’t always wait for a workflow to finish before starting another.

Many advanced users, especially those familiar with traditional programming, face limitations when trying to execute workflows with precision, particularly when handling asynchronous operations or when certain actions need to run concurrently.

Proposed Solution: Advanced Workflow Mode

In this Advanced Mode, users could:

Define Explicit Dependencies: Allow actions to be dependent on the completion of others.
Set Parallel Execution: Enable steps to run in parallel where dependencies don’t exist, ensuring better performance.
Use Conditional Joins: Ensure that one step only triggers when multiple parallel actions are complete.

In this Advanced Mode, users would start with a blank workflow canvas where actions run in parallel by default. Developers could then define which actions are dependent on others by connecting them in sequence. This setup allows for full control, ensuring workflows always run consistently. It also gives developers the ability to prioritize performance (speed) by running actions concurrently or ensure function (data accuracy and process completion) by enforcing strict dependencies when needed.

Main Problems with Current System

Unpredictable Execution: In complex workflows (e.g., involving database updates, API calls, or UI changes), actions often execute out of order, leading to inconsistencies.
Workarounds Are Inefficient: Using backend workflows, adding pauses, or managing states can be complex, adding unnecessary steps when simple execution control would suffice.

Benefits

Greater Control for Advanced Users: Helps advanced users create predictable workflows, ensuring specific steps happen when needed.
Simplified Logic: Eliminates the need for complex workarounds like delays and multiple workflows.
Improved Performance: By enabling parallel execution for non-dependent steps, workflows can be faster and more efficient.

Community Support

There have been multiple discussions in the forums where users expressed the need for more predictable workflow execution and control over asynchronous operations. These issues frequently arise with complex workflows, and a mode with advanced controls would help solve these problems.

gerbertdelangen · 2024-10-11T07:18:50.683Z

During BubbleCon a presentation slide with the options to define the order of execution (parallel / sequential) and loops was shown. Somewhere in the near future these options will be added to the new workflow editor. It seems your prayers have been heard.

You can activate the new workflow editor here (if you did not already do it):

image1309×768 89.7 KB

bailey · 2024-10-11T07:33:38.947Z

I must have missed that slide! I hope they do. As for the new editor, enabled it and disabled it equally as quick. It might suit new developers and small projects but it needs more work before it’s ready to use.

gerbertdelangen · 2024-10-11T07:42:13.530Z

bailey:

enabled it and disabled it equally as quick

, understandable.

I’m plowing through and actually like it. Unfortunately sometimes you have to switch back because the return data action for custom events does not exist yet in the new editor.

bailey · 2024-10-12T08:46:00.854Z

yes I agree it has potential and has some nice features that could expand on the current workflow editor. It’s a bit too early to test yet, though.