> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.noxus.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Flows

> Understanding Flows and how they empower your automation

<video controls loop preload="metadata">
  <source src="https://mintcdn.com/spot-16018069/GSdjXE6hvFMwIRlK/videos/flow_video.mp4?fit=max&auto=format&n=GSdjXE6hvFMwIRlK&q=85&s=e6543b7d809f626c374cce6a83886b10" type="video/mp4" data-path="videos/flow_video.mp4" />
</video>

## What is a Flow?

A flow is a visual automation built by connecting nodes into a directed graph. Each node performs a specific operation, and connections define how data moves through the process.

**Key Benefits:**

* Visual design for complex automation logic
* Clear data flow and dependencies
* Built-in error handling and recovery
* Real-time execution monitoring
* Comprehensive analytics and observability

<Note>
  Flows are blueprints for automation—showing how operations connect and work together to accomplish tasks.
</Note>

## Key Concepts

### Building Blocks

Nodes are the fundamental components of flows. Each performs a specific function—AI processing, data transformation, logic control, or external integrations.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Inputs & Outputs" icon="arrow-left-right" href="/platform/flows/inputs-outputs">
    Handle text, files, images, and structured data
  </Card>

  <Card title="Nodes" icon="square-mouse-pointer" href="/platform/flows/nodes">
    AI Processing, Data & Files, and Logic & Control
  </Card>

  <Card title="Integrations" icon="blocks" href="/platform/flows/integrations">
    Connect external services and APIs
  </Card>

  <Card title="Triggers" icon="zap" href="/platform/flows/triggers">
    Automate with events, schedules, and webhooks
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### Data Flow

Connections between nodes define data movement. Typed connections ensure compatibility and prevent errors. Branching enables conditional logic and dynamic behavior.

### Subflows

Reusable flows that function as single nodes within other flows. Encapsulate logic, define inputs/outputs, and maintain consistency across projects.

### Running a Flow

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="🖱️ Direct Call">
    The platform interface provides an intuitive way to execute and test your
    flows. You can:

    * Instantly run flows with custom input parameters
    * Monitor execution progress in real-time
    * Build and access detailed logs for debugging
    * Get immediate visual feedback during development

    <Note>
      This method is particularly useful for iterative development and on-demand
      processing where immediate feedback is essential.
    </Note>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="⚡ Triggers">
    [Triggers](/platform/flows/triggers) transform your flows into automated processes:

    * **Time-based schedules** for recurring tasks
    * **Webhooks & Integrations** to respond to external events

    <Note>
      Triggers enable sophisticated automation where one flow's completion can
      initiate another, creating powerful workflow orchestration.
    </Note>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="🔌 APIs">
    [The REST API](/api-reference/introduction) enables seamless integration with your applications and systems:

    * **Programmatic execution** with custom parameters
    * **Status tracking** and result retrieval
    * **Sync/async calls** for different use cases

    <Note>
      Ideal for building custom applications or integrating flows into existing
      systems with full programmatic control.
    </Note>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="🤖 Agents">
    [Agents](/core/concepts/agents) execute flows conversationally:

    * Natural language flow execution
    * Context-aware processing
    * AI-driven automation orchestration
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Analytics & Observability

All flows include comprehensive monitoring and governance:

* **Real-time Analytics** - Execution metrics, performance data, and resource usage
* **Detailed Logging** - Complete execution traces and debugging information
* **Evaluations** - Manual and automated quality assessments
* **Safety Guardrails** - Organization-level controls and compliance policies
* **Governance** - Audit trails, access controls, and regulatory compliance

## Next Steps

* Learn about [node types](/platform/flows/introduction)
* Explore [triggers](/platform/flows/triggers)
* Understand [AI models](/core/concepts/models)