Creating a Workflow Definition with Kaleo Designer for Java

Developer Studio makes it easy for you to write custom business logic that enhances Kaleo workflows. Learn to create your own workflow in Developer Studio and discover features from Kaleo Designer for Java (Designer) along the way.

To begin demonstrating Designer’s features, this tutorial creates a workflow definition for a software ticketing process: view it in full here. Are you ready to roll? Let’s get started!

Figure 1: Check out the adventures of Liferays mascots, Ray and Alloy at http://www.liferay.com/ray

Figure 1: Check out the adventures of Liferay's mascots, Ray and Alloy at http://www.liferay.com/ray

  1. Create new workflow definitions by going to FileNewLiferay Kaleo Workflow. Alternatively, you can select Liferay Kaleo Workflow from the toolbar button shown in the figure below.

    Figure 2: Create a new workflow definition locally by selecting Liferay Kaleo Workflow from the toolbar button.

    Figure 2: Create a new workflow definition locally by selecting *Liferay Kaleo Workflow* from the toolbar button.

  2. The Create New Kaleo Workflow File wizard will guide you through the steps necessary to complete the initial setup of your new workflow definition.

    The first window you’ll see is the Create Kaleo Workflow form. There are several fields here:

    Project: Specify an existing Liferay project to house your workflow definition.

    Folder: Specify where in the project the workflow definition XML file will be stored.

    Name: Give your workflow definition a descriptive name. We’ve chosen Ticket Process for our example.

    Initial state name and Final state name: Name your workflow’s initial and final state nodes.

    Default script type: Choose a default script type; Designer will bring its editor up when you’re done creating the workflow.

    Default template type: Choose a default template editor; Designer will open it when you’re done creating the workflow.

    The snapshot below displays the setup menu for our ticket process workflow definition.

    When you’re finished in this window click Next.

    Figure 3: The Create Kaleo Workflow form in Liferay Developer Studio lets you select a script type and template type for your workflow.

    Figure 3: The Create Kaleo Workflow form in Liferay Developer Studio lets you select a script type and template type for your workflow.

    You’re directed to the Choose Assignment Type window next. Provide an Initial task name, then choose an assignment type from the list of options.

    To follow our workflow example, select Assign to asset creator and name the task Developer. When the workflow’s Developer task is invoked, the creator of the workflow’s asset is assigned to it. In Liferay Portal, each Kaleo workflow is associated with an asset type. Ina later tutorial, the workflow will be associated with a Dynamic Data List (DDL).

    Figure 4: When choosing an assignment type for a task node, you are given multiple options.

    Figure 4: When choosing an assignment type for a task node, you are given multiple options.

  3. Click Finish to complete the initial workflow definition setup.

The graphical workflow diagram appears, which is convenient for editing the workflow. Graphical features and toolbars allow you to customize your workflow definition. The Palette view is one of Designer’s most commonly used tools.

Palette and Floating Palette

The Palette lets you graphically customize your workflow with nodes and transitions. In addition, you can choose different behaviors for your mouse pointer.

Figure 5: The palette toolbar lets you customize your workflow with additional nodes and transitions.

Figure 5: The palette toolbar lets you customize your workflow with additional nodes and transitions.

Here are your pointer options:

  • Select: The default pointer setting used for selecting options on the workflow diagram by clicking the icon.
  • Marquee: Used for drawing an invisible selection box around multiple icons. This is useful when you want to manipulate multiple nodes and/or transitions on the workflow diagram.

Once you’ve created a project, you’ll want to start really fleshing it out. Learn to design and create workflows in the next tutorial.

« Introduction to WorkflowDesigning a Kaleo Workflow Definition »
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