Basic configuration of workflow elements
Four general types of changes can be made to workflow elements. These affect how the workflow wizard looks when launched or how the workflow behaves when run. Changes are accessible form the right-click menu on an element name, using the options Rename or Configure.
- Renaming the element. Element names are used in the wizard when the workflow is launched. Naming an element well can thus make the workflow easier to use. This is particularly the case if the original element name is very generic, or if there are multiple instances of elements of the same type. To rename an element, right click on the element name and choose the option "Rename...", or select the element in the Workflow Editor and press the F2 key.
- Locking or unlocking parameters. A small lock icon is present before configurable parameters in the configuration wizard. Clicking on the lock icon changes it from locked (
) to unlocked (
) or vice versa. Parameters that are unlocked will be available for configuration in the wizard launching the workflow. Conversely, parameters that are locked will not be visible in the wizard, and thus cannot be edited, when the workflow is launched. Locking parameters can help ensure that a workflow is run with the same values or reference data inputs each time it is run.
Figure 11.26: Each parameter can be configured. An unlocked symbol beside the parameter indicates that the option will be shown and be configurable in the wizard when launching the workflow. - Changing the name of a parameter. Parameters that have been renamed appear with their new name in the wizard when the workflow is launched. To edit a parameter name, click on the edit icon (
) in the configuration wizard and enter a new name. The parameter must be unlocked to be renamed, but can be locked again after configuration.
- Changing the values of parameters. Parameters have been assigned a default value, and unless configured otherwise, this is the value that will be used when the workflow is run. Detailed information about default parameters for tool elements, including importers and exporters, can be found in the manual section for the specific tool. Configuration of Workflow Input and Workflow Output elements is discussed in more detail in Workflow input and output elements.