How do you use workflow engine?

Question

I know workfow engine is, but actually in our programming life, how can we get use of the workflow engine ? How will workflow engine help us ?

Answer 1

Workflows like Windows WF allow you to work in a logical process. For instance, you can design a workflow process in Windows WF that drives the application. So the application can work in a logical process from start to end based on the workflow.

Workflows often drive some business model. FOr instance, an application may need to do these things in a logical order:

• User submit an application
• Notify a business user and automatically schedule a consultation with the applicant
• User submits a follow-up application
• User receives information packet

And so on... I made that process up, so it's not the most practical, but hopefully it gives you an idea. This is one type of workflow that can be done with Windows WF and other workflow engines, that can help your application utilize a workflow driven business process.

Workflows don't need a tool, but could be simply your process that the application uses to run through a series of screens or processes, so you don't actually need a tool to use workflow; the key component of workflows is the business process.

HTH.

Answer 2

you can write conditions or events in an xml and make it work on the fly. The parameters can be changed without changing the code.

Answer 3

No disrespect intended, but if your looking at using Windows WF, wait for the next iteration with .NET 4.0, the current version has been essentially re-written to alleviate a lot of the pain points.