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Netflow

Netflow is a real-time WebSocket interface that lets you observe how workflows are being executed in the system.

Unlike plain text logs, Netflow represents execution as a goal tree — giving you a structured, visual way to understand what’s happening.

How It Works​

  • Each Actor appears as a root node in the tree.
  • Under each actor, you’ll see the Goals currently being executed.
  • Each goal is annotated with its state:
    • Planned → the goal has been scheduled
    • In Progress → the goal is actively being executed
    • Complete → the goal finished successfully
    • Error → the goal failed (highlighted in red for visibility)

Why a Goal Tree?​

The goal tree view provides much clearer visibility compared to linear logs:

  • You can see how different goals relate to each other.
  • It’s easy to identify where execution is stuck or failing.
  • It reveals workflow structure and dependencies, not just the sequence of log messages.

Example​

In the example below:

  1. A goal was first planned.
  2. It then moved into execution.
  3. Finally, it completed successfully.

If a goal had failed, it would appear in red with the state Error, making issues immediately obvious.

worflow in progress

worflow completed

Benefits​

  • Real-time monitoring of distributed processes.
  • Debugging: quickly identify failed or stuck goals.
  • Clarity: see how parts of a workflow connect, not just when they run.
  • Explaining: communicate workflow execution visually, helpful for both developers and non-technical stakeholders.