Build a pattern

Building a pattern in DRAGOPS means placing nodes on the canvas and connecting them with wires. There are two types of connections: execution wires that define the order nodes run, and data wires that pass values between nodes.

Start with a trigger

Every pattern begins with a trigger node. The trigger determines what event starts your pattern.

1. Find the trigger you need in the node library panel at the bottom of the editor: On Webhook, On Schedule, or On Pattern Call. You can also right-click on the canvas to search.
2. Select it to place it on the canvas.

The trigger node appears with output pins for execution flow and any event data (such as the request body for webhooks or input parameters for pattern calls). See Triggers for details on each trigger type.

Add processing nodes

With your trigger in place, add the nodes that perform your automation logic. Right-click on the canvas, search for the node you need, and place it on the canvas to the right of the previous node.

Arrange nodes from left to right to follow the direction of execution. This is not a technical requirement, but it makes your pattern much easier to read and maintain.

Connect execution flow

Execution wires are white and connect the triangular execution pins on nodes. They define the order in which nodes run — like lines of code executing in sequence.

To create an execution connection:

1. Drag from the execution output pin (right side) of one node.
2. Drop onto the execution input pin (left side) of the next node.

The white wire now links the two nodes. When the first node finishes, the second node runs.

Some nodes have multiple execution outputs. For example, the Branch node has True and False outputs — execution follows one path or the other based on the condition.

Connect data flow

Data wires are colored and connect the circular data pins on nodes. They pass values — strings, numbers, objects, arrays — from one node's output to another node's input.

To create a data connection:

1. Drag from a data output pin (right side) of one node.
2. Drop onto a compatible data input pin (left side) of another node.

Wire colors match the type of the source pin:

Type safety

The DRAGOPS type system prevents invalid connections. If you try to wire a Boolean output into a String input, the connection will not form. This catches errors at build time rather than at runtime.

When you need to convert between types, use a node from the Type Conversion category. For example, To String converts an Integer or Boolean to a String so you can wire it into a String input pin.

Disconnect a wire

To remove a connection, drag the wire away from the input pin it is connected to. The wire detaches and disappears. You can also select a node and press Delete or Backspace to remove it along with all its wires.

Reroute nodes

For patterns with many crossing wires, use reroute nodes to keep your graph clean. A reroute node is a small waypoint that redirects a wire through a specific path on the canvas. The data passes through unchanged — reroute nodes are purely visual.

To add a reroute node, double-click on a wire. A small reroute point appears that you can drag to any position.

Tips for clean patterns

• Keep execution flow left to right. This is the natural reading direction and makes the pattern easier to follow.
• Group related logic visually. Place nodes that work together in a cluster so you can see the logical sections of your pattern at a glance.
• Use descriptive node names. Rename nodes in the Inspector Panel to describe their purpose, not just their type. "Parse webhook body" is more useful than "JSON Parse".
• Minimize wire crossings. Use reroute nodes and thoughtful placement to keep wires from tangling.
• Set pin defaults for constants. If a value does not change, set it as a default in the Inspector Panel instead of wiring a literal node. This reduces canvas clutter.