Detect Changes Node in Pathways

The Detect Changes node is used to monitor specific variables or expressions within a workflow and detect if any changes occur after executing a series of tasks. This node helps identify dynamic changes in data during the workflow's runtime, enabling more responsive and adaptive process handling.

Configuration Fields

Name:
- Description: The unique name of the "Detect Changes" node.
- Requirement: Optional but recommended for clarity in workflows.
Tracked Expression:
- Description: Defines the variable or expression to monitor for changes during workflow execution.
- Options:
  - Script: Use a script-based expression for complex logic and evaluations.
  - Handlebars Template: Use a Handlebars-based template for straightforward dynamic evaluations.
- Requirement: Mandatory. You must specify the tracked expression.
Output Flag Variable Name:
- Description: The name of the output variable that will store a flag indicating whether a change was detected.
- Values:
  - The output variable will be assigned a boolean value:
    - true: If a change in the tracked expression is detected.
    - false: If no change is detected.
- Requirement: Mandatory.

Usage Example

Scenario:
- Monitor the status of a database query result during a workflow. If the result changes (e.g., a new record is added), trigger a subsequent task to process the updated data.
Setup:
- Set Tracked Expression to evaluate the database query output.
- Specify an output flag variable name like isChanged.
- Use a conditional node later in the workflow to check the isChanged flag and decide the next steps.

Key Features

Dynamic Monitoring: Tracks changes to expressions or variables in real time.
Customizable Expressions: Supports both script-based and Handlebars Template logic.
Change Detection Output: Provides a boolean flag for conditional logic downstream in the workflow.

This node is essential for workflows that depend on detecting changes in state or data to trigger dynamic actions.