Designing the Procedure Interaction › Flows › Types of Flows › Link Flows

Link Flows

A link flow is more complex than a transfer flow. As with a transfer flow, a link flow indicates that the source procedure passes control and, optionally data, to the destination procedure.

The link flow performs the following tasks:

• Allows the destination procedure to return control and data to the source procedure
• Saves all export data known to the source procedure when it completes its original execution and makes it available after the destination procedure returns
• Is always used in client-to-server flows because it is necessary to return from the server back to the client in client/server processing.
• If a flow is selected for the procedure interaction between a client and server procedure, the link flow is used.
• Is used in client-to-client flows since the processing is based on a graphical object, and although a flow may be used to open another primary window, the focus still comes back to the original object

For example, the illustration in the section Passing Data shows a Customer List. The user may add, update, or delete a customer from that list. This initiates a flow made to the Customer Detail client. After the action is completed, the focus comes back to the Customer List.

A link flow allows a user to acquire additional information from another procedure when it is needed by the initial procedure. After the information is acquired, the initial procedure executes again from the beginning with all the information from its initial execution intact. Any new data or commands returned from the destination procedure is also utilized.

If multiple links execute consecutively, all information from each linked procedure is saved in anticipation of its restart.

More information:

How Flows Are Initiated