Glossary
A reference guide to terms and concepts used in work.studio.
A
AI Agent
A step type that invokes an AI agent for intelligent processing. Can analyze data, generate content, make decisions, and interact with users.
API Key
A unique identifier used to authenticate requests to the work.studio API. API keys can be scoped with specific permissions and should be kept secure.
Automation
A workflow that executes when triggered. Automations consist of a trigger and one or more steps that run in sequence or parallel.
C
Condition
A step type that creates branches in an automation based on logical expressions. Example: "If order amount > $100, follow the VIP branch."
Connection
A configured integration with an external app or service. Connections store credentials securely and can be reused across multiple automations.
Connector
An integration template generated from an OpenAPI specification. Connectors define authentication methods, available operations, and data schemas. Categories include API, DATABASE, STORAGE, MESSAGING, AI_PROVIDER, COLLABORATION, and more.
Cron Expression
A string that defines a schedule using the cron syntax. Used for scheduled triggers. Example: 0 9 * * 1-5 means "9 AM on weekdays."
D
DATABASE Step
A step type that executes SQL queries directly against a database connection. Supports QUERY, EXECUTE, CALL, and TRANSACTION operations.
Draft
An automation state indicating the workflow is being edited and is not active. Draft automations don't run on triggers.
E
ERROR Step
A terminal step type that marks the workflow as failed with a custom error message and code.
Expression
A dynamic value using the {{ }} syntax that references data from input, previous steps, variables, or secrets. Example: {{ input.email }} or {{ steps.lookup.output.name }}.
F
FUNCTION Step
A step type that executes custom JavaScript/TypeScript code. Used for complex data transformations, calculations, and business logic.
H
HUMAN_INTERACTION Step
A step type that pauses workflow execution for human input. Supports confirmation, approval, single/multiple choice, text input, forms, and file uploads.
I
Input
Data provided to an automation when it starts. For webhooks, this is the HTTP request body. Referenced as {{ input.fieldName }}.
Integration
A connection between work.studio and an external service, enabling data exchange and automation across systems.
L
Log
A record of automation execution, including input data, outputs from each step, errors, and timing information.
LOOP Step
A step type that iterates over a collection, executing child steps for each item. Example: "For each order in the list, send a confirmation."
M
Manual Trigger
A trigger type that starts an automation when a user clicks "Run" or calls the execution API. Useful for on-demand tasks.
O
OAuth
An authentication protocol that allows work.studio to access external services on your behalf without storing your password. Most SaaS integrations use OAuth 2.0.
OpenAPI
A specification format for describing REST APIs. work.studio generates connectors from OpenAPI specifications, automatically creating operations and data schemas.
Output
Data produced by a step that can be used by subsequent steps. Accessed via {{ steps.stepName.output }}.
P
Parallel
Execution mode where multiple steps run simultaneously instead of sequentially. Improves performance when steps don't depend on each other.
Payload
The data sent in a webhook request body or API call. Typically formatted as JSON.
R
Resource
Shared assets available to all automations, including variables, secrets, and files.
Retry
Automatic re-execution of a failed step. Configurable with retry count and delay between attempts.
Run
A single execution of an automation. Each run has a unique ID, status, duration, and associated logs.
S
Schedule Trigger
A trigger type that starts an automation at specified times (daily, hourly, etc.) using cron expressions.
Secret
An encrypted value stored in Resources for sensitive data like API keys, passwords, or tokens. Referenced as {{ secrets.secretName }}.
Slack Trigger
A trigger type that starts an automation when a Slack message or command is received in a configured channel.
SMART_DECISION Step
A step type that uses AI to make routing decisions. Provide a prompt describing criteria, and AI routes to the appropriate branch.
SMART_FUNCTION Step
A step type that uses AI to generate and execute code. Describe what you need, and AI produces the implementation.
Step
A building block in an automation workflow. Step types include: CONNECTOR, VARIABLE, CONDITION, LOOP, FUNCTION, DATABASE, AIAGENT, SMART_FUNCTION, SMART_DECISION, HUMAN_INTERACTION, VOIP, ETL, WORKFLOW, SUCCESS, and ERROR.
SUCCESS Step
A terminal step type that marks the workflow as completed successfully, optionally returning output data.
T
Teams Trigger
A trigger type that starts an automation when a Microsoft Teams event occurs.
Trigger
The event that starts an automation. Types include: Manual, Webhook, Schedule, Slack, Teams, VoIP, SQS, AI_ASSISTANT, and AI_AGENT.
V
Variable
A named value stored in Resources that can be read by automations. Used for configuration and shared values. Referenced as {{ variables.varName }}.
VARIABLE Step
A step type that sets or transforms variables for use in subsequent steps.
VOIP Step
A step type that executes voice operations including outbound calls, IVR menus, and AI-powered voice conversations.
VOIP Trigger
A trigger type that starts an automation when an incoming phone call arrives.
W
Webhook
An HTTP endpoint that receives data from external services and triggers automations. Each automation can have a unique webhook URL.
Webhook Trigger
A trigger type that starts an automation when an HTTP POST request is received at the webhook URL.
WORKFLOW Step
A step type that calls another automation as a sub-workflow. Enables reusable, modular workflow design.
Workspace
An isolated environment containing automations, connections, resources, and team members. Organizations may have multiple workspaces for different projects or environments.