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Step Functions Reference

Comprehensive documentation for all available Vibes workflow functions, organized by category with examples and best practices.

Step Functions Overview

Step functions are the building blocks of every Vibe workflow. Each function performs a specific task, from extracting information with AI to sending emails or querying databases. Understanding how these functions work and what they can accomplish is essential for creating powerful, reliable workflows.

Function Structure: All step functions follow a consistent structure with defined inputs, processing logic, outputs, and error handling that makes them predictable and easy to use.

Function Input

Each function accepts specific input parameters that define what data to process and how to process it

Processing Logic

The function performs its designated task using the provided inputs, whether that's making an API call, querying a database, or processing data with AI

Function Output

After processing, each function returns structured output data that can be referenced by subsequent steps

Variable Reference Patterns

Throughout step functions, you'll use common patterns for referencing data in your workflows:

Common Patterns

${steps.step_id.output.variable_name}

Step Output Reference

${global_variable_name}

Reference global variables

${conversationContext}

Reference conversation context

${file:uniqueData.attachments[0]}

Reference file attachments

Safety Features

  • Input Validation: Functions validate their inputs and provide clear error messages for invalid data
  • Resource Limits: Functions respect system limits to prevent excessive resource usage
  • Error Recovery: Functions handle temporary failures gracefully and provide useful error information
  • Security: Functions that access external resources include appropriate security controls and permission checks

Best Practices for Step Functions

Function Selection

  • Choose the right function for your specific use case and data requirements
  • Understand complexity levels before implementing advanced functions
  • Consider error handling and fallback scenarios for robust workflows

Implementation Tips

  • Test functions incrementally during development to catch issues early
  • Use descriptive step IDs for clarity
  • Validate inputs and outputs to ensure data flows correctly between steps