Public API as an alternative to workflow?

Permanently deleted user

March 26, 2015 23:58

This is more a general question, but does Geocortex ever have any plans to release an API to use as an alternative to building workflows?  As I understand it, the workflow is just a visual programming wrapper for what is clearly a collection of .NET libraries but it would be really nice to have the option to write code instead of creating workflows.  I struggle a little bit with building the workflows, and think I would be much more productive/have better control if I were able to just write code.  Does anyone else feel this way?

Thanks!

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  Kevin Penner

  March 28, 2015 06:33

  Hi Caleb, 

  What aspects of workflow are you struggling with? I've found workflow to be a great tool for getting most common things done out-of-the-box. As a rule of thumb, I generally develop custom solutions as much as possible using workflow, and then extend with custom client and server-side components. This leads to more maintainable and readable solutions. It is also pretty straightforward for non-developer folks to pop open the designer and make some simple changes on the fly to suit them as things change.

  I know workflow may not be every ones first choice, and it can feel clunky at times, but its really good at taking care of the things that can tie up lots of time when writing code.

  If you haven't yet, would you be willing to take one of our workflow courses? If you have already and are still struggling, perhaps your account manager could schedule you some one-on-one developer assistance. That way, you can come with a clear goal in mind and have one of the folks here walk you through some development and show you some helpful tips.

  I know I didn't really answer your original question, but you sound like you are really close to overcoming any hurdles and being able to add some awesome functionality to your sites with ease.

  -Kevin

   

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  Permanently deleted user

  March 28, 2015 06:52

  You can access the code using visual studio and all of the other extensions stated in the admin guide that geocortex provides. And yes, the workflow structure is very time consuming. It makes certain things easier but drags your feet when you could easily code something very simple.

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  Berend Veldkamp

  April 15, 2015 20:47

  I use workflows all the time, and I find it very convenient that our customers can make (small) modifications by themselves, without our help.

  That said, when things get too complicated to put in a workflow, I build a custom workflow activity for that. That way I can code in .NET (C#), and still use workflows.

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