Expressions and Expression Functions
FlowForce expressions represent custom code that can be computed and executed by FlowForce Server when a job runs. FlowForce expressions are used in most step parameters. There are, however, a few exceptions. The following items are not expressions:
•The retry count of a protected block
•The condition setting of protected-block handlers
•The name assigned to a step result
•The name assigned to the current item of a For-Each block
Expression rules
To ensure FlowForce expressions are syntactically correct and evaluate as intended, follow these rules:
•Use correct data types.
•Enclose literal strings in single or double quotes.
•Enclose expressions in curly braces when you embed them in string fields.
See Expression Rules for more information.
Operators
FlowForce Server supports various operators that enable you to build expressions. For details, see Operators.
Expression functions
The FlowForce expression language includes a wide range of functions that allow you to perform various operations, such as:
•Handling values returned by execution steps
•Evaluating true/false expressions
•Processing and modifying strings
•Manipulating MIME headers using MIME expression functions
Expression functions should not be confused with the FlowForce built-in functions:
•Built-in functions are called from FlowForce execution steps.
•Expressions and expression functions are used in steps' parameters.
For more information, see Expression Functions.
Testing an expression
Before using an expression in a job, you might want to test the expression to see what result it produces. To learn how to use expressions, follow the steps in the Hello World tutorial.