Workflow Graph and Code View

Understand how your CodeWords workflows operate with Graph and Code Views — visualize data flow or inspect the underlying logic for transparency and control.

Overview

Every automation you build in CodeWords has two perspectives:

  • The Graph View – a visual map of how your workflow operates.

  • The Code View – a detailed look at the technical configuration behind it.

Together, they give you complete visibility into what your workflow does and how it works — whether you’re a non-technical creator or an experienced developer.

1. The Workflow Graph

What Is the Workflow Graph?

The Workflow Graph visually represents how your automation runs, similar to a flowchart. It shows:

  • Where your workflow begins (manually, on a schedule, or through triggers)

  • The sequence of steps it performs

  • The external tools and services involved

  • How data moves from one step to another

Each element is called a node and represents a step, and arrows show how data flows between them.

Why the Graph View Matters

For Non-Technical Users

  • See the big picture: Understand your workflow at a glance without reading code

  • Track progress: Watch the workflow being built step-by-step

  • Communicate clearly: Share the automation’s structure with teammates

  • Spot issues early: Detect missteps before final deployment

What You’ll See

  1. Starting Points

    • Run Manually — You start it when ready

    • Run on Schedule — Executes automatically (e.g., every day at 9 AM)

    • Run on Trigger — Fires when an event occurs (e.g., new email, form submission)

  2. Steps and Actions

    • Data processing, API calls, or AI-based analysis

    • Integrations such as Gmail, Slack, LinkedIn, or Google Sheets

  3. Decision Points

    • Conditional branches, e.g. If order > $1000 → notify finance team

  4. Integrations

    • Visual icons indicate tools in use (Slack, Gmail, Notion, Stripe, etc.)

Accessing the Graph View

When Cody (your CodeWords assistant) builds a workflow, the graph updates automatically during each phase:

  • Planning: Cody drafts the initial workflow outline

  • Building: Completed and active steps update live

  • After Deployment: The final graph serves as your permanent visual reference

To open it: Select Graph View in the workflow editor.

2. The Code View

What Is the Code View?

The Code View displays the Python code that defines your workflow’s behavior. It’s a text-based configuration showing every step, parameter, and integration — perfect for users who want technical insight or advanced control.

Why It’s Useful

  • Transparency: See the exact logic behind each step

  • Debugging: Identify issues by reviewing the underlying script

  • Customization: Fine-tune details not visible in the UI

  • Documentation: Keep an accurate version of your automation logic

To open it: Click Code View in the workflow editor.

Viewing the Code

You can access the code in two ways:

1. During Development Ask Cody:

  • “Show me the code for the LinkedIn search step.”

  • “Can I review the workflow code before deployment?” Cody displays annotated code with line numbers, explanations, and highlights.

2. After Deployment Ask Cody to view or compare versions of a deployed workflow.

Code Structure Overview

Typical sections include:

  • Header: Required integrations or dependencies

  • Inputs: Variables or data sources used

  • Main Logic: Step-by-step workflow logic

  • Outputs: Results or returned data

  • Comments: Human-readable explanations

3. Putting It All Together

View Type
Purpose
Best For

Graph View

Visualize what happens and in what order

Non-technical users, reviewers

Code View

Understand how each step works in detail

Developers, technical debugging

You can build, run, and monitor automations entirely through the visual graph — or dive into code for deeper insight.

4. FAQs

Do I need to understand code to use CodeWords?

No. The Graph View exists so anyone can build and understand workflows visually.

When should I use Graph View?

During planning, reviewing builds, or troubleshooting unexpected results.

When should I use Code View?

When debugging, exporting, or learning how your automation works internally.

Can I modify the code?

Not directly. But you can also simply describe the change in plain English. Cody will update both the graph and code automatically.

Getting Help

Need clarity or want to inspect your workflow?

  • Ask: “Show me my workflow graph.”

  • Ask: “Display the code for this workflow.”

  • Or say: “Explain what happens in the ‘Extract Data’ step.”

Cody provides both a visual overview and a technical breakdown — ensuring you have full transparency without ever needing to code.

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