> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.livefaces.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Workflow essentials

> Understand steps, outcomes, data, and published versions.

A workflow connects a live conversation with decisions and tasks. Each node does one job; its outcome selects the next node. Inputs provide context, and output fields carry results forward.

```mermaid theme={null}
flowchart LR
  A[Start] --> B[Collect information]
  B -->|complete| C[Run task agent]
  C -->|complete| D[Say / Message]
  D -->|complete| E[End: completed]
  B -. error / timeout .-> F[End: failed]
  C -. error / timeout .-> F
```

## Choose the right step

| You need to… | Use |
| - | - |
| Have a flexible conversation | Conversation goal |
| Gather named fields | Collect information |
| Deliver exact wording | Say / Message |
| Interpret text into categories | Classify |
| Compare known values | Branch |
| Analyze supplied information | Run task agent |
| Invoke an integration | Call MCP tool |
| Ask permission for a specific action | Confirm action |
| Verify identity through an integration | Authenticate |
| Reuse a published workflow | Run subflow |
| Define entry and final status | Start / End |

Explore all twelve in the [interactive node reference](https://docs.livefaces.ai/workflows/nodes.md).

## Routing rules

* Begin with one **Start** node and finish every path at an **End** node.
* Each outcome has one destination. Branches can converge at a later step.
* Connections cannot create cycles. Use a conversation node for multi-turn exchanges.
* With exactly one **Failure** end, unconnected `error` and `timeout` outcomes use it automatically. Other outcomes still need routes.

## Working copies and versions

The editor saves a working copy. **Test** runs that saved copy; **Publish version** creates an immutable revision. Your application launches a specific published revision. Later edits and publications do not change that revision.

Start with [Build a workflow](https://docs.livefaces.ai/workflows/build-a-workflow.md), then review [data mapping](https://docs.livefaces.ai/workflows/data-and-routing.md) and [testing](https://docs.livefaces.ai/workflows/test-and-publish.md).


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