Importing and exporting a flow

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Import a previously exported flow definition directly into IBM® Optim Archive from a JSON file. By exporting and importing flows, you can reuse existing flow configurations or restore flows without manually recreating them.

When you import a flow from a JSON file, IBM Optim Archive validates the file structure, verifies that all required connection types are supported, and extracts the flow name and description. You can review and modify the imported flow information before completing the import.

During the flow import process, IBM Optim Archive creates new node identifiers, preserves node relationships and connections, and validates the imported flow before making it available in the canvas. You can import the flow into a new canvas or use it to replace the currently open flow.

Restriction: The import process fails if the imported flow contains unsupported connection types, profiles, or environment-specific configurations.

Exporting a flow to JSON

You can export a flow to preserve a backup or to reuse it as a template to create new flows. To export a flow:
  1. From the navigation menu, click Workflow icon Workflow > Flow builder.
  2. From the My flows panel, open the flow you want to export.
  3. In the menu bar, click the import/export icon Import-Export button, then click Export.
  4. Save the flow definition file to your local file system.

Importing a flow from JSON

Before beginning the import process, ensure that you have a valid JSON flow definition file. Get a flow definition file by exporting an existing IBM Optim flow.

To import a flow from a previously exported JSON file:
  1. From the navigation menu, click Workflow icon Workflow > Flow builder.
  2. In the menu bar, click the import/export icon Import-Export button, then click Import.
  3. Browse to select a JSON file from your local file system that contains a valid exported flow definition. Click Open.
  4. In the Import flow from JSON dialog, review the flow name and description and edit them if needed. The flow name must be unique within the IBM Optim instance.
  5. Choose how you want to open the imported flow:
    • Click Open in canvas to open the flow in a new canvas.
    • If you have a different flow already open, you can click Replace current flow to replace the current flow on the canvas.
    The imported flow displays in the canvas.
  6. Work with the imported flow as you would with any other flow:
    • Add or edit nodes.
    • Save the flow.
    • Run the flow.