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Parameters in schedulix: The key to dynamic information transfer

In the world of workload automation, the ability to flexibly exchange information between different processes is crucial. schedulix uses a powerful parameter concept that enables dynamic data transfer between jobs, batches, and the entire runtime environment. Parameters are thus the backbone for control, adaptation, and communication within complex workflows.

Basics of parameter transfer

Every process object in schedulix — be it a job, a batch, or a milestone — can define its own parameters or use parameters from other objects. This enables seamless data transfer within a workflow. Parameter transfer works bidirectionally within a parent-child relationship: information can be transferred from the parent object to the children and vice versa from the children to the parent object. In addition, it is possible to access parameters of process objects that are outside the direct parent-child relationship, as long as they are part of the same master job. This enables comprehensive data transfer between all components of a complex master job.

Versatile uses of parameters

Parameters in schedulix serve a wide range of functions:

  • Arguments for command lines: Parameters can serve as dynamic input values for the programs to be executed in a job. For example, a script can be started with different file paths or configuration values.
  • Dynamization of paths and file names: Working directories, log files, or even programs for rerunning and termination can contain parameter references. This makes it possible, for example, to name log files with the job ID or a timestamp to ensure unique assignment.
  • Evaluation of conditions: Parameter values can be used in conditions to control the further course of a workflow.
  • Display in monitoring: Important information or results from jobs can be displayed via parameters in the monitoring module, which facilitates transparency and monitoring.
  • Result transfer between jobs: Results from one job can be passed on to subsequent jobs via special parameters, which then use them for their own logic.
  • Customization of submit masks: Parameters can configure the input fields in submit masks, for example as checkboxes or selection fields, to increase user-friendliness.

Specific parameter types

schedulix offers various parameter types tailored to different information transfer scenarios:

  • RESULT parameters: These parameters define the result values of jobs. They can be set by the job itself via the API or command line tools and are then accessible to other process objects.
  • REFERENCE, CHILDREFERENCE, and RESOURCEREFERENCE parameters: These types enable read access to parameters of parent objects (REFERENCE), child objects (CHILDREFERENCE), or external resources (RESOURCEREFERENCE).
  • IMPORT_UNRESOLVED parameters: Similar to IMPORT parameters, but with the difference that contained parameter references are resolved in the context of the importing flow object. This is useful for customizing dynamic values such as the job name in an imported text.
  • EXPRESSION parameters: These parameters can use functions such as “SUM” to aggregate values from child parameters. An example of this is the summation of “lines written” from several parallel child jobs.

Referencing and inheritance

Parameter values can themselves contain parameter references, which are resolved recursively. In hierarchically organized objects such as batches, jobs, or folders, parameters are inherited from parent objects to child objects, which greatly simplifies the definition of complex workflows.

In addition to user-defined parameters, schedulix provides a set of predefined job environment parameters (e.g., JOBID, STARTTIME, WORKDIR) and trigger parameters (e.g., TRIGGERNAME, TRIGGERORIGIN) that can also be used for information transfer.

Parameters are a fundamental and versatile tool in schedulix, enabling highly dynamic and flexible workflow design. They ensure that information can be transferred accurately and contextually between all components involved, making the automation of complex IT processes efficient, transparent, and robust.

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