Transformation

Transform and manipulate data using JavaScript code or static values

Transformation actions allow you to process, reshape, and compute values within your workflows. Use these actions when you need custom logic that goes beyond what other actions provide.

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javascript

Executes custom JavaScript code with access to all workflow variables. The script must define a servflowRun function that receives the workflow context and returns a result.

Script

The JavaScript code to execute. Must contain a servflowRun function.

YAML Key	script
Type	string
Required	Yes

The servflowRun function receives a vars object containing:

• Results from previous actions (e.g., vars.fetch_users)
• Request parameters accessible via the workflow context

Dependencies

Bundled JavaScript dependencies to include with the script.

YAML Key	dependencies
Type	string
Required	No

Example

Basic transformation:

actions:
  transform_data:
    type: javascript
    config:
      script: |
        function servflowRun(vars) {
          const users = vars.fetch_users || [];
          return users.map(user => ({
            id: user.id,
            displayName: user.firstName + ' ' + user.lastName,
            email: user.email.toLowerCase()
          }));
        }
    next: response.success

Complex Calculations

Perform calculations on workflow data:

actions:
  calculate_totals:
    type: javascript
    config:
      script: |
        function servflowRun(vars) {
          const items = vars.cart_items || [];
          const subtotal = items.reduce((sum, item) => 
            sum + (item.price * item.quantity), 0);
          const tax = subtotal * 0.1;
          return {
            subtotal: subtotal,
            tax: tax,
            total: subtotal + tax,
            itemCount: items.length
          };
        }
    next: response.cart_summary

Data Validation

Validate and sanitize input data:

actions:
  validate_input:
    type: javascript
    config:
      script: |
        function servflowRun(vars) {
          const email = vars.request_email || '';
          const name = vars.request_name || '';
          
          const errors = [];
          
          if (!email.includes('@')) {
            errors.push('Invalid email address');
          }
          
          if (name.length < 2) {
            errors.push('Name must be at least 2 characters');
          }
          
          return {
            isValid: errors.length === 0,
            errors: errors,
            sanitized: {
              email: email.toLowerCase().trim(),
              name: name.trim()
            }
          };
        }
    next: conditional.check_valid

Array Filtering and Sorting

Filter and sort data:

actions:
  process_orders:
    type: javascript
    config:
      script: |
        function servflowRun(vars) {
          const orders = vars.fetch_orders || [];
          
          // Filter to completed orders
          const completed = orders.filter(o => o.status === 'completed');
          
          // Sort by date descending
          completed.sort((a, b) => 
            new Date(b.created_at) - new Date(a.created_at)
          );
          
          // Get top 10
          return completed.slice(0, 10);
        }
    next: response.recent_orders

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static

Returns a static value or a computed value using template syntax. Useful for setting constants, combining values, or preparing data for subsequent actions.

Return Value

The value to return. Supports template syntax for dynamic values.

YAML Key	return
Type	string
Required	Yes

Example

Return a constant value:

actions:
  set_status:
    type: static
    config:
      return: "active"
    next: action.create_record

Combine Values

Combine multiple values into a single result:

actions:
  build_greeting:
    type: static
    config:
      return: "Hello, {{ param \"firstName\" }} {{ param \"lastName\" }}!"
    next: response.greeting

Prepare Data

Prepare a JSON structure for another action:

actions:
  prepare_payload:
    type: static
    config:
      return: |
        {
          "user_id": "{{ .authenticated_user.id }}",
          "timestamp": "{{ now }}",
          "action": "login"
        }
    next: action.log_event

Set Default Values

Provide fallback values using template functions:

actions:
  set_defaults:
    type: static
    config:
      return: "{{ param \"category\" | default \"general\" }}"
    next: action.fetch_items

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When to Use Each

Scenario	Recommended Action
Simple string concatenation	static
Setting constant values	static
Complex data transformations	javascript
Array manipulation (map, filter, reduce)	javascript
Conditional logic with multiple branches	javascript
Mathematical calculations	javascript
Data validation	javascript

Use static when template syntax is sufficient. Reserve javascript for complex logic that can’t be expressed with templates.

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Next Steps

Data Operations

Fetch and store the data you transform.

Flow Control

Run transformations in parallel.

AI Agents

Combine transformations with AI processing.

Actions Overview

Learn the fundamentals of ServFlow actions.