5 useful tips to master workflows in Latenode

1. Utilize the scenario execution history feature

Scenario Execution History is a highly useful feature in Latenode, allowing you to track the execution history of your scenarios. Similar to the history feature in web browsers or software like Photoshop, Word, and Excel, it records every scenario run (successful or failed).

To view the scenario history, simply click the History button on the right, as illustrated in the example.

The history panel provides the following details:

• Time: The start time of the scenario.
• Development or Production: Indicates whether the scenario is in the development (Dev) or production (Prod) phase, along with the version number (e.g., v.13 Dev).
• Status: The status of the scenario, which can be:
  • Success: Scenario completed successfully.
  • Error: Scenario encountered an error.
  • Paused: Scenario halted at a wait node.
  • New: Scenario manually stopped.
• Duration: Execution time of the scenario in seconds.
• Credits: Credits used for the scenario.
• Operations: The number of operations executed in the scenario.

In cases where an error occurs, clicking on the Time entry provides a detailed breakdown, showing where the error happened, the specific node, and the type of error.

2. Don’t hesitate to use AI if you don’t know how to code

Similar to n8n, Latenode supports JavaScript integration for customizing and optimizing workflows. You can insert code using a JavaScript node.

For those unfamiliar with coding, Latenode’s AI assistant, powered by GPT-4 (similar to GitHub Copilot), is available to help. You can invoke it by starting a line with // and adding your request. For example:

// please explain what's going on!  

This command asks the AI to explain what the JavaScript above and below is doing.

The AI can also write new code based on simple descriptions, making it easier to achieve your desired outcomes. Additionally, the JavaScript node supports over 1.3 million NPM packages, enhancing workflow capabilities.

Latenode’s AI assistant can handle various tasks like writing code, debugging, explaining, and modifying scripts. Leveraging this tool saves significant time and effort.

3. Take advantage of branch merging and multi-triggers

Users of platforms like Make.com or Zapier often complain about limitations such as only one trigger per scenario or difficulty merging branches into a single node.

Latenode addresses these issues by allowing multiple triggers and easy branch merging, inspired by n8n.

For instance, data from Google Drive and OneDrive nodes can be merged into a single Android node. Similarly, workflows can include up to three triggers, any of which can activate the workflow when conditions are met.

These features simplify and accelerate complex workflows, making them more streamlined and easier to manage.

4. Create sub-scenarios when needed

Sub-scenarios are a handy feature in Latenode, offering flexibility akin to reusable workflows in n8n but with added versatility.

When building complex workflows, you might need to repeat the same set of nodes across different scenarios. Instead of duplicating efforts, you can encapsulate the required logic into a single node as a sub-scenario. This keeps the main scenario clean and reduces errors.

After creating a sub-scenario, set the scenario type to "Nodul" and integrate it into other workflows effortlessly. This feature is a time-saver and enhances organization for large-scale automation projects.