> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.diaflow.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.diaflow.io/getting-started/lets-start-with-the-basics/how-a-workflow-works.md).

# How a workflow works

A **workflow** is a process divided into **three parts**. 

You can refer to the [**Workflow Builder**](/workflow-builder/overview.md) section for more information.

A **Workflow** is a set of connected steps.

It takes an input, processes it, and returns a result.

## How a Workflow works

A Workflow usually has 3 parts:

* **Trigger:** starts the flow with an input
* **Nodes:** process the data step by step
* **Output:** shows the final result

For example, a Workflow can receive a file, analyze it with AI, and return an answer.

<figure><img src="https://3864624312-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FRdo1pkMnofwxf3lpWftw%2Fuploads%2FYhfG4f7dkbbVaeqByys6%2FExecuteWorkflow.gif?alt=media&amp;token=9f0190a5-6e1b-469c-ad11-168372a8f724" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
Tip: Use **@** to refer to the previous node's output.
{% endhint %}

### Next steps

* Learn the basic building block in [How a Component works](/getting-started/lets-start-with-the-basics/how-a-node-works.md).
* Build an example in [Creating your first Workflow](/getting-started/lets-start-with-the-basics/creating-your-first-workflow.md).
* Explore more in [Flows](/workflow-builder/overview.md).