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Define the workflow: create your first node

Every workflow starts with a trigger. Your first node defines how the workflow begins.

1. Open the node selector

Click the Create first node button in the center of the canvas. This opens a menu of node types grouped into triggers, actions, and logic.

2. Choose a starting trigger

Pick one based on how you want the workflow to start:
TriggerUse it when…
StartYou want to run manually while building and testing
Scheduled TriggerYou want it to run on a schedule
WebhookAnother system needs to send you data to start the workflow
App TriggerYou want to start from an event in a connected app
AI LookoutYou want AI to decide when incoming data matches your condition
Once your trigger is on the canvas, connect it to your next node to keep building the workflow.

3. Pass data between nodes

A crucial concept in CogniAgent is that each node can access the output variables generated by all preceding nodes in the workflow. This ensures continuous, logical data movement.
To access data from a previous step, use the format: {{node_key.output_name}}
For example, data entered in a Start node is accessed as:
{{on_start_1.startingInputData}}