---
title: "What is a Workflow?"
description: "A workflow is a sequential data pipeline where each step's output feeds the next step's input. Unlike sagas, workflows don't have compensation actions — they're designed for data transformation, not transactions. Feature"
resource: https://www.aiagents.nexus/docs/manual/workflows/what-is-a-workflow
generated: { by: "process:nexus-agent-assets", at: 2026-09-07T09:13:03Z }
status: stable
---

# What is a Workflow?

A workflow is a sequential data pipeline where each step's output feeds the next step's input. Unlike sagas, workflows don't have compensation actions — they're designed for data transformation, not transactions.

## Workflow vs. Saga

| Feature | Workflow | Saga |
|---------|----------|------|
| Purpose | Data pipeline | Transaction |
| Compensation | No | Yes |
| Data passing | Output → Input | Limited |
| On failure | Stop or skip | Rollback |

## How It Works

```
Step 1: Fetch data     → output: raw_data
Step 2: Clean data     → input: raw_data, output: clean_data
Step 3: Analyze        → input: clean_data, output: analysis
Step 4: Generate report → input: analysis, output: report
```

## Creating a Workflow

```bash
naos workflow create data-pipeline
naos workflow add-step data-pipeline fetch-data
naos workflow add-step data-pipeline clean-data
naos workflow add-step data-pipeline analyze
naos workflow add-step data-pipeline report
```