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Core Concepts

Action

A Python function that performs a specific task. Actions are deterministic, reusable building blocks for Flows. Examples: API calls, data transformations, validations.

Agent

An LLM-powered component that can make decisions, generate content, and use tools. Agents have system prompts, model configurations, and access to Actions/Flows as tools.

API Key

A secret token used to authenticate requests to Triform’s API. Required for executing deployed Projects and accessing Triform services programmatically.

Canvas

The visual workspace where you build and view Projects, Flows, and their components. The Canvas displays nodes and edges showing system structure.

Deployment

The process of publishing a Project to a live environment (staging or production) where it’s accessible via API or triggers.

Edge

A connection between two nodes in a Flow, showing data or control flow direction. Edges define how information moves through your system.

Execution

A single run of a Project, Flow, Agent, or Action. Each execution has inputs, outputs, logs, and metrics. Executions are tracked for observability and debugging.

Flow

An orchestration graph that connects Actions, Agents, and sub-Flows. Flows define multi-step logic with inputs, outputs, and data flow between components.

Project Variable

An environment-specific value (API keys, config, secrets) accessible across Projects. Variables keep sensitive data out of code and enable environment-specific configuration.

Node

A visual element on the Canvas representing a component (Action, Agent, Flow, Project) or control structure (Router, Merge, Loop).

Organization

The top-level entity that owns Projects, members, and billing. Organizations provide team collaboration and access control.

Payload

The JSON input data provided when executing a component. Payloads must match the defined input schema.

Project

A complete, deployable AI system containing Actions, Agents, and Flows. Projects are the primary unit of work in Triform.

Trigger

An automated mechanism that executes a Project in response to events (webhooks, schedules, manual API calls).

Platform Components

Agent Toolbox

A panel showing available components (Actions, Agents, Flows) that can be dragged onto the Canvas or reused across Projects.

Chat Panel

The interface for interacting with Triton, Triform’s AI assistant. The Chat Panel enables conversational building, editing, and debugging.

Input Node

The entry point of a Flow, defining what data the Flow expects. Input nodes have schemas specifying required and optional fields.

Output Node

The exit point of a Flow, defining what data the Flow returns. Output nodes shape the API response for deployed Projects.

Properties Panel

A panel showing detailed configuration for selected components. Properties include content (code, prompts), input/output schemas, executions, and settings.

Top Bar

The navigation bar showing breadcrumbs, home, profile, and deploy controls. The Top Bar provides Project navigation and actions.

Triton

Triform’s built-in AI assistant that helps you build, modify, and debug Projects through natural conversation.

Technical Terms

Navigation elements showing your current location in the hierarchy (e.g., Home > Project > Flow > Agent). Click any level to jump back.

Cron Expression

A time-based schedule format for triggering periodic executions. Example: 0 6 * * * means daily at 6 AM.

Dependency

An external Python package required by an Action. Dependencies are listed in requirements.txt.

Port

An input or output connection point on a node. Data flows from output ports to input ports via edges.

Rate Limit

A restriction on how many requests can be made in a time period. Protects against abuse and ensures fair usage.

Requirements.txt

A file listing Python package dependencies for an Action. Format follows pip conventions.

Retry Logic

Automatic re-execution of failed operations, typically with exponential backoff. Handles transient failures gracefully.

Rollback

Reverting a deployment to a previous version. Used when new deployments have issues.

Schema

A definition of data structure specifying field names, types, and validation rules. Used for inputs, outputs, and payloads.

System Prompt

Instructions given to an Agent defining its behavior, personality, and capabilities. System prompts guide Agent responses.

Timeout

Maximum time allowed for an execution before it’s canceled. Prevents infinite loops and hung processes.

Token

In LLM context, a unit of text (roughly a word or sub-word). Token usage is tracked for cost and limits.

Trace

A detailed record of execution showing which nodes ran, in what order, with what data and timing. Essential for debugging.

Webhook

An HTTP endpoint that receives event notifications from external services. Triggers Project execution based on external events.

Workflow Terms

Branching

When a Flow splits into multiple paths based on conditions. Example: route by user tier (free vs. premium).

Cold Start

The initial delay when executing a component that hasn’t run recently. Caused by environment setup and dependency loading.

Concurrency

Number of simultaneous executions. Can be limited to control resource usage or ensure serial processing.

Fanout/Fanin

Fanout: One node sends data to multiple nodes (parallel processing). Fanin: Multiple nodes send data to one node (merging results).

Merge Node

A control node that combines multiple inputs into one output. Used after parallel operations.

Parallel Processing

Executing multiple operations simultaneously instead of sequentially. Improves performance for independent tasks.

Router Node

A control node that directs data down different paths based on conditions. Enables branching logic in Flows.

Serial Processing

Executing operations one at a time in sequence. Each step waits for the previous one to complete.

Sub-Flow

A Flow used as a component within another Flow. Enables modularity and reusability.

Environment Terms

Development (Dev)

The environment where you actively build and test. Changes are immediate, no deployment needed.

Production (Prod)

The live environment serving real users. Requires deployment and should be stable.

Staging

A pre-production environment for testing. Mirrors production configuration but isolated from real traffic.

Access Control

Admin

A role with full permissions: create, edit, delete, deploy, manage members, billing.

Editor

A role with permission to create and edit Projects but not manage members or billing.

Member

A user belonging to an Organization with assigned roles and permissions.

Viewer

A role with read-only access. Can view Projects and executions but not modify.

Monitoring & Debugging

Alert

A notification triggered by specific conditions (e.g., execution failure, high error rate). Sent via email, Slack, or webhook.

Error Rate

Percentage of executions that failed. Used to monitor system health.

Execution Log

Detailed text output from an execution including debug, info, warning, and error messages.

Metric

Quantitative measurement of system behavior (execution time, success rate, token usage, cost).

Success Rate

Percentage of executions that completed successfully. Key health indicator.

Integration Terms

API Endpoint

A URL where your deployed Project is accessible. Format: https://api.triform.ai/v1/org/project.

Bearer Token

Authentication method where API key is sent in Authorization header: Authorization: Bearer <key>.

CI/CD

Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment. Automated testing and deployment pipelines.

SDK

Software Development Kit. Client libraries for accessing Triform API from code (Python, JavaScript, etc.).

Webhook Payload

The JSON data sent to your webhook endpoint by external services. Must be transformed to match your Project’s input schema.

Billing & Quotas

Execution-based Quota

Limits on number of executions per time period. Varies by plan tier.

Resource-based Quota

Limits on storage, dependencies size, and similar resources. Varies by plan tier.

Token Usage

For LLMs, the number of tokens consumed. Tracked for billing and optimization.

Best Practices Terms

DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself)

Extract repeated logic into reusable Actions or Flows instead of duplicating.

Idiomatic Code

Code following language conventions and best practices. Python Actions should follow PEP 8.

Type Hints

Python annotations specifying variable and function types. Improves code clarity and enables validation.

Validation

Checking input data meets expected format and constraints before processing. Fail early, fail clearly.

Need more help?

If a term isn’t listed here:
  • Ask Triton in the Chat Panel
  • Check relevant concept pages in the documentation
  • Join our Discord community
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