agent-framework/dotnet/src/Microsoft.Agents.AI.Workflows.Declarative/README.md

Declarative Workflows

Declarative Workflows is a no-code platform for orchestrating AI agents to accomplish complex, multi-step tasks with ease. It allows users to design, execute, and monitor workflows using simple declarative configurations—no coding required. By connecting multiple AI agents and services, it enables automation of sophisticated processes that traditionally require custom engineering.

We've provided a set of Sample Workflows within the agent-framework repository.

Please refer to the README for setup instructions to run the sample workflows in your environment.

As part of our Getting Started with Declarative Workflows, we've provided a console application that is able to execute any declarative workflow.

Please refer to the README for configuration instructions.

Actions

⚙️ Foundry Actions

Action	Description
AddConversationMessage	Adds a message to the current conversation thread. Useful for dynamically appending information or system responses.
CopyConversationMessages	Duplicates messages from one conversation or context to another. Helps maintain continuity across related interactions.
CreateConversation	Starts a new conversation instance. Used when initiating separate dialogues or workflows.
DeleteConversation	Permanently removes an existing conversation. Helps manage storage and ensure privacy compliance.
InvokeAzureAgent	Triggers an Azure-based AI agent to perform a task or return a response. Useful for leveraging external cognitive services.
RetrieveConversationMessage	Fetches a single message from a conversation history. Enables referencing or reusing specific past exchanges.
RetrieveConversationMessages	Retrieves multiple messages from the conversation history. Useful for context reconstruction or auditing.

🧑‍💼 Human Input

Action	Description
Question	Presents a query or prompt requiring human input. Integrates human decision-making into automated processes.

🧩 State Management

Action	Description
ClearAllVariables	Resets all variables in the current context. Ensures a clean state before starting new logic or sessions.
EditTableV2	Modifies data in a structured table format. Useful for updating variable sets or configuration data dynamically.
ParseValue	Extracts or converts data into a usable format. Often used for transforming input before assignment or evaluation.
ResetVariable	Restores a specific variable to its default or initial value. Helps maintain predictable state transitions.
SendActivity	Sends an activity or message to another system or user. Facilitates communication between components or external services.
SetMultipleVariables	Assigns values to multiple variables simultaneously. Useful for batch initialization or updates.
SetTextVariable	Assigns text-based data to a variable. Commonly used for string operations or message composition.
SetVariable	Sets or updates the value of a single variable. Fundamental for maintaining and controlling state within workflows.

🧭 Control Flow

Action	Description
BreakLoop	Exits the current loop prematurely when a specified condition is met. Useful for preventing unnecessary iterations once a goal is achieved.
ConditionGroup	Defines a set of conditional statements that can be evaluated together. It allows complex decision logic to be grouped for readability and maintainability.
ConditionItem	Represents a single conditional statement within a group. It evaluates a specific logical condition and determines the next step in the flow.
ContinueLoop	Skips the remaining steps in the current iteration and continues with the next loop cycle. Commonly used to bypass specific cases without exiting the loop entirely.
EndConversation	Terminates the current conversation session. It ensures any necessary cleanup or final actions are performed before closing.
EndWorkflow	Ends the current workflow or sub-workflow within a broader conversation flow. This helps modularize complex interactions.
Foreach	Iterates through a collection of items, executing a set of actions for each. Ideal for processing lists or batch operations.
GotoAction	Jumps directly to a specified action within the workflow. Enables non-linear navigation in the logic flow.