Functions

Functions are the core building blocks used to implement business logic in AppForms. Every workflow rule is created by combining one or more built-in functions, making functions the foundation for developing the backend logic of a form.

AppForms provides a comprehensive library of built-in functions, each designed to perform a specific operation such as calculations, data manipulation, validation, decision making, string processing, date operations, database interactions, and integration with external services. By combining these functions, users can create simple or complex business logic to achieve the desired functionality.

Each function has a predefined syntax and accepts parameters based on its purpose. Functions can be used within rule actions and decision expressions to perform operations and control the execution flow of a form.

AppForms offers multiple ways to configure functions:

• Direct Expression Editor – Users can type functions directly into Action and Decision expressions. The editor includes IntelliSense support to help discover available functions, parameters, and syntax while typing.
• Expression Builder – A guided interface that helps users create function expressions without manually writing the syntax.
• Rules Panel – A visual expression builder that enables users to create and edit complex expressions with minimal effort and reduced chances of errors.

Experienced users can quickly build expressions by typing functions directly, while new users can use the visual builders to create the same expressions without requiring detailed knowledge of function syntax.

When a form is saved or previewed, AppForms validates all function expressions and displays warnings for any syntax errors or invalid function usage, helping ensure that the configured business logic is correct before deployment.