How to Dynamically Concatenate a URL in Flowable Using Variables

Learn how to resolve the 'Unknown Property' error when concatenating dynamic variables with strings in Flowable HTTP tasks. Optimize your URL configuration for different environments seamlessly!
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Resolving the 'Unknown Property' Error in Flowable HTTP Tasks

When working with Flowable, developers often encounter the need to dynamically set URLs according to different environments like production or development. A common hurdle arises when trying to concatenate a dynamic variable with a string, leading to the dreaded 'Unknown Property' error. Let’s explore how to effectively handle this situation, ensuring your workflows communicate smoothly with the correct endpoints.

The Challenge: Setting Dynamic URLs

In Flowable's context, you might find yourself needing to construct a URL that reflects the environment your application is operating in. For instance, you need to define a baseUrl that corresponds to either local development or production. The error message you might see, such as:

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indicates that Flowable cannot find the baseUrl variable you expect to use in your HTTP task. Understanding how to set this variable correctly is essential.

Code Snippet Example

Here is a simplified structure of the code typically involved in this setup:

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You may want to use this variable in your HTTP task as follows:

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However, if you are encountering errors at this stage, it is time to troubleshoot.

Solution Steps

Step 1: Verify Variable Creation

Before trying to access the baseUrl, you should ensure that it is created properly in your script. It can be particularly helpful to introduce a wait state before your HTTP task. Here’s how you can check if the variable exists:

Add a wait state just prior to your HTTP task to inspect the available variables.

Use the Java API if needed to explicitly set the variable:

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Step 2: Accessing the Variable in HTTP Task

Once you confirm that the baseUrl variable is indeed set, you can use it in your HTTP task. Make sure you are following the correct syntax for accessing it. A direct approach would look like this:

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Step 3: Using Spring Boot Configuration (Optional)

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This technique provides an additional layer of flexibility, allowing you to modify your base URL without altering your process definitions.

Conclusion

Dynamically concatenating URLs in Flowable while accommodating different environments can be tricky. However, by ensuring your variables are correctly defined and using the appropriate syntax to access them, you’ll overcome the 'Unknown Property' error smoothly. Whether you choose to stick with variable definitions in your scripts or leverage Spring Boot properties, these techniques will help streamline your configurations.

Feel free to reach out if you have further questions or need assistance with your Flowable projects!