Connections

Connections define how data flows between nodes in the Pattern Builder.

Creating Connections

Drag to Connect

1. Hover over a node's output handle (right side)
2. Click and drag to another node's input handle (left side)
3. Release to create the connection

Connection Line

The connection line shows:

• Animated dots: Data flow direction
• Line color: Connection type
• Curve: Automatic routing around nodes

Connection Types

Data Connection

Passes data from one node to the next.

• Color: Blue
• Animation: Flowing dots
• Purpose: Transfer results between nodes

Trigger Connection

Signals execution order without data transfer.

• Color: Gray
• Animation: None (dashed line)
• Purpose: Define execution sequence

Error Connection

Routes errors to error handlers.

• Color: Red
• Animation: None
• Purpose: Error handling

Connection Rules

Valid Connections

From	To	Valid
Input	Agent	Yes
Agent	Vote/Consensus/Merge	Yes
Agent	Agent (sequential)	Yes
Vote	Output	Yes
Consensus	Output	Yes
Merge	Output	Yes
Any	Quality Gate	Yes
Quality Gate	Output	Yes

Invalid Connections

From	To	Reason
Output	Any	Output is terminal
Any	Input	Input is entry point
Node → Same Node	Self-reference	Creates cycle

Type Compatibility

Connections validate data types:

Managing Connections

Select Connection

• Click on the connection line
• Selected connections show handles

Delete Connection

• Select and press Delete or Backspace
• Or right-click and select "Delete"

Reroute Connection

• Delete existing connection
• Create new connection to different target

Connection Handles

Output Handles

Located on the right side of nodes:

Input Handles

Located on the left side of nodes:

Multiple Handles

Some nodes have multiple connection points:

Data Flow Patterns

Linear Flow

Simple sequential processing:

Parallel Flow

Multiple paths merge:

Branching Flow

Conditional routing:

Loop Flow

Iterative processing:

Variable References

Connections implicitly create variable references.

Automatic Variables

When you connect nodes, variables are created:

Creates:

• $results - Agent results
• $vote.result - Voting winner
• $vote.confidence - Voting confidence

Referencing in Output

The Output node uses these variables:

Output Mappings:
  result → $vote.result
  confidence → $vote.confidence

Variable Scope

Variables are scoped to their creation point:

Step 1: $step1.result
Step 2: $step2.result (can access $step1.result)
Step 3: $step3.result (can access $step1 and $step2)

Connection Validation

Error Indicators

• Red connection: Invalid or broken
• Orange connection: Warning (may work but not recommended)
• Blue connection: Valid

Common Errors

Error	Cause	Solution
"Missing target"	Connection end not attached	Connect to valid input
"Type mismatch"	Incompatible data types	Use compatible types
"Cycle detected"	Circular reference	Break the cycle
"Missing dependency"	Required input not connected	Add missing connection

Validation Messages

Hover over a problematic connection to see details:

⚠️ Warning: Connection from Agent to Output skips aggregation.
   Consider adding a Vote or Consensus node.

Best Practices

Keep Flows Clear

• Avoid crossing connections when possible
• Use consistent left-to-right flow
• Group related nodes together

Validate Connections

• Check for red error indicators
• Verify data type compatibility
• Ensure all required inputs are connected

Name Your Variables

• Use descriptive output variable names
• Reference variables consistently
• Document complex mappings

Use Comments

• Add Comment nodes to explain complex flows
• Group related connections with Group nodes

Troubleshooting

Connection Won't Create

1. Check handle compatibility (output → input)
2. Verify types are compatible
3. Ensure no cycles would be created
4. Check if target already has maximum connections

Connection Disappears

1. May have been deleted accidentally (Cmd+Z to undo)
2. Check if source or target node was deleted
3. Verify connection is not hidden by another node

Data Not Flowing

1. Verify connection is properly attached
2. Check variable references in downstream nodes
3. Ensure aggregation node is present before output

Next Steps

• Nodes - Node reference
• Exporting - Export patterns
• Overview - Getting started