Workflow inputs and outputs are key elements of the workflow. An input port is either a data input or an input parameter setting. In a Web form, this would be equivalent to text boxes and configuration settings. Output ports are the same. They allow you to retrieve the results of a service or/and the entire workflow.

Creating a New Workflow Input Port

1. In a blank space in the Workflow Diagram, right-click and select Workflow input port.
2. In the pop up window, type the name of the input port.



By default the granularity of the input port is a Single value (the input port expects only one input value). For example if the workflow input port takes as values protein identifiers, in this case the workflow input value has to be just one protein identifier. However if the input values expect a list of values (e.g. list of protein identifier) you can specify the List depth.

3. Click OK to create the workflow input port.

Before Taverna invokes a workflow, it will check that all input and output values are syntactically correct (i.e. single values and lists).

Creating a New Workflow Output Port

  1. In a blank space in the Workflow Diagram, right-click and select Workflow output port.
  2. In the pop up window, type the name of the output port.
  3. Click OK to create the workflow output port.



Annotations on Workflow Inputs and Outputs

Descriptions and examples values can be added to workflow inputs and outputs to make them more understandable or sharable. The annotations section of the documentation explains how.


  • Creating workflow input ports, explaining choice of depth
  • Creating workflow output port
  • Annotations on workflow ports, including example
  • Importance for nested workflows

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