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Contracts define business rules and validation logic that enforce how steps should execute and relate to each other. They provide real-time validation and ensure business processes follow defined patterns.

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Contract Properties

  • Name - Unique identifier for the contract
  • Version - Supports contract evolution
  • Rules - Validation logic for steps and transitions
  • Entry Points - Valid starting steps
  • Terminal Steps - Steps that complete the thread
  • Timeouts - Maximum duration for steps and threads

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Contract Structure

contract_name: order_fulfillment
version: 1
description: E-commerce order fulfillment workflow

# Entry points - where threads can start
entry_points:
  - order_placed

# Parties involved in the workflow
parties:
  - merchant
  - logistics

# Steps in the workflow
steps:
  - id: order_placed
    owner: merchant
    type: managed
    timeout: 5m
    business_context:
      required:
        - order_id
        - product_id
        - quantity
      optional:
        - customer_notes

  - id: inventory_checked
    owner: merchant
    type: managed
    timeout: 1m
    business_context:
      required:
        - in_stock
        - warehouse_id

  - id: shipment_created
    owner: logistics
    type: managed
    timeout: 24h
    business_context:
      required:
        - tracking_number
        - carrier_name

# Transitions define valid step flows
transitions:
  - from: order_placed
    to:
      - inventory_checked

  - from: inventory_checked
    to:
      - shipment_created
      - order_cancelled

# Terminal steps - where threads can end
terminal_steps:
  - order_delivered
  - order_cancelled

# Thread-level timeout
max_duration: 7d

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Key Components

ComponentDescription
contract_nameUnique identifier for the contract
versionContract version number (supports evolution)
entry_pointsValid starting steps for threads
partiesRoles involved in the workflow
stepsStep definitions with timeouts and required fields
transitionsValid step-to-step flows
terminal_stepsSteps that complete the thread
max_durationThread-level timeout

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Next Steps

Working with Contracts

Learn how to use contracts in your code

Tracking Workflows

Record steps in your workflow