​No-​Code ​Flow ​Development

Build flows without touching YAML.

Overview

The No-Code editor lets you design Kestra flows directly in the UI using structured forms. It’s ideal for teams who want to move fast, enable non-developers, and still keep a clean handoff to code. You can switch between No-Code and YAML at any time — the editor generates schema-validated YAML for you and stays in sync with topology and documentation panels.

Why choose No-Code (or combine it with code)

• Speed & onboarding: Start building flows without learning YAML first; power users can drop into code view whenever needed.
• Clarity: Live topology and documentation help you “see” the flow while you edit.
• Consistency & governance: UI-driven forms align with plugin schemas and validation, reducing drift.
• No ceiling: When you outgrow forms, switch to YAML, add files/scripts, and keep everything in one place.

The Multi-Panel Flow Editor

• No-Code View: Form-based editing of tasks, inputs, triggers, and flow structure. Changes auto-generate YAML in real time.
• Flow Code View (YAML): Full editor with autocompletion, validation, and file sidebar.
• Topology View: Visual structure (DAG-like) that updates as you build.
• Documentation & Blueprints Panels: In-context docs and ready-to-use examples.

Quick Start: First flow in No-Code

1. Create a flow from Flows → + Create; confirm namespace and identifiers.
2. Open No-Code view by selecting the view from the editor panel and add your first task (e.g., a plugin from the catalog). Browse or search the catalog; select to reveal form fields.

Use the Documentation panel for property descriptions and examples. With multi-panel editing, you can close, open, and reposition any view at any time. For example, below the Slack plugin documentation is opened up alongside the No-Code editor while the flow-code YAML editor is closed.

3. Configure Inputs by clicking + Add in the inputs section of the no-code editor. This action opens a new tab for configuring your input with all required and optional properties available. As you finish an input, you can close the tab or navigate back to the No-code tab, click + Add again to create another input. If you leave the Flow Code YAML view open, you can see YAML code propagating in real time as you add inputs.

4. Configure task properties via forms; dynamic vs. static fields are indicated by the plugin’s schema/docs. Each task opens a No-Code tab and propagates code as you select and configure properties. Property fields can even autocomplete expressions for inputs previously configured.

5. Add flow logic (If/Switch/ForEach/Subflow) tasks to control execution paths.
6. Add a trigger (e.g., schedule, file-event) to automate runs.

7. Add additional flow components such as outputs, retry, SLA, afterExecution, Plugin Defaults, and every other possible Kestra flow component. Everything possible with code, can be done with No-Code.

8. Validate & run: save, then execute from the UI to see logs and results.

Switching between No-Code and YAML

• Round-trip editing: Edits in forms update YAML instantly; edits in YAML reflect back in No-Code.
• When to switch:
  • Complex expressions or advanced plugin fields
  • Bulk edits across many tasks
  • Importing flows from repos/CI
• Export/Share: Use the Actions menu to export YAML or copy the flow.

FAQ

• Can I build everything No-Code? Most flows, yes; complex cases may be faster in YAML. You can mix both seamlessly.
• Do I lose control vs. YAML? No—the No-Code editor writes standard Kestra YAML that you can export, version, and run anywhere Kestra runs.