> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://whitepaper.aitech.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://whitepaper.aitech.io/agentforge/execution-engine/basics.md).

# basics

## How Connections Work

Connections are the pathways that allow data to flow between blocks in your workflow. When you connect two blocks in Agent Forge, you're establishing a data flow relationship that defines how information passes from one block to another.

{% hint style="info" %}
Each connection represents a directed relationship where data flows from a source block's output to a destination block's input.
{% endhint %}

### Creating Connections

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**Select Source Block**: Click on the output port of the block you want to connect from
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Draw Connection**: Drag to the input port of the destination block
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Confirm Connection**: Release to create the connection
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Configure (Optional)**: Some connections may require additional configuration
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

### Connection Flow

The flow of data through connections follows these principles:

1. **Directional Flow**: Data always flows from outputs to inputs
2. **Execution Order**: Blocks execute in order based on their connections
3. **Data Transformation**: Data may be transformed as it passes between blocks
4. **Conditional Paths**: Some blocks (like Router and Condition) can direct flow to different paths

### Connection Visualization

Connections are visually represented in the workflow editor:

* **Solid Lines**: Active connections that will pass data
* **Animated Flow**: During execution, data flow is visualized along connections
* **Color Coding**: Different connection types may have different colors
* **Connection Tags**: Visual indicators showing what data is available

### Managing Connections

You can manage your connections in several ways:

* **Delete**: Click on a connection and press Delete or use the context menu
* **Reroute**: Drag a connection to change its path
* **Inspect**: Click on a connection to see details about the data being passed
* **Disable**: Temporarily disable a connection without deleting it

{% hint style="warning" %}
Deleting a connection will immediately stop data flow between the blocks. Make sure this is intended before removing connections.
{% endhint %}

## Connection Compatibility

Not all blocks can be connected to each other. Compatibility depends on:

1. **Data Type Compatibility**: The output type must be compatible with the input type
2. **Block Restrictions**: Some blocks may have restrictions on what they can connect to
3. **Workflow Logic**: Connections must make logical sense in the context of your workflow

The editor will indicate when connections are invalid or incompatible.