Camunda

1. BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation)

• Process Definition: A visual representation of the business process using BPMN 2.0. It defines the flow of tasks, events, and gateways.

• Tasks: Different types of work units within a process (e.g., user tasks, service tasks).

• Events: Something that happens during the process (e.g., start event, end event, intermediate events).

• Gateways: Control the divergence and convergence of sequence flows (e.g., exclusive gateways, parallel gateways).

2. Process Engine

• Deployment: The process of uploading BPMN diagrams and associated resources to the Camunda engine.

• Process Instances: Runtime instances of a process definition.

• Execution: Represents the token that traverses through the process model.

3. Task Management

• User Tasks: Tasks that require human interaction.

• Service Tasks: Automated tasks executed by the system (e.g., calling a REST API, executing business logic).

4. Forms

• Used in user tasks to collect or display information to users.

• Can be created using HTML, embedded forms, or external forms.

5. External Tasks

• Tasks that are handled by external workers (e.g., microservices).

• Useful for decoupling the process engine from the execution logic.

6. Event Handling

• Message Events: Allow communication between different process instances or external systems.

• Timer Events: Used to model delays or periodic actions.

• Signal Events: Broadcast signals within the process engine to trigger actions.

7. Scripting and Delegates

• Delegates: Java or Kotlin classes that implement the JavaDelegate or ExecutionListener interfaces to execute custom business logic.

• Scripting: Use scripts (e.g., Groovy, JavaScript) within BPMN models for dynamic behavior.

8. Process Variables

• Data that is used and manipulated throughout the process.

• Can be of various types (e.g., string, integer, custom objects).

9. Camunda Modeler

• A desktop application to create and edit BPMN process diagrams.

10. Camunda REST API

• Allows interaction with the Camunda engine from external applications.

• Useful for starting process instances, querying tasks, and completing tasks programmatically.

11. Camunda Cockpit

• Web application for monitoring and managing process instances.

12. Camunda Tasklist

• Web application for managing and completing user tasks.

Integrating Camunda with Kotlin

To integrate Camunda with Kotlin, you'll typically:

1. Define BPMN Processes: Use Camunda Modeler to create BPMN diagrams.

2. Deploy Processes: Deploy BPMN processes to the Camunda engine.

3. Implement Business Logic: Use Kotlin to write delegate classes or external task workers.

4. Configure Forms: Create forms for user tasks if needed.

5. Monitor and Manage: Use Camunda Cockpit and Tasklist for process management.