Retrieval-augmented generation

Retrieval-augmented generation explains how this part of Flowline works and how to use it in a real workflow. Provide detailed guidance and examples to support users in building with RAG.

Note: Flowline is a fictional automation product. Section: Build › AI.

Prerequisites

• A Flowline account (cloud or self-hosted)
• Editor access to the project
• About 23 minutes

How it works

Every workflow starts with a trigger, passes items from node to node, and ends when the last node finishes. Retrieval-augmented generation fits in the middle of that chain: it receives items, does its work, and hands the result to the next node. Use $json to read the current item and $node["Name"] to reach an earlier node.

Step-by-step

1. Open the workflow editor and select Add node.
2. Search for Retrieval-augmented generation and add it to the canvas.
3. Fill in the required parameters (see the table below).
4. Select Test step to run it with sample data.
5. Check the output panel, then Save the workflow.

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
Name	string	Yes	A label shown on the canvas
Mode	option	Yes	run once or run per item
Timeout	number	No	Seconds before the step fails (default 88)
Retry on fail	boolean	No	Retries up to 3 times with back-off

Example

# Retrieval-augmented generation
docker run -it --rm \
  -p 5678:5678 \
  -e FLOWLINE_ENCRYPTION_KEY=change-me \
  -v flowline_data:/home/flowline/.flowline \
  flowline/flowline:latest

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Likely cause	Fix
Step shows No output	The previous node returned zero items	Pin sample data on the previous node
401 Unauthorized	Expired credential	Reconnect it under Credentials
Execution times out	Large payload	Split items with Split Out

Related

• Build your first workflow
• Expressions
• Error handling