Introduction

WOML is an HTML-inspired language and self-hosted runtime for durable workflow automation. It keeps workflow structure readable as markup, lets each step use real JavaScript, and runs the result through a durable Rust engine.

If you can read HTML, you can read the shape of a WOML workflow before you inspect its implementation.

Why WOML exists

Workflow tools often force a choice between a visual canvas that becomes difficult to navigate as it grows and a code-first engine whose structure is hidden inside framework calls. WOML keeps the flow visible without placing a ceiling on business logic.

WOML

<woml>
  <workflow id="hello">
    <triggers>
      <manual id="start" />
    </triggers>
    <steps>
      <step id="greet">
        <script>
          return { message: "Hello from WOML" };
        </script>
      </step>
    </steps>
  </workflow>
</woml>

One file, three responsibilities

Part	Responsibility
Markup	Shows triggers, sequencing, conditions, concurrency, approvals, and lifecycle.
JavaScript	Performs the business work inside `<script>` with normal language features.
Runtime	Owns durable history, retries, recovery, policies, managed effects, and operator controls.

What WOML is not

WOML is not a visual drag-and-drop canvas, a replacement language for JavaScript, strict XML, or a hosted platform that owns your workflow data. It is a source-controlled workflow language backed by a self-hosted runtime.

Continue

Follow the Quick Start to install WOML and create your first durable run.