In the previous chapter, we learned about the Activiti Modeler and how we can use it to design a process. We are now able to import and export models using the Activiti Modeler. Using the Activiti Modeler to design a business process is mostly preferred by business analysts and architects because it is a web-based designing tool and is easy to use. However, when it comes to designing an executable business process, the Modeler doesn't seem helpful; for this, Activiti provides an Eclipse-based tool called Activiti Designer.
In this chapter, we will discuss the following topics:
- Introduction to the Activiti Designer
- Configuring the Activiti Designer with Eclipse
- Designing the first process
- Testing the process
- Importing the process to the Activiti Modeler
The Activiti Designer is an Eclipse-based workflow designing tool of Activiti. It is only supported by Eclipse Juno or Eclipse Indigo. There is a difference between a Designer and a Modeler, even though both are used for designing business processes.
The difference is that the Activiti Modeler is a web-based process designing tool and cannot be used to provide technical details to the business process, whereas the Activiti Designer is used to design the business process as well as provide technical details to your business process.