Effective execution reporting ensures visibility, debugging efficiency, and robust automation workflows. Functions must clearly communicate their success or failure states.

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Status Reporting Methods

async def automate_function(runCtx: AutomateContext):
    try:
        # Function logic
        results = process_data()
        if results.is_valid:
            await runCtx.mark_run_success(
                "Analysis completed successfully: Found 5 valid elements"
            )
        else:
            await runCtx.mark_run_failed(
                "Analysis completed but found invalid elements"
            )
    except Exception as ex:
        await runCtx.mark_run_failed(str(ex))
        raise

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Why?

  • Asynchronous execution supports event-driven workflows.
  • The try-except block ensures errors are caught and reported.
  • Explicit success/failure messages provide clarity.
public static async Task Run(AutomationContext context)
{
    try
    {
        // Function logic
        var results = ProcessData();
        if (results.IsValid)
        {
            await context.MarkRunSuccess(
                "Analysis completed successfully: Found 5 valid elements"
            );
        }
        else
        {
            await context.MarkRunFailed(
                "Analysis completed but found invalid elements"
            );
        }
    }
    catch (Exception ex)
    {
        await context.MarkRunFailed(ex.Message);
        throw;
    }
}

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Why?

  • Uses Task for async execution to integrate with automation workflows.
  • Ensures the function reports status before exiting.
  • Encapsulates logic within try-catch to prevent silent failures.

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Status Types and When to Use Them

StatusMethodWhen to Use
Successmark_run_success()Function executes correctly and returns expected results
Failedmark_run_failed()Function completes but results are invalid or not useful
Exceptionmark_run_failed() + raiseFunction crashes due to unexpected errors

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Why?

  • Explicit status codes streamline debugging and monitoring.
  • Differentiates between an expected failure and a catastrophic error.
  • Enables structured logging for automated workflows.

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Best Practices for Execution Reporting

  1. Always Report Final Status
    • Unreported failures leave automation in limbo.
  2. Use Meaningful Messages
    • Generic errors like “Process failed” are useless in debugging.
  3. Choose the Right Status Type
    • A function that runs but produces bad data should be marked as failed, not as an exception.
  4. Include Relevant Metrics
    • If processing a batch, report counts (e.g., “5 valid elements found”).
  5. Handle All Error Cases
    • Assume the worst: anticipate network failures, malformed data, and external system issues.