This guide provides instructions for how to set up recursion in Okta Workflows.

• Okta Workflows

Recursion is when a function calls itself until it solves a problem. In Okta Workflows, recursion is when a flow calls itself.

A common use case is when a flow iterates over an API response with multiple records and combines the previous records with the next set until it has processed all records.

NOTE: Before you consider recursion, consider using the streaming data option or the Get(Streaming) option in the Okta-Custom API Action card.

Recursion in Workflows

Okta compiled the following resources to help you learn how to set up recursion.

• Knowledge Article(s)
  • Paginate Records in a Table in Workflows (Recursion Example)
• Flows (community templates)
  • Paginate API response
    • Paginate Okta via link headers
    • Paginate Okta API via Headers Recursively – Template
    • Example of Paginated API Response to Parent Flow (recursive flow)
    • Okta Workflows and recursion (example iterating through a paginated API response)
  • Paginage Workflows table
    • Paginate a Workflows table - template
  • Other examples
    • Calculate Factorial Number – a Workflows Recursion Example
• Video
  • How to Use Okta Workflows to Iterate Through a Paginated API Response

Factorial calculation example

The following two screenshots show the factorial calculation.

 
Start flow.

The helper flow calls itself to calculate the factorial.

Calculating the factorial of 5:

 
Calculating the factorial of 5.