### Configuring the Start Node

The Start Node is generated automatically whenever you create a new Split-Join. It is the starting point from which all the other nodes proceed. Configuring a Start Node can include the following tasks:

- Add General Information
- Define Global Variables
- View External Services

Related Topics

- Creating an Invoking External Service
- Split-Join Properties View - Start Node

#### Adding General Information

General information is useful for making a node more legible. It includes the ability to add a unique identifier, or Label, to the node and to supplement it with notes, or Documentation. General information is optional.

1. To add a Label to a node, open the Properties view and enter a unique, identifying string in the Label field. The label that you enter appears underneath the node in the Canvas Area. Alternatively, you can simply double-click the string under the icon and edit.
2. To add Documentation to a node, open the Properties view and enter any notes that you think are important in the Documentation field.

#### Defining Global Variables

Variables in the Start Node store data that can be referenced globally, that is by any node in the Split-Join. By default, every Start Node is assigned both a request and a response variable when the Split-Join is initially created. From the Start Node, you can either create a new global variable or edit an existing global variable.

To create a new global variable:

1. Right-click the Start Node and select Create Variable to open the Create Variable Dialog.
2. Enter a name for the variable.
3. Select the Variable Type (Builtin, Schema, or Message).
4. Choose a Variable.

Note: | You may need to drill down into the hierarchy to select a Schema or Message Type variable.

5. Click OK.

If it is not already open, expand the content area to the left by clicking the arrow to the left of the Start Node icon. The newly created variable appears in the Variables field along with any other global variables. To view the details of any variable, simply select it and its structure will appear in the Properties view.

To edit an existing global Variable:

1. Open the Edit Variable Dialog in one of the following ways:

- Right-click the selected variable and select Edit Variable from the context menu.
- Select a variable and click Edit in the variable Properties view.

2. Enter a name for the Variable.
3. Select the Variable Type: Builtin, Schema, or Message.
4. Choose a variable.

Note: | You may need to drill down into the hierarchy to select a Schema or Message Type variable.

5. Click OK.

If it is not already open, expand the content area to the left of the Start Node icon. The newly created variable appears in the Variables field along with any other global variables. To view the details of any variable, simply select it and its structure will appear in the Properties view.

#### Viewing External Services

The External Services listed in the Start Node are those invoked outside of the context of the Split-Join. They are specified in an Invoke External Service but listed here for convenience.

To view External Services, expand the content area to the left of the Start Node by clicking the arrow to the left of the Start Node icon. When an External Service is selected, a dashed blue arrow appears pointing to the Invoke External Service associated with the service, and the service's location appears in the Properties view.