BPMN Workflow Engine for Django¶
BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) is the standard for modeling business processes. Viewflow is an open-source BPMN workflow engine for Django: you write BPMN diagrams as plain Python code and run them in production.
Unlike a finite state machine, BPMN supports parallel task execution. This matters when several people work on different parts of a process at the same time.
Code-First Workflows¶
Most BPMN tools use graphical designers. You drag boxes and draw arrows. Viewflow takes a different approach: you write workflows in Python.
This means you can:
- Track changes in git
- Review workflows in pull requests
- Reuse code across different workflows
- Test workflows with standard Python tools
The viewflow.workflow module adds a thin layer on top of Django’s
Model/View/Template pattern. It extracts workflow logic from your views, so you
can reuse the same view code in different workflows.
FAQ¶
What is a BPMN workflow?¶
A BPMN workflow is a business process modeled with Business Process Model and Notation — tasks, gateways, and flows that describe how work moves from start to finish. Viewflow runs these workflows inside a Django application.
Is there an open-source BPMN engine for Python?¶
Yes. Viewflow’s core is an open-source BPMN workflow engine for Python and Django. You define the process as code and execute it; the PRO edition adds a visual frontend and extra widgets.
Can I run BPMN workflows in production with Django?¶
Yes. Workflow state is stored in your database, long-running and background tasks run on Celery, and processes survive restarts — so BPMN workflows run in production alongside the rest of your Django app.