Creating Custom Logic with Microflows and Nanoflows

In low-code platforms like Mendix, building applications is fast, visual, and collaborative. But what happens when you need to implement custom logic—things like data validation, decision-making, or integration with external systems? That’s where Microflows and Nanoflows come in.

These powerful tools allow developers to build tailored business logic without writing traditional code, using a drag-and-drop interface instead. In this blog, we’ll explore how to create custom logic using Microflows and Nanoflows, their differences, and best practices for building intelligent, responsive apps.


🧠 What Are Microflows?

Microflows are visual representations of logic and workflows in Mendix that run on the server side. They are used to manipulate data, perform calculations, connect to APIs, execute conditional logic, and more.

Key Features:

Server-side execution

Can read/write to the database

Support complex logic, loops, decisions, and integrations

Triggered by events like button clicks, page loads, or scheduled jobs


Use Cases:

Creating or updating records

Validating form inputs

Sending emails or notifications

Calling REST or SOAP services

Customizing business rules


⚡ What Are Nanoflows?

Nanoflows, on the other hand, are lightweight logic flows that run on the client side (inside the browser or mobile device). They are designed for fast, real-time user interactions that don’t require server access unless explicitly needed.


Key Features:

Client-side execution

Faster performance for UI interactions

Limited database access (only via web APIs or synchronizations)

Great for mobile and offline apps


Use Cases:

Showing/hiding elements dynamically

Performing local validations

Triggering animations or page transitions

Working offline on mobile apps


🔧 Creating a Microflow: Step-by-Step

Open your Mendix project in Studio Pro

Navigate to Logic → Microflows

Click New Microflow, name it logically (e.g., CreateOrder)

Use the toolbox to drag and drop activities such as:

Retrieve – to get data from the database

Create/Change Object – to modify or generate data

Decision – to handle conditional logic

Call REST service – to integrate external APIs

Connect the actions with lines to represent flow

Set input and output parameters

Link the microflow to a UI element like a button or form submission


⚙️ Creating a Nanoflow

Navigate to Logic → Nanoflows

Create a new Nanoflow and give it a clear name

Add actions such as:

Show Message – to display alerts

Navigate To – to switch pages

Call Microflow – to trigger server logic if needed

Change Variable – to modify local state

Use for quick UI updates or mobile interactions without round trips to the server


🧩 Microflows vs. Nanoflows: When to Use What?

Feature Microflow Nanoflow

Execution Side Server Client (Browser/Device)

Access to DB Full Limited (via APIs)

Use Case Business logic, APIs UI logic, quick response

Offline Support No Yes (mobile)


🏁 Final Thoughts

Microflows and Nanoflows are the heart of custom logic in Mendix. Whether you're integrating complex business processes or enhancing user interaction with real-time feedback, these tools let you build powerful functionality—without writing a single line of code.

By mastering flows, conditions, and actions, you can create scalable, maintainable, and intuitive applications faster than ever.


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