Sharing Workflows
This section covers ways of sharing workflows, including how to export
workflows from BioExtract Server and how to import workflows into BioExtract Server.
To export workflows from BioExtract Server:
If you've created a workflow, you may want to make it
available to a larger audience, (like myexperiment.org). MyExperiment is a virtual research environment designed to provide a mechanism for the collaboration and sharing of workflows. To do so:
- Click the Workflows tab. In the Workflows list, select the name of the workflow you want to export. The workflow graph opens in the right panel.
- Click the Export button located below the workflow graph.
In the open dialog box, choose where you want to save the workflow file. You can now submit
the file at MyExperiment or at other web sites that host bioinformatics workflows.
To import workflows into BioExtract Server:
You can receive workflows from others or download them from web sites that host bioinformatics workflows (like myexperiment.org). To do so:
- Click the Workflows tab. In the Workflows list, choose Create and Import
Workflows (only visible when signed in). The Create and Import Workflows form opens in the right panel.
- In the Import Workflow area, click Browse and find the file you want
to import. We currently support the importing of BioExtract Server workflows only.
- Click the Import button. The BioExtract Server imports the workflow and displays it in the
Workflows list. You can now execute the imported workflow or modify it as desired.
WARNING: Don't make changes to the workflow file before
importing. The BioExtract Server won't recognize your changes and may even refuse to
import the workflow. Import the workflow first, and then modify.
Other important information
- MyExperiment includes workflows you can import into BioExtract Server.
To find the workflows, open myexperiment.org, type "Carol Lushbough" (without
the quotes) in the Search line, then click Search. Once Carol's profile loads,
click the Workflows tab to see a list of workflows available for downloading.
- BioExtract Server workflows imported into myExperiment may be annotated through their system and executed directly through their platform.
- Workflows can be shared with collaborative groups through the BioExtract Server Groups tab.