Start Event
The plain start event marks the beginning of every process instance. When you call POST /api/v1/instances, the engine creates a new instance, places a token on the start event, and immediately advances it to the first task or gateway.
Properties
| Property | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| ID | string | yes | Unique identifier within the process |
| Name | string | no | Display label |
No additional configuration is needed. For timer-triggered or message-triggered starts, use Timer Start Event or Message Start Event instead.
XML Example
<bpmn:startEvent id="start" name="Start">
<bpmn:outgoing>flow_to_first_task</bpmn:outgoing>
</bpmn:startEvent>
API Integration
Start a process instance:
POST /api/v1/instances
Content-Type: application/json
{
"definition_id": "uuid-of-your-definition",
"variables": [
{ "name": "orderId", "value": "ORD-001" }
]
}
The engine returns the new instance ID. The process advances immediately past the start event — the first task or gateway is already active by the time the response arrives.