What is a Watcher?

Understand how to use Watchers in your Screens.

Overview

A Watcher is a Screen Builder tool that loads remote data from a data source external to the current Screen:

1. The Watcher “watches” a specific data property. This data property may correspond with the Variable Name setting value of a Screen control.

2. When the value of the data property changes, the Watcher calls an external data source. The following may be the Watcher's data source:

   • Script: The data source may be a configured Script that runs, and then returns a response. Scripts are available in all ProcessMaker editions. Avoid using Scripts as a Watcher's source to not affect Screen performance.

   • Data Connector: The data source may be a Data Connector that gets data and returns a response. The Data Connector package must be installed to use Data Connectors.

3. The response data assigns to a configured output property. This output data property may correspond with the Variable Name setting value of a Screen control.

Related Topics

Add a Watcher to a ScreenSearch for a WatcherEdit a Watcher for a ScreenDelete a Watcher from a ScreenWhat is Screen Builder?Preview a Screen and Its JSON Data ModelEdit Your ScreenView ScreensScreen TypesScreen Builder ModesValidate Your ScreenAdd, Delete or Rename a PageManage Calculated PropertiesAdd Custom CSS to a ScreenSave Your ScreenScreen Design Best and Worst Practices