Files used to define software services templates
A standard software services template is defined with workflow definition files, action definition files, and variable input files. Documentation files describe the software services template, the content of the other files and the values that you might need to change. A composite software services template does not include workflow or action definition files, but includes a composite variable input file.
Workflow definition file (standard templates)
A workflow definition file is the primary XML file for a workflow definition. It includes information about the workflow, such as name and version, as well as step and variable definitions.
For information about workflow definition files, see Creating workflow definitions for z/OS in IBM z/OS Management Facility Programming Guide.
You can use the Workflow Editor task to edit a workflow definition file.
You can also edit the workflow definition file for a template from the templates table. (The template must be in the draft or draft pending approvals state.) Select the Modify action for a template to display the Modify window. Then, click Edit for the workflow field to open the file in the workflow editor.
Action definition file (standard templates)
An action definition file describes the actions that can be performed against the software services instance that is created from the software services templates.
You can use the actions editor to edit or create an actions definition file when modifying or adding a template.
Variable input file (standard templates)
A workflow variable input file is a properties file that is used to specify in advance one or more of the input variables that are defined in the workflow definition.
For more information about variable input files, see Defining variables for your workflow in IBM z/OS Management Facility Programming Guide.
Composite variable input file (composite templates)
Properties file that is used to specify in advance one or more of the input variables file for the composite template.
Documentation files (standard and composite templates)
A documentation file is an optional text or PDF file that you can use to describe a template. There can be one for consumers and one for administrators.
You can use an editor of your choice to modify or create documentation files.
Refreshing the files
You can use the Refresh Template action in the templates table to refresh any workflow definition, action definition, input variable, or documentation files that have been modified since the software services templates was created. Refresh Template is required before you use the Publish action, if those files have been modified since the software services templates was created.