✨ SoftyFlow 8.5 – SoftyTables (BETA), AI Builder & Docs Chat 🚀

Overview​

SoftyFlow 8.5 represents a major milestone in our evolution from a process automation platform to a comprehensive low-code application development ecosystem. This release introduces groundbreaking capabilities that fundamentally expand what you can build with SoftyFlow.

🎯 Objective: Transform SoftyFlow into a complete application development platform by adding native data management, intelligent AI assistance, and enhanced developer experience. This release lays the foundation for building full-featured business applications without leaving the SoftyFlow ecosystem.

Front (IDE) versions: 8.0.28 → 8.5.19 Back (engine/API) versions: 8.0.20 → 8.5.5

Key Features​

🎉 NEW – SoftyTables (BETA): Native Data Layer​

🗄️ SoftyTables is a brand new feature in SoftyFlow 8.5 that adds a native, low-code data layer directly integrated into the platform. Build complete relational databases and data-driven UIs without external tools or complex SQL.

Core Capabilities:

• Define tables and schemas with columns, data types, and relationships
• Manage full CRUD operations (create, read, update, delete)
• Use SoftyTables as data sources in UIs (lists, dropdowns, select fields, etc.)
• Leverage relationships (one-to-many, many-to-many) without writing SQL manually
• Built-in audit fields (createdBy, updatedBy, user tracking)

Benefits:

• Complete data platform integrated into SoftyFlow
• No external database management required for simple use cases
• Rapid prototyping and MVP development
• Simplified data modeling with visual tools
• Automatic relationship management
• Built-in data validation and type safety

🔴 Important: SoftyTables is in BETA in this release. It is functional and deeply integrated, but may still evolve. We recommend starting with non-critical projects or test environments while we stabilize the APIs and UX.

Detailed Release Notes​

🗄️ SoftyTables Backend Engine (BETA)​

Data Types and Schema Management​

The backend introduces a full SoftyTables engine built on top of Sequelize with advanced capabilities:

New Data Types:

• Native support for file, json, and array types
• Standard scalar types (string, integer, float, boolean, date)
• Column displayName to separate internal names from user-facing labels
• Enhanced type validation and conversion

Relationships & Schema Builder:

• One-to-many and many-to-many relationship support
• Clear junction table naming conventions for M:N relations
• Ability to count related records in select queries
• Useful for lists, dashboards, badges, and analytics
• Default targetMainColumn set to 'id' for consistency
• Automatic foreign key management

Architecture Improvements​

Dual Sequelize Instances:

• Main instance for runtime operations
• Dedicated instance for synchronization and schema management
• Improved stability during schema updates
• Prevents conflicts between reads and schema modifications

Enhanced Sync & CRUD Operations:

• syncTable updated to handle relational select fields (single and multi-choice)
• Support for additional data types with refined sort handling
• Clear logging structures for debugging
• Simplified column handling and normalization
• Helper functions for building optimized select queries
• Smart exclusion of lookup columns from processing

Database Configuration​

Production-Ready Setup:

• Dedicated softytable database/schema for clean separation
• Connection pooling for reliability under load
• Optimized query performance
• Removed obsolete syncTable.js and old JSON schema

Audit & Tracking:

• createdBy, updatedBy, and user fields automatically managed
• Complete audit trail for all data operations
• Enhanced tracking for compliance and debugging

✅ Status: First public BETA of SoftyTables engine. Expect future refinements in schema builder, logging, and sync behavior based on your feedback.

🎨 SoftyTables Frontend UI Builder (BETA)​

Screen Creation and Management​

SoftyTable-Driven Screens:

• Create complete data-driven screens via the UI builder
• New flows for creating, editing, and managing lists bound to SoftyTables
• Seamless integration with existing UI components
• Drag-and-drop interface for rapid development

Component Enhancements​

SoftyTable Component Refactor:

• Inline cell editing with intuitive row/column configuration dialogs
• Integrated pagination with smooth loading states
• Cleaner interface with removal of redundant header elements
• Improved responsiveness and mobile compatibility

Column & Relation Configuration:

• Refactored ColumnConfigForm.vue and RowEditorDrawer.vue for better UX
• Full support for lookup columns and relationships (1:N, M:N)
• Dynamic imports for faster load times
• Main display column configuration (default user view)
• Local display column for relation rendering
• Table data retrieval limit raised to 1000 rows
• Enhanced lookup tree selector showing include structure and column paths

User Interactions​

Row Click Actions:

• New "Row Click" action option in WidgetConfig.vue
• Trigger actions or navigation when rows are selected
• Perfect for drill-down interfaces and detail views
• "Is Timestamp" renamed to "Date Only" for clarity

Data Binding:

• Widgets (dropdowns, radios, checkboxes) can use setListFromSoftyTable
• Direct data fetching from SoftyTables via backend APIs
• Automatic option population
• Real-time data synchronization

🔴 SoftyTables UI is BETA: Focus is on end-to-end functionality and usability. Visual polish and advanced features will continue to evolve based on user feedback.

🤖 AI Integration – Actions, Forms & Planning​

AI-Powered Actions and Dynamic Generation​

New AI Method: callActionsGenerate:

• Generate actions dynamically from context using AI
• AiInput intelligently selects API calls based on promptId
• Reusable and structured prompt system
• Context-aware action suggestions

AI Form Creation:

• AI-based form builder integrated into the UI builder
• Describe your form needs in natural language
• AI proposes complete field layouts and configurations
• Fixed formAICondition for accurate AI condition evaluation
• Accelerates form development from hours to minutes

Enhanced Testing & Debugging:

• Test mode notifications in actions_v2.js for clear user warnings
• Improved error logging in execution.js
• Better debugging for process and AI execution
• Clear error messages for troubleshooting

StreamingMCPClient & OpenAI Integration​

Architecture Improvements:

• Refactored StreamingMCPClient with clean separation
• Distinct planning vs execution phases
• Added file reading capability for richer AI context
• Optimized streaming performance

OpenAI Configuration:

• Updated routing to align with new AI workflows
• Prepared infrastructure for future model options
• Enhanced configuration management
• Improved API efficiency

📚 Documentation & SDK Enhancements​

In-IDE Documentation Chat​

Documentation Chat Component:

• Query documentation directly from inside the IDE
• Full API integration for instant answers
• No need to leave your development environment
• Context-aware documentation search

Smart Display Control:

• Computed property to hide/show chat based on URL parameters
• Fine-grained control per environment or integration
• Configurable for different deployment scenarios
• Complete localization (EN/FR) support

Benefits:

• Faster problem resolution
• Reduced context switching
• Improved developer productivity
• Seamless learning experience

SDK Documentation & Editor Help​

Enhanced SDK Coverage:

• New doc module added to account routes and controller exports
• Authentication checks on SDK docs route for security
• SoftyTables fully integrated into SDK engine
• All new SoftyTables methods exposed and documented

Expanded Editor Help:

• New methods for instance and task management
• Query operations and bulk delete capabilities
• Complete SoftyTables methods documentation (create, update, delete, queries)
• New fillTemplate method in back-editor-help.json
• Comprehensive EN/FR texts for warnings and confirmations
• Better guidance for bulk data operations

⚙️ Process Builder, Reports & Measures​

Attached UI & Synchronization​

Enhanced Process-UI Sync:

• New attached process syncScreen flow with improved stability
• Multiple iterations for robust synchronization
• Configurable attached process buttons (open/configure actions)
• Seamless integration between process and UI layers

Bug Fixes & Improvements:

• Corrected attachedUi UID issues for reliable references
• Fixed process-UI relationship after UI save operations
• Cleaned and optimized Process EJS I/O templates
• Better error handling and validation

Instance Identification:

• Introduced SF_incremental_id as the main instance identifier
• Replaced request_id with SF_incremental_id across all templates
• Consistent naming throughout EJS templates and views
• Improved tracking and debugging capabilities

Reports and Measures​

Report Creation & Templates:

• New report creation flows with intuitive UI
• ReportUI templates for standardized reporting
• Improved grid layout for better data presentation
• Enhanced button configuration for user actions
• Complete French translations for report elements

Measure Management:

• Updated process measures with refined EJS templates
• Implemented upsert measure functionality
• "Add to report" UI intelligently appears only on relevant inputs
• New todo templates for contextual business data
• Admin scenario templates for better governance

Benefits:

• Faster report creation
• Consistent report layouts
• Better data visualization
• Improved decision-making capabilities

Builder UX Enhancements​

Step Creation Improvements:

• New CSS for enhanced readability
• "Step not completed" banner for clear user guidance
• Fixed + button layout for better usability
• Improved section widgets and collapsible lists
• More intuitive workflow creation experience

Screen Management:

• New screens menu design with modern interface
• Enhanced selected screen configuration UI
• Clearer navigation between screens
• Early implementation of screen validation tied to selected screen

📁 Google Drive & File Handling​

Google Drive Integration​

Backend Integration:

• Google Drive integration for seamless spreadsheet export
• Direct export from SoftyFlow to Google Sheets
• Automated data synchronization
• Secure authentication flow

Frontend Configuration:

• Complete EN/FR translations for Google Drive settings
• Google Drive API keys management
• Redirect URI configuration
• SecretKeys.vue refactored for better settings management
• Intuitive configuration interface

Benefits:

• Collaborate on data in familiar tools
• Automatic data exports to Google Workspace
• Enhanced sharing and collaboration
• Cloud-based data accessibility

File Upload Enhancements​

FlowyChat File Support:

• File uploads now supported in chat
• File names displayed in chat messages
• Improved collaboration through file sharing
• Better context in conversations

Backend File Management:

• New file upload feature support
• File-related conditions in UI logic
• Enhanced file handling capabilities
• Improved file validation

📄 PDF & Template Rendering (Carbone)​

Document Generation​

Carbone Library Integration:

• Added Carbone library for powerful template rendering
• Support for DOCX, PDF, and other document formats
• Server-side document generation
• Template-based automation

Template System:

• New FormUI and ReportUI templates
• Complete French translations for all templates
• Improved grid structure for better layouts
• Enhanced button configuration
• Professional document outputs

Helper Functions:

• New helper functions in actions_v2.js
• Form ID retrieval utilities
• Data handling and transformation
• Template validation logic
• Simplified template integration workflow

Frontend Improvements:

• Refactored PDF route with new path format
• More consistent and predictable URL structure
• Better document access management
• Improved user experience

Use Cases:

• Automated report generation
• Contract and agreement templates
• Invoice and receipt generation
• Custom business documents
• Export and archival purposes

🌍 Localization, Language & IDE UX​

Global Internationalization (i18n)​

Enhanced Settings Localization:

• Localized authentication options and flows
• Password management field translations
• Comprehensive settings internationalization
• User-friendly multilingual experience

IDE Language Selector:

• New language selector in user settings
• Per-user language preferences
• Instant language switching
• Persistent language choice across sessions

Translation Coverage:

• Default locale set to English
• Extensive French translation updates across the platform
• Many components updated with i18n support
• Titles, labels, messages, and tooltips translated
• New comingSoon key for feature previews in CreateProjectModal

Benefits:

• Global accessibility
• Reduced learning curve for non-English users
• Professional multilingual applications
• Better user adoption worldwide

Component-Level UX Improvements​

WidgetConfig & Page Builder:

• Redesigned CSS for modern appearance
• SQL statement toggle for dropdown and table widgets
• New removeVb page setting for performance optimization
• Cleaner configuration interfaces
• Improved visual hierarchy

Tables & Lists:

• Adjusted column widths in builder views
• Updated table header padding for better readability
• More scannable data presentations
• Consistent spacing and alignment

Mail & Communication:

• Fixed MailDrawer loading behavior
• SOF-502: Resolved mail subject issue
• Fixed error boundary event stuck on mail tasks
• More reliable email operations

FlowyChat & ListPage:

• Improved EN/FR text rendering
• ListPage uses localized strings for file operations
• Confirmation dialogs fully translated
• Consistent user experience across languages

🔧 Core Engine & SQL Handling​

SQL Processing Improvements​

Enhanced SQL Handling:

• Fixed various SQL execution issues
• Corrected where filter processing
• Improved isSqlStatement detection and handling
• getTableData updated with isSqlStatement flag
• More accurate SQL execution and validation
• Better error messages for SQL issues

Query Optimization:

• Improved query performance
• Better handling of complex filters
• Enhanced JOIN operations
• Optimized data retrieval patterns

SoftyFlow ↔ SoftyTables Integration​

Seamless Data Integration:

• SoftyFlow now exposes setListFromSoftyTable method
• Select, radio, and checkbox components updated
• Automatic data retrieval from SoftyTables
• Real-time data binding
• Simplified component configuration

Benefits:

• No manual data source configuration
• Automatic updates when data changes
• Type-safe data binding
• Reduced development time

Data Validation & Safety​

Enhanced Validation:

• Improved project data validation
• Enhanced task handling with proper ID management
• Improved dynamic table name generation
• Better error detection and reporting

Production Safety:

• "No drop" safety features implemented
• Sync logic avoids destructive operations in production
• Protection against accidental data loss
• Safe schema migrations
• Audit trail for schema changes

🧹 Clean-up & Removed Features​

Removed Integrations​

Algolia Search Removed:

• Deleted unused Algolia search code and components
• Removed from WidgetConfig and main.js
• Removed dependencies: algoliasearch, instantsearch.css, vue-instantsearch
• Reduced bundle size and complexity
• Streamlined search functionality

Documentation & Code Cleanup​

Obsolete Documentation Removed:

• Old auto-save documentation and tests
• Outdated SoftyTables API docs and refactor plans
• Legacy Todo List API documentation
• Irrelevant BPMN XML and JSON structures
• Cleaner, more focused documentation

Console & Logging:

• Removed scattered console.log statements from frontend components
• Refined backend logging in SoftyTables, sync, and schemaBuilder
• Better structured logging for debugging
• Production-ready log levels

Build & Dependencies​

Updated Dependencies:

• Updated package-lock.json (frontend and backend)
• Removed obsolete globalv800.bundle.js
• Refactored Sequelize configuration
• Updated user validation logic
• Updated OpenAI dependencies to latest versions
• Security patches and performance improvements

Benefits:

• Smaller bundle sizes
• Faster build times
• Improved security posture
• Better maintainability

Technical Improvements​

Performance Enhancements​

• Optimized SoftyTables query execution
• Improved connection pooling for database reliability
• Enhanced frontend rendering with better loading states
• Faster UI builder operations with dynamic imports
• Reduced bundle sizes through dependency cleanup

Security Updates​

• Enhanced authentication checks on SDK documentation routes
• Improved audit trail with createdBy/updatedBy fields
• Google Drive secure integration
• Better validation and error handling throughout
• Production-safe sync operations with "no drop" protection

Integration Capabilities​

• Native Google Drive integration for spreadsheet export
• Carbone template rendering engine
• Enhanced OpenAI integration with improved routing
• Better file upload and handling capabilities
• SoftyTables fully exposed in SDK engine

Developer Experience​

• In-IDE documentation chat for instant help
• AI-powered form and action generation
• Comprehensive SDK documentation updates
• Better error messages and debugging tools
• Improved localization with EN/FR support

Migration Notes​

From V8.0 to V8.5​

Database Considerations:

• SoftyTables uses a dedicated softytable database/schema
• Existing data and processes remain fully compatible
• No migration required for existing workflows
• SoftyTables is opt-in; existing projects unaffected

New Integrations to Configure:

• Google Drive: Set up API keys and redirect URIs in Secret Keys settings
• Carbone/LibreOffice: Ensure available in environments using template rendering
• OpenAI: Review updated configuration if using AI features

Localization:

• Default language now set to English (was previously mixed)
• User language preferences can be set in user settings
• Existing translations preserved and enhanced
• French translations comprehensively updated

Breaking Changes:

• request_id replaced with SF_incremental_id in process instances
• PDF routes refactored to new path format (redirects in place)
• Algolia search removed (if you were using it, alternative search available)

System Requirements​

Backend Requirements:

• Node.js: Latest LTS version recommended
• Database: PostgreSQL 12+ or compatible
• Optional: LibreOffice for document rendering (if using Carbone templates)
• Optional: Google Drive API access (for Google Drive integration)

Frontend Requirements:

• Modern browsers: Chrome 90+, Firefox 88+, Safari 14+, Edge 90+
• JavaScript enabled
• Minimum screen resolution: 1280x720 (responsive design)

Network Requirements:

• HTTPS recommended for production environments
• WebSocket support for real-time features
• External API access for Google Drive and OpenAI integrations

Performance Recommendations:

• Minimum 4GB RAM for small deployments
• 8GB+ RAM recommended for production with SoftyTables
• SSD storage for database optimal performance

Getting Started​

For Administrators​

Initial Setup:

1. Review and configure new Google Drive integration if needed
2. Set up Carbone/LibreOffice for document generation features
3. Review default language settings (English by default)
4. Test SoftyTables in a staging environment first
5. Configure OpenAI settings for AI features

User Management:

1. Inform users about new language selector in user settings
2. Train users on in-IDE documentation chat for self-service help
3. Review AI features and access controls

For Developers​

Exploring SoftyTables (BETA):

1. Start with a test project to explore SoftyTables capabilities
2. Review SoftyTables SDK documentation in the IDE
3. Create simple tables and relationships to understand the data model
4. Experiment with data-driven UIs using SoftyTables as sources
5. Provide feedback on schema builder and UI flows

AI-Powered Development:

1. Try AI form creation in the UI builder
2. Explore AI action generation with callActionsGenerate
3. Use documentation chat for quick answers
4. Review AI-generated code and customize as needed

New Features to Leverage:

1. Use setListFromSoftyTable for dropdown/select data binding
2. Implement row click actions for interactive tables
3. Configure Google Drive exports for data sharing
4. Create document templates with Carbone integration
5. Leverage SF_incremental_id for consistent instance tracking

For End Users​

New Capabilities:

1. Language Selection: Choose your preferred language in user settings
2. Documentation Help: Use the doc chat for instant help and guidance
3. Better Reports: Explore new report creation and measure features
4. File Sharing: Upload files in FlowyChat for better collaboration
5. Improved UX: Enjoy enhanced interfaces across all builder screens

SoftyTables Benefits:

• Simpler data management without external tools
• Dynamic lists and dropdowns automatically updated
• Better form validation and data integrity
• More responsive and interactive interfaces

Known Status & Recommendations​

🧪 SoftyTables BETA Status​

What This Means:

• SoftyTables engine and UI are functional and deeply integrated
• APIs and UX may still evolve based on feedback
• Not recommended for mission-critical production data yet
• Perfect for prototypes, MVPs, and non-critical projects

Recommendations:

• Start with staging or test environments
• Use for new projects rather than migrating critical data
• Provide feedback on schema builder, relationships, and UI flows
• Monitor release notes for SoftyTables updates and improvements

What's Stable:

• Basic CRUD operations
• One-to-many and many-to-many relationships
• UI data binding and display
• SDK integration

What's Evolving:

• Advanced relationship configurations
• Performance optimization for large datasets
• Visual schema designer
• Additional data types and validations

🔐 Integration Checklist​

Before Going Live:

• Configure Google Drive API keys and redirect URIs
• Install and test Carbone/LibreOffice for document generation
• Review and set default language preferences
• Test SoftyTables in staging environment
• Update any custom integrations for new API routes
• Review instance ID changes (SF_incremental_id)

🌍 Localization Best Practices​

• Check default language in your environments (English by default)
• Set user-specific language preferences in user settings
• Review translated content for your use cases
• Provide feedback on translation quality
• Consider contributing additional language translations

SoftyFlow 8.5 represents our vision of a complete low-code application platform, combining process automation, native data management, and AI-powered development tools. We're excited to see what you build with these new capabilities!