# Builder Path - Beginner

## Beginner builder path

Build a basic workflow. Deploy it to end users. Troubleshoot common issues.

### Outcomes

By the end, you will be able to:

* Build a workflow that runs end-to-end in the builder.
* Pass data between nodes using inputs and outputs.
* Add a knowledge base and retrieve context in a workflow.
* Deploy a workflow as a Chat Assistant or Form.
* Use run traces to debug failures.

### Quick jumps

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th>Topic</th><th>Start here</th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="image">Cover image</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Learn the canvas</strong><br>Nodes, runs, publishing, and data flow.</td><td><a href="../../workflow-builder/get-started-with-workflow-builder">Get Started with Workflow Builder</a></td><td><a href="https://3697023207-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFSlso1Kjob5CLDrh0dVn%2Fuploads%2FmAaoZyn3H5DiLnWcc5zl%2FScreenshot%202026-02-23%20at%206.21.33%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media&#x26;token=dc8f2648-d4a9-495b-a064-8dfea5d2d6e8">Screenshot 2026-02-23 at 6.21.33 PM.png</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Build an agent end-to-end</strong><br>Follow a full deployment checklist.</td><td><a href="../../deploying-your-first-agent">Deploying Your First Agent</a></td><td><a href="https://3697023207-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFSlso1Kjob5CLDrh0dVn%2Fuploads%2F3y2snlrCN9R4BwseYNAd%2FScreenshot%202026-02-23%20at%206.11.57%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media&#x26;token=b9f7e5df-f4c4-49ef-ac2e-519bf345f5a4">Screenshot 2026-02-23 at 6.11.57 PM.png</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Wire data between nodes</strong><br>Define inputs, map variables, shape outputs.</td><td><ul><li><a href="../../workflow-builder/inputs">Inputs</a></li><li><a href="../../workflow-builder/outputs">Outputs</a></li></ul></td><td><a href="https://3697023207-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFSlso1Kjob5CLDrh0dVn%2Fuploads%2FUVqAaBrFkAwUOYYOttXw%2FScreenshot%202026-02-23%20at%206.49.32%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media&#x26;token=88697e81-5416-4e89-85c7-e1fb9fc918c2">Screenshot 2026-02-23 at 6.49.32 PM.png</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Knowledge bases (RAG)</strong><br>Add documents and retrieve relevant context.</td><td><ul><li><a href="../../workflow-builder/knowledge-bases">Knowledge Bases</a></li><li><a href="../../workflow-builder/knowledge-bases/how-to-use-knowledge-bases">How to Use Knowledge Bases</a></li></ul></td><td><a href="https://3697023207-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFSlso1Kjob5CLDrh0dVn%2Fuploads%2FIwa1w47knJQiMPcYOKfm%2FScreenshot%202026-02-23%20at%206.23.10%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media&#x26;token=31383acf-2581-462e-8a49-82246f1d41e6">Screenshot 2026-02-23 at 6.23.10 PM.png</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Deploy to users</strong><br>Chat, form, or API.</td><td><a href="../../export-options/deploy-with-the-export-view">Deploy with the Export View</a></td><td><a href="https://3697023207-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFSlso1Kjob5CLDrh0dVn%2Fuploads%2FxyNv6Bl216lA86nnYFqB%2FScreenshot%202026-02-23%20at%206.23.43%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media&#x26;token=442b6951-1ba3-4da7-8269-82dd3adee313">Screenshot 2026-02-23 at 6.23.43 PM.png</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Debug your first run</strong><br>Traces, logs, and common failure modes.</td><td><a href="../../hacks/troubleshooting-a-workflow">Troubleshoot a Workflow</a></td><td><a href="https://3697023207-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFSlso1Kjob5CLDrh0dVn%2Fuploads%2FEdfXtq8k8qvNtz0K9P7F%2FScreenshot%202026-02-23%20at%206.48.11%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media&#x26;token=a06964dd-c336-465a-b871-2ac7803e69d2">Screenshot 2026-02-23 at 6.48.11 PM.png</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

### The path

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### 1) Orientation

Review the platform and builder workflow. Focus on node wiring, runs, and publishing.

* [Platform Overview](https://docs.stackai.com/platform-overview)
* [Get Started with Workflow Builder](https://docs.stackai.com/workflow-builder/get-started-with-workflow-builder)
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### 2) Build a tiny workflow

Build `Input → LLM → Output`. Run it with a few representative test inputs.

* [Inputs](https://docs.stackai.com/workflow-builder/inputs)
* [LLM Node](https://docs.stackai.com/workflow-builder/llms/llm-node)
* [Outputs](https://docs.stackai.com/workflow-builder/outputs)
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### 3) Improve response consistency

Add structure to the LLM prompt. Use explicit instructions and an expected output format.

* [Instruction vs Prompt](https://docs.stackai.com/best-practices/instruction-vs-prompt)
* [Prompt Engineering](https://docs.stackai.com/best-practices/prompt-engineering)
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### 4) Add a knowledge base (RAG)

Create a knowledge base from a small document set. Use it to retrieve relevant context during a run.

* [Knowledge Bases](https://docs.stackai.com/workflow-builder/knowledge-bases)
* [How to Use Knowledge Bases](https://docs.stackai.com/workflow-builder/knowledge-bases/how-to-use-knowledge-bases)
* [Creating a Knowledge Base](https://docs.stackai.com/workflow-builder/knowledge-bases/creating-a-knowledge-base)
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### 5) Deploy and troubleshoot

Deploy to an interface. Use the run trace to identify failures and incorrect outputs.

* [Deploy with the Export View](https://docs.stackai.com/export-options/deploy-with-the-export-view)
* [Chat Assistant](https://docs.stackai.com/export-options/chat-assistant)
* [Form](https://docs.stackai.com/export-options/form)
* [Troubleshoot a Workflow](https://docs.stackai.com/hacks/troubleshooting-a-workflow)
  {% endstep %}
  {% endstepper %}