Pipeline execution

Effective management and execution of pipelines require flexibility to accommodate different use cases, operational needs, and business requirements. Some workloads demand on-demand execution, while others need to be scheduled, event-driven, or externally triggered to integrate seamlessly into broader workflows.

To provide maximum adaptability, Fyrefuse supports four distinct execution methods, ensuring pipelines can be triggered in the most suitable and efficient way:

  1. Manual Execution – On-demand runs initiated by users.
  2. Cron-Based Execution – Predefined, time-based scheduling.
  3. External API Trigger – Remote execution via API calls.
  4. Event-Based Execution – Automated triggering based on system events.

Each of these methods offers unique advantages, allowing users to balance control, automation, and responsiveness in managing the workloads. Below is a detailed explanation of each approach, including its ideal use cases and key benefits.

Manual execution

Manual execution provides users with the ability to trigger a pipeline whenever needed, without relying on predefined schedules or external triggers.

This method is particularly useful for:

  • Ad-hoc data processing
  • Debugging and testing before deploying automated executions
  • Running exploratory or one-time jobs

This method is especially valuable in development and troubleshooting scenarios, where users may need to modify parameters, validate logic, or rerun jobs multiple times before finalizing a production pipeline.

For manually deploying a pipeline simply click the three vertical dots beside the pipeline name and select “Run”.

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Time-driven execution

The time-driven (cron-based) scheduling method, pipelines can be executed at fixed intervals (e.g., daily, hourly, weekly) based on a predefined schedule.

This is widely used for:

  • Periodic ETL/ELT pipelines
  • Batch data processing
  • Scheduled reporting and analytics

By defining execution times in advance, cron-based scheduling ensures predictability, making it ideal for workloads that do not require real-time responsiveness but must be executed consistently.

For scheduling a pipeline execution simply click the three vertical dots beside the pipeline name and select “Schedule”.

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External API trigger

In many modern architectures, processes need to be triggered dynamically from external systems. The External API Trigger execution mode enables0 third-party applications, microservices, or other workflows to remotely initiate pipelines via API calls.

This approach is beneficial for:

  • Integrating pipelines within external applications
  • Triggering jobs dynamically based on external events

This method allows Fyrefuse to be tightly integrated into larger enterprise ecosystems, making it possible to dynamically trigger pipelines based on real-time business needs.

Event-driven conditions

In highly dynamic environments, real-time or near-real-time processing is essential. Event-based execution allows Spark applications to be automatically triggered in response to specific system events happening within the platform.

This method is commonly used for:

  • Triggering action based on user interactions
  • Automating workflows based on system state changes

Unlike scheduled executions, event-based processing eliminates unnecessary runs and ensures jobs execute only when relevant conditions are met, leading to better resource efficiency.

Conclusion

By supporting multiple execution methods, the platform provides a versatile and scalable solution for managing pipelines. Whether applications need manual control, scheduled automation, remote triggering, or event-driven execution, this flexibility ensures that Fyrefuse workloads align with diverse business needs and operational strategies.