The DataFlow API provides the lowest level of DataFlow programming. It is the most flexible and extensible way to create DataFlow applications. It does, however, require an understanding of programming within Java or other JVM based languages (such as Scala or Jython).

The DataFlow API is written in Java and is delivered as a set of .jar files. Extensive JavaDocs are also available within the distribution of the SDK and online at http://dataflowrepo.actian.com/DF654/javadoc/. The API is easily accessible when using an IDE such as Eclipse or NetBeans. IDEs provide conveniences such as code completion that make working with new APIs much easier.

The following sections will go into more detail on using DataFlow functionality. Examples will be provided in Java showing exact usage of the API.