---
title: "Dataflow"
id: lexicon/D/Dataflow
canonical: /lexicon/D/Dataflow/
---

The term <<<Dataflow>>> has two different uses in Simorg.

## Data in Transit

When the Engine receives Data from outside (for example, from an Artifact) or from within (for example, from a <<<Value Literal>>> in Code), that Data starts moving through the system and passing through Shells. When Data is in transit in this way, it creates a Dataflow.
A Dataflow eventually reaches its destination.

## Dataflow Shell

<<<Dataflow Shell>>> refers to a special category of Shells that have their own operators starting with <<<:>>> or <<<\>>>.
We can think of Dataflow Shells as unidirectional pipes into which Data or Vibration enters from the left and exits from the right. Some Dataflow operators can perform processing on the Data while it is passing through. It is also possible to chain multiple pipes together to create a Dataflow Pipeline.