Latest Missions Updates - February 2018
Serverless Javascript Code steps, message branding, deep linking and step duplication.
February is short on days but long on features. It’s time for a round up of the latest updates to Missions as we close out the month. Since October, we’ve had nearly 400 individual conversations with users, and we’re learning a lot together. Each feature below is a gift to one or more of those users 😘. Thank you!
Code Steps
Missions supports an ability for developers to run custom steps via webhooks, but you have to do all of the heavy lifting. You need to create a service, host it somewhere publicly accessible and maintain it over time. This can take a lot of time and sometimes a ⛰ of bureaucracy 🙅.
Code steps are essentially Javascript functions as a service embedded in a Mission. You specify what inputs you expect, outputs you’ll produce and the code. We do the rest.
There are a few limitations to note. Currently only Javascript is supported and you are limited to a predetermined set of node modules. If you want to see other languages supported, need other modules or need the control to install any module, we’re waiting to hear from you.
Message Branding
When it comes to Slack messages, context is king. Your workflows should be about your workflows. Your workmates shouldn’t have to grok Missions at all! This is the first step in a journey to allow you to brand your workflows in Slack, giving you the ability to override message icons and app names.
For example, a time off request workflow at Big Co. might be branded “Big Co. Time Off Requests.” Or you might want to add a little personality to an Office Supply Request workflow like we have at Robots & Pencils.
Deep Linking to Slack 🎯
We’re working on new ways to track the progress of your active Missions running in Slack. When looking at the status of an active Mission, you’ll now be able to “deep link” directly to the exact message in Slack. We can take you directly to “the needle in the haystack”.
If you’re paying close attention, you’ll notice a sneak peak at the forthcoming Missions dashboard 🕵️.
Duplicating a Step
When you need to stamp out a group of similar steps, we’re happy to return all of that future time of yours we’ve ransomed. Duplicating a step copies everything including all of the references, menus and dialogs.
