Glossary
Functions
A function is a single user-configured operation they can run through bem. At the moment, we have four types of functions currently available in our API:
route- Supports both stochastic classifications of inputs in addition to deterministic pattern matching for routing to the next
transformfunction call or external endpoint (future)
- Supports both stochastic classifications of inputs in addition to deterministic pattern matching for routing to the next
transform- 1:1 transformation of a single input to a single structured output
split- 1:N transformation of a single input into multiple structured outputs, with each semantically split component routed to its respective
transformfunction
- 1:N transformation of a single input into multiple structured outputs, with each semantically split component routed to its respective
join- N:1 transformation merging multiple inputs into a single output to
transform
- N:1 transformation merging multiple inputs into a single output to
Events
An event is the instance of a single function call, regardless of the function type. Subscriptions output events when a function call has completed.
Pipeline
A pipeline is functionally equivalent to a transform function. Pipelines will be deprecated late Summer 2025 as the bem platform fully transitions to functions and workflows.
Transformation
A transformation is the output of a transform, split, or join function. It is the resulting data structure adhering to the outputSchema specified in the transformation's respective function.