Processing virtual transactions of a workflow in atomic manner in a workflow management computer system

Abstract

A data processing method comprising the computer-implemented steps of using a process management computer, receiving an electronic workflow document in response to execution of editing instructions at a user terminal that is coupled by network to the process management computer, wherein the electronic workflow document defines a workflow using a plurality of tags and statements that specify steps in the workflow, wherein each of the steps is either an atomic type step or a non-atomic type step, wherein at least a first step that is atomic comprises a plurality of instructions and is programmed to signal, to a second and successive non-atomic step, normal completion of execution of the first step; wherein at least a second step that is non-atomic is programmed to call a completion callback in response to the signal; using the process management computer, parsing the electronic workflow document to form an in-memory representation of the workflow in computer memory; using the process management computer and using the in-memory representation, executing the first step, transitioning to the second step and executing at least a portion of the instructions that are programmed in the second step; using the process management computer, receiving a completion callback signal from the second step in response to normal completion of execution of the first step; using the process management computer, and only after receiving the completion callback signal from the second step, continuing execution of other instructions that are programmed in the second step.