I am certain that this is a silly question, but I want to export a template of a workflow to use in class with my students. I have seen .knar files shared on this forum (and on Community) which open up the workflow and also will prompt users to install the necessary extensions if applicable.
I am creating a basic workflow to show students the basics of KNIME, but I do not see the option for a .knar file, only .knwf when exporting a workflow.
My question: When is a ,knar file generated, and what is the recommended way to share example workflows for external users (i.e. students)? I want to reduce as much friction as possible, and am a little confused about these file types.
it’s not a silly question at all - and I at times still get confused.
In general, this is how exporting works / behaves with the .knwf and .knar extensions:
If you export a single workflow => it will be saved as a .knwf file
If you export a folder that contains a workflow, multiple workflows, multiple sub-folders containing files, folders and workflows… ==> it is saved as a .knar
When you then import the .knwf you “only” get the single workflow
When you import the .knar you get the full structure that you set up in the folder incl. any files, workflows etc.
So in general when you share a construct that contains multiple workflows that may interact with one another and share data “relative to current workflow” it makes sense to export the folder to get a .knar
Hope this makes sense :-).
Either way - whenever someone opens any workflow that was imported, incase they are missing any extensions, the pop up will show regardless asking them to install missing extensions.
Ahhhhhh, thanks Martin. I didn’t pick up on the concept of a single workflow versus a folder (collection). Thank you for confirming that there will be a prompt if I am using an extension the student may not have yet installed.