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    Apache Airflow

    Process automationAirflowWorkflow Orchestration with Apache Airflow
    Editorially reviewed on: 1 source
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    The short answer · 8 words

    In short

    Platform for developing, planning and monitoring data-related workflows.

    Flow-alerta.cab (2026): Apache Airflow. https://flow-alerta.cab/en/glossar/apache-airflow. Editorially reviewed on: 09 October 2026.

    How much detail would you like?

    Practical

    Helps to operate recurring data and model processes in a comprehensible manner.

    Sample scenario: A daily process loads data, checks it and only then generates a report.

    Define responsibilities, repeatability and error handling for appropriate data processes.

    At a glance

    Core
    Apache Airflow orchestrates workflows whose tasks and dependencies are defined as Python code. A dag describes tasks, execution conditions and further flow details. Airflow is suitable for time- or event-driven batch processes and is not a general real-time streaming system.
    Use
    Helps to operate recurring data and model processes in a comprehensible manner.
    Example
    Sample scenario: A daily process loads data, checks it and only then generates a report.
    Limits
    Define dependencies unchecked; trigger repetitions with unwanted side effects; use airflow as streaming processing.

    Questions about this term

    Does Airflow process the data itself?

    It coordinates tasks that can perform its own processing.

    Can it be done completely without code?

    Workflows as code are central.

    All details and background

    Apache Airflow orchestrates workflows whose tasks and dependencies are defined as Python code. A dag describes tasks, execution conditions and further flow details. Airflow is suitable for time- or event-driven batch processes and is not a general real-time streaming system.

    ELI5 – Explained simply

    A schedule ensures that processing steps are started and monitored in the correct order.

    Why it matters in practice

    Helps to operate recurring data and model processes in a comprehensible manner.

    Example

    Sample scenario: A daily process loads data, checks it and only then generates a report.

    Pitfalls and limits

    • Define dependencies unchecked; trigger repetitions with unwanted side effects; use airflow as streaming processing.

    Origin & history

    Airflow is one of the projects of the Apache Software Foundation. The documentation describes workflows as code as a central principle.

    Use in mid-sized companies

    • Define responsibilities, repeatability and error handling for appropriate data processes.

    Related terms

    • DAG
    • Data pipeline

    Matching Flow-alerta service

    AI assistants & automationAI assistants & automation: test a suitable process with clear rights and human test points.

    Matching tool / use case

    View use casesTool: Apache Airflow.

    Sources

    Quellenprüfung: 09.10.2026. Definition und dokumentierte Einordnung abgeglichen; Beispiele beschreiben mögliche Anwendungen.

    Editorially reviewed on:

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