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Sequencing flow with the interview order builder

Docassemble is a goal-directed system that seeks out variables as needed. However, every production AssemblyLine interview relies on a central Interview Order block (mandatory: True) to ensure that users encounter screens, introductory text, list-gathering loops, and review screens in a logical, guided sequence.

Click the Interview order button in the left navigation rail to open the visual flow builder:

Visual Interview Order Builder

The interview order block​

Behind the scenes, the Order Builder manages a mandatory: True code block (by default with id: interview_order):

---
id: interview_order
mandatory: True
code: |
  al_intro_screen
  set_progress(10)
  users.gather()
  other_parties.gather()
  set_progress(40)
  case_information
  if user_is_low_income:
    fee_waiver_screen
  motion_grounds
  set_progress(80)
  hearing_date_screen
  motion_review_screen
  motion_download_screen

Types of flow steps​

The Order Builder represents each flow element visually with distinct badges and formatting:

  1. Screen Steps: Individual question screens (e.g., al_intro_screen, case_information).
  2. List Gather Steps (LOOP): Calls .gather() on an ALPeopleList or list object to trigger iterative questions for all members of the list.
  3. Conditional Branches (IF/ELSE): Branches that display specific screens only when a condition evaluates to True.
  4. Progress Indicators (PROGRESS): Updates the on-screen progress bar percentage (e.g., set_progress(50)).
  5. Section Dividers (SECTION): Marks the active navigation section in the progress outline (e.g., nav.set_section('case')).
  6. Code Steps: Custom Python expressions or calculations executed silently between screens.

Visual reordering and branching controls​

  • Drag-and-Drop Reordering: Grab the drag handle () beside any step to move it up or down in the sequence.
  • Wrap selected in if: Check the selection box next to one or more steps and click this button to nest them inside a conditional branch.
  • Auto-generate: Infers a draft interview sequence based on your declared question blocks, people lists, and document bundles.
  • Edit YAML: Switch to inline code view to make manual Python adjustments to the order block.

Next steps​