Function instead of steps

Replace the step list with a single function that controls the whole execution flow.

Pass a single custom execution function to steps instead of discrete steps. You keep complete control over the orchestration logic while still getting workflow features like storage, streaming, and session management.

When to use: When you need maximum flexibility and control over the execution flow, similar to the Workflows 1.0 approach but with better structure.

Install dependencies:

uv pip install agno openai yfinance sqlalchemy

function_instead_of_steps.py

from agno.agent import Agent
from agno.db.sqlite import SqliteDb
from agno.models.openai import OpenAIResponses
from agno.team import Team
from agno.tools.hackernews import HackerNewsTools
from agno.tools.yfinance import YFinanceTools
from agno.workflow.types import WorkflowExecutionInput
from agno.workflow.workflow import Workflow

# Define agents
hackernews_agent = Agent(
    name="Hackernews Agent",
    model=OpenAIResponses(id="gpt-5.2"),
    tools=[HackerNewsTools()],
    role="Extract key insights and content from Hackernews posts",
)
finance_agent = Agent(
    name="Finance Agent",
    model=OpenAIResponses(id="gpt-5.2"),
    tools=[YFinanceTools()],
    role="Get stock prices and financial data",
)

# Define research team for complex analysis
research_team = Team(
    name="Research Team",
    members=[hackernews_agent, finance_agent],
    instructions="Research tech topics from Hackernews and gather related financial data",
)

content_planner = Agent(
    name="Content Planner",
    model=OpenAIResponses(id="gpt-5.2"),
    instructions=[
        "Plan a content schedule over 4 weeks for the provided topic and research content",
        "Ensure that I have posts for 3 posts per week",
    ],
)


def custom_execution_function(
    workflow: Workflow, execution_input: WorkflowExecutionInput
):
    print(f"Executing workflow: {workflow.name}")

    # Run the research team
    run_response = research_team.run(execution_input.input)
    research_content = run_response.content

    # Create intelligent planning prompt
    planning_prompt = f"""
        STRATEGIC CONTENT PLANNING REQUEST:

        Core Topic: {execution_input.input}

        Research Results: {research_content[:500]}

        Planning Requirements:
        1. Create a comprehensive content strategy based on the research
        2. Leverage the research findings effectively
        3. Identify content formats and channels
        4. Provide timeline and priority recommendations
        5. Include engagement and distribution strategies

        Please create a detailed, actionable content plan.
    """
    content_plan = content_planner.run(planning_prompt)

    # Return the content plan
    return content_plan.content


# Create and use workflow
if __name__ == "__main__":
    content_creation_workflow = Workflow(
        name="Content Creation Workflow",
        description="Automated content creation from blog posts to social media",
        db=SqliteDb(
            session_table="workflow_session",
            db_file="tmp/workflow.db",
        ),
        steps=custom_execution_function,
    )
    content_creation_workflow.print_response(
        input="AI trends in 2024",
    )