What is a limitation of a rule compared to a microflow?

A rule is fundamentally designed for highly specific purposes, typically related to constraints or validation within the Mendix platform, whereas a microflow provides a broader framework for logic and processes. The smaller selection of activities in a rule means that it is limited to predefined actions that are specific to maintaining data integrity or enforcing business logic conditions. This contrasts with microflows, which allow for a wide range of actions, including complex data processing, iterative operations, and calls to other microflows, giving developers more flexibility to implement intricate business processes.

The constraint in a rule regarding available activities means that while it is efficient for certain tasks, it cannot handle complex logic or extensive workflows that a microflow can manage. This distinction is critical in application design when developers need to choose the right tool for their specific requirements, knowing that rules serve a more focused function, while microflows can accommodate more elaborate requirements.