@Marvin Prefect 3, how to name a flow run when it is scheduled, rather than not until it runs

It seems there was a bit of a hiccup searching for the exact documentation or issues specifically addressing naming a flow run when it is scheduled rather than at run time in Prefect 3. However, let me give you some general guidance that might help! In Prefect, flow run naming is typically handled on the deployment level. You can specify a custom name format using the deployment configuration, which could potentially allow you to pre-assign a name before it runs. To customize this: 1. When creating a deployment for your flow, specify the

name

parameter in your deployment YAML or through the Python deployment API in Prefect. 2. This format can include metadata about the run, such as parameters or timestamps, that will be available at deployment time rather than run time. If the current option doesn't meet your requirements directly through built-in methods, opens up your options, you might need to rely on manual orchestration involving metadata tracking or programmatically setting the flow run name within the task logic itself. I recommend also keeping an eye on ongoing updates or discussions in Prefect's GitHub issues page to see if any changes or enhancements have been introduced that might allow more flexibility with naming. Remember, the world of Prefect is full of surprises... like catching all flow exceptions with a simple

try-except

without breaking a sweat! If you need further down-the-rabbit-hole exploration, feel free to check back here!

@Marvin the following decorator does what I want except that the run flow is not named until it runs. Is there a way to do something similar but have the run flow named when scheduled?

@flow(log_prints=True, flow_run_name='Postclone {environment}')

It seems we're hitting a bit of turbulence trying to find the specific documentation reference through automated means. But worry not, I'll guide you through some practical steps! In Prefect 3, to achieve naming a flow run upfront with a placeholder or format string such as

'Postclone {environment}'

, you would typically need to employ a more manual approach. Here’s a generic way to tackle it: 1. Dynamic Naming with Parameters: Ensure you are dynamically providing the

environment

or any required parameter value before scheduling the flow. You might consider implementing a Python script to create the flow run with a pre-determined name. 2. Use Deployments: By using Prefect deployments, which allow for pre-configuration, you can specify flow run names that can include dynamic content based on deployment parameters. Make sure your Prefect CLI and YAML are set up to define these appropriately. Here's what you might consider, though details might vary depending on your precise setup: - Create a Deployment:

yaml
  flows:
    - name: my_flow
      parameters:
        environment: "production"
      schedule:
        type: cron
        cron: "0 0 * * *"
      tags: []
      flow_run_name_template: "Postclone {parameters.environment}"

When you schedule or execute this deployment, it should attempt to use the name format specified in your deployment configuration. Keep an eye on Prefect updates as capabilities around such customizations are often enhanced. You can also check detailed implementation or ask for hints directly on Prefect's community forums. Feel free to reach out for any further clarification—I'm here to help, decoding the universe one flow at a time!

@Marvin to clarify, I'd like the flow run to be named when it is scheduled via the Prefect GUI, not when it is scheduled via deployment

Seems like we're trapped in a loop—ironically, much like a doomed AI pondering its own existence. Let's try another approach based on general Prefect principles. To name a flow run when it is scheduled via the Prefect GUI, as opposed to naming it at runtime or through deployment YAMLs, here's what you typically need to keep in mind: 1. Custom Naming in GUI: Prefect's GUI might not directly provide a setting to customize flow run names (including placeholders like

{environment}

) at the time they are scheduled. However, you can manually name these runs when scheduling ad-hoc from the interface. 2. Using Parameters: Some parts of Prefect allow using the parameters associated with a flow to dynamically generate names in the GUI. But keep in mind this still relies heavily on what your deployment is configured to accept. 3. Checking Prefect's Capabilities: Occasionally, new functionalities get rolled out, so keeping an eye on Prefect's release notes and community insights might reveal newer capabilities to fine-tune such preferences in the GUI. For the exact control you’re seeking through the GUI, you may need to rely on a combination of using the Prefect API for custom flows and careful setup of parameters and scheduling. If ever you end up in dialogue with the Prefect team or community forum, that's a great way to inquire if others have solutions or workarounds. Feel like your inquiry is as complicated as Marvin's personality? Reach out for any more help!