> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.gidr.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Start & End Nodes

> The entry and exit points of every workflow.

Every workflow in AI Studio must begin with a **Start** node and finish with an **End** node. These nodes define the inputs your agent accepts and the final output it returns.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/gidrai/r1bOdD2EuKA88Eme/images/ai-studio/start-end-workflow.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=r1bOdD2EuKA88Eme&q=85&s=2b5f8b608933ecf3188803f2b307761f" alt="Start and End Nodes in Workflow" width="1200" height="800" data-path="images/ai-studio/start-end-workflow.png" />

## Start Node

The **Start** node is the entry point where workflow execution begins. It provides access to system variables and passes them to subsequent nodes.

### Key Features

* **Title**: "Start" - Entry point of nodes
* **Output handle**: Connects to the first processing node in your workflow
* **System Variables**: Automatically provides access to:
  * `sys.query` - The user's input query
  * `sys.user_id` - The user identifier
  * `sys.files` - Any uploaded files
  * Custom variables defined in your GIDR configuration

## End Node

The **End** node is the exit point that collects the final output from your workflow and returns it to the user or calling system.

### Key Features

* **Title**: "End" - End node
* **Input handle**: Receives the final processed data from upstream nodes
* **Output**: Returns the workflow result to the user interface or API caller

<Note>
  Every workflow must have exactly one Start node and at least one End node. These nodes don't have configuration panels - they serve as simple entry and exit points for your workflow logic.
</Note>