> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.appmixer.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.appmixer.com/connector-configuration/utils/controls/onstart.md).

# On Start

### Overview

The **OnStart Component** is a trigger that fires once when the flow starts. It emits a timestamp indicating when the flow was initiated.

### Usage

#### Output Ports

| Port  | Description                                           |
| ----- | ----------------------------------------------------- |
| `out` | Fires when the flow starts, providing the start time. |

#### Output Data for `out` Port

| Field     | Description                                                         |
| --------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `started` | The timestamp (`ISO 8601 format`) indicating when the flow started. |

### Instructions

1. **Automatic Trigger**
   * The component automatically fires when the flow begins execution.
2. **Start Time Emission**
   * Outputs a `started` timestamp that can be used for logging, tracking, or scheduling purposes.

### Notes

* **One-Time Execution**: Triggers only once per flow execution.
* **Useful for Logging**: Can be used to capture flow start times for analytics or debugging purposes.


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