Pathways.next_state()

Define direct transition to the next state.

Usage

Pathways.next_state(state_name)

Use for linear progression after state completion. Do not use with type="decision" states (use .branch_on() instead). This creates unconditional forward movement in the pathway.

Parameters

state_name: str: Name of the state to transition to next. The target state must be defined later in the pathway using .state().

Returns

Pathways: Self for method chaining, allowing combination with other pathway building methods to create comprehensive conversation flows.

Integration Notes

Linear Progression: creates unconditional transition after state completion
Decision State Restriction: cannot be used with type="decision" states; use .branch_on() instead
Forward Declaration: target state must be defined later with .state()
Sequential Flow: useful for processes with a clear order
Unconditional Movement: for conditional logic, use .branch_on()
Straightforward Routing: creates sequential flows where each step naturally follows the previous

The .next_state() method creates straightforward, sequential flows where each step naturally follows the previous one, which is good for processes with a clear order.

Examples

Complete pathway showing .next_state() creating linear progression:

import talk_box as tb

# Creating a customer onboarding pathway
pathway = (
    tb.Pathways(
        title="Customer Onboarding",
        desc="welcome new customers and set up their accounts",
        activation="new customer signs up"
    )
    # === STATE: welcome ===
    .state("welcome: welcome and collect basic information")
    .required(["full name", "email", "company name"])

    # .next_state() creates smooth linear progression ---
    .next_state("account_setup")

    # === STATE: account_setup ===
    .state("account setup: set up account preferences")
    .required(["password is created", "preferences are selected"])
    .success_condition("account is fully configured")

    # .next_state() continues the sequential flow ---
    .next_state("feature_tour")

    # === STATE: feature_tour ===
    .state("feature tour: provide guided feature tour")
    .required("key features are demonstrated")
    .success_condition("customer understands main functionality")

    # .next_state() leads to final step ---
    .next_state("completion")

    # === STATE: completion ===
    .state("completion: complete onboarding process")
    .required(["welcome resources are provided", "next steps are explained"])
    .success_condition("customer is ready to use the platform")
)

# See the clear linear progression
print(pathway)