Pathways.state()`method`

Define a state with natural language description as the primary identifier.

USAGE

Pathways.state(desc, id=None, type=None)

The first state you define becomes the starting state automatically. State type is inferred from subsequent method calls, making the API more intuitive and reducing the need to specify types upfront.

Parameters

desc : str: Clear description of the state’s purpose and what should happen. This is the primary identifier and should be specific about the expected interaction or outcome. Supports shorthand syntax: use "id: description" format to specify both ID and description in one parameter (e.g., "completion: ensure customer satisfaction and wrap up"). The ID part will be automatically normalized (spaces converted to underscores, etc.).
id : str = None: Optional unique identifier for the state. Required only when other states need to reference this state (via .branch_on(), .next_state()). If not provided, an ID will be extracted from desc using "id: description" format if present, otherwise auto-generated. If explicitly provided, shorthand parsing is bypassed.
type : str = None: Optional explicit state type. If not provided, the type will be inferred from subsequent method calls

Returns

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

Research Foundation

State Type Inference System. Based on method usage, the state type is automatically inferred to reduce cognitive load and API complexity. The inference follows this hierarchy: .tools() → "tool", .branch_on() → "decision", .required() → "collect", with "chat" as the default. If multiple methods suggest different types, the first inference takes precedence to maintain consistency.

Automatic Start State Management. The first state defined automatically becomes the starting state, eliminating the need for explicit start state configuration. This simplifies pathway creation while ensuring every pathway has a clear entry point for conversation flow.

ID Generation and Reference System. When no explicit ID is provided, the system auto-generates snake_case identifiers from state descriptions, ensuring uniqueness through numeric suffixes when conflicts occur. IDs are only required when other states need to reference the state for transitions or branching.

Integration Notes

Description Priority: description always comes first as the primary identifier
Reference Requirements: ID only needed when other states need to reference this state
Shorthand Syntax: use "id: description" format to combine ID and description in one parameter for cleaner syntax; ID part is automatically normalized (spaces → underscores)
Explicit ID Priority: when id= parameter is provided, shorthand parsing is bypassed
Type Inference: inferred from usage patterns to reduce explicit configuration
Conflict Resolution: first method call determines type, conflicts generate warnings
Auto-generation: IDs use snake_case from description with uniqueness guarantees
Visual Organization: use # === STATE: name === comments for visual state separation in complex pathways
Explicit Type Usage: consider explicit types for complex workflows, documentation clarity, team development, mixed functionality, or error prevention

The .state() method creates clear conversation boundaries and progression, with each state having a specific purpose that builds toward the final goal. When to use explicit types: in complex workflows where type inference might be ambiguous, for documentation clarity when the state’s purpose isn’t obvious from methods, for team development to make intentions explicit, for mixed functionality when a state serves multiple purposes, or as error prevention for avoiding unintended type inference conflicts.

Examples

Complete pathway showing .state() method with both traditional and shorthand syntax:

import talk_box as tb

# Creating a complete product recommendation pathway
pathway = (
    tb.Pathways(
        title="Product Recommendation",
        desc="Help customers find the right product for their needs",
        activation="Customer needs product guidance"
    )

    # Traditional syntax: separate id parameter ---
    # === STATE: welcome ===
    .state("welcome: welcome customer and understand their situation")
    .required(["the customer's goal", "a budget range"])
    .next_state("needs_analysis")

    # Shorthand syntax: "id: description" format ---
    # === STATE: needs_analysis ===
    .state("needs analysis: analyze customer requirements and preferences")
    .required(["specific requirements", "priorities"])
    .success_condition("customer needs are clearly understood")
    .next_state("final_recommendation")

    # Spaces in ID automatically become underscores ---
    # === STATE: final_recommendation ===
    .state("final recommendation: present tailored product matches")
    .required(["product matches", "rationale"])
    .success_condition("customer has clear next steps")
)

# See how the pathway materializes
print(pathway)

**Product Recommendation**
Purpose: Help customers find the right product for their needs
Activate when:
- Customer needs product guidance
Flow guidance:
- WELCOME (collect): welcome: welcome customer and understand their situation
  Required: (1) the customer's goal, (2) a budget range
- NEEDS_ANALYSIS (collect): needs analysis: analyze customer requirements and preferences
  Required: (1) specific requirements, (2) priorities
  Success: customer needs are clearly understood
- FINAL_RECOMMENDATION (collect): final recommendation: present tailored product matches
  Required: (1) product matches, (2) rationale
  Success: customer has clear next steps
Follow as flexible guidance, adapting to user conversation patterns while ensuring key objectives
are addressed.