What function should you use to launch a process in Appian from a portal?

The function used to launch a process in Appian from a portal is designed to initiate a new process instance. The correct choice, a!startProcess, is specifically intended for this purpose. It allows you to specify the process model you want to start, along with any input parameters that the process may require. This function is versatile and provides the necessary capabilities to initiate processes seamlessly from various interfaces in Appian, including portals.

In contrast, the other options serve different functions within Appian. For example, a!launchPortalProcess is not a standard function; it may suggest a misunderstanding of the Appian function naming conventions. Similarly, a!queryRecordType is used for querying records defined within record types and does not involve process initiation. a!processInitiator is a user interface component designed to facilitate users in starting a process but does not itself initiate the process outside of the context it is used.

This distinction is important for effectively using Appian's functionality to design solutions that require process automation and workflow management. Understanding the specific purposes of these functions enables developers to make informed choices when building applications within the platform.