Summary
This error appears when a processor is placed on the canvas without anything feeding it. Clockspring requires at least one inbound FlowFile source unless the processor can generate FlowFiles itself.
Symptom
You see an error similar to:
Processor requires an upstream connection but currently has none.
The processor shows as invalid.
Root Cause
No inbound connection is feeding the processor
The processor is not a source and cannot generate FlowFiles
You deleted or disconnected the upstream path
The processor was added alone for testing but never fed
How to Fix It
Add an upstream connection
Connect any upstream processor, input port, or GenerateFlowFile.
If this processor should generate FlowFiles
Verify that you selected the correct processor. Many do not generate FlowFiles.
If testing in isolation
Add GenerateFlowFile to feed it.
Prevention
Confirm whether a processor is a source before placing it
After refactoring, verify that connections remain intact
For test setups, always include a generator component
Related Articles
Understanding inbound and outbound relationships
Using GenerateFlowFile for testing
Common processor validation errors
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