what is workflow in salesforce

Workflow in Salesforce is a container or business logic engine that automates certain actions based on particular criteria. A workflow rule is the main container for a set of workflow instructions, which can always be summed up in an if/then statement. Salesforce workflow rules consist of two components: criteria and actions. Criteria consist of the condition which, if found true, then the actions should take place. Actions consist of the actions that should be performed when the criteria for the workflow rule are met. Every workflow rule must be based on a single object because when a rule is defined, this object influences the fields that will be available to set the criteria. There are three types of evaluation criteria for workflows: evaluate the rule when a record is created, evaluate the rule when a record is edited, and evaluate the rule when a record is created or edited and meets the criteria. Salesforce workflow rules can be used to automate tasks such as creating tasks, updating fields, sending email alerts, and sending outbound messages.