wrong suffix

Feature/string utils safe equals ignore case

.circleci/adjust-pom-version.sh

@@ -1,23 +1,51 @@
 #!/bin/bash
 
-if [ -z "$CIRCLE_BRANCH" ] && [ -z "$CIRCLE_TAG" ]; then
-   echo "Error:  env vars CIRCLE_BRANCH and CIRCLE_TAG were not set."
-   exit 1;
-fi
+############################################################################
+## adjust-pom.version.sh
+## During CircleCI builds - edit the qqq parent pom.xml, to set the
+## <revision> value such that:
+## - feature-branch builds, tagged as snapshot-*, deploy with a version
+##   number that includes that tag's name (minus the snapshot- part)
+## - integration-branch builds deploy with a version number that includes
+##   the branch name slugified
+## - we never deploy -SNAPSHOT versions any more - because we don't believe
+##   it is ever valid to not know exactly what versions you are getting
+##   (perhaps because we are too loose with our versioning?)
+############################################################################
 
-if [ "$CIRCLE_BRANCH" == "dev" ] || [ "$CIRCLE_BRANCH" == "staging" ] || [ "$CIRCLE_BRANCH" == "main" ] || [ \! -z $(echo "$CIRCLE_TAG" | grep "^version-") ]; then
-   echo "On a primary branch or tag [${CIRCLE_BRANCH}${CIRCLE_TAG}] - will not edit the pom version.";
+POM=$(dirname $0)/../pom.xml
+echo "On branch: $CIRCLE_BRANCH, tag: $CIRCLE_TAG..."
+
+######################################################################
+## ## only do anything if the committed pom has a -SNAPSHOT version ##
+######################################################################
+REVISION=$(grep '<revision>' $POM | sed 's/.*<revision>//;s/<.*//');
+echo "<revision> in pom.xml is: $REVISION"
+if [ \! $(echo "$REVISION" | grep SNAPSHOT) ]; then
+   echo "Not on a SNAPSHOT revision, so nothing to do here."
    exit 0;
 fi
 
-if [ -n "$CIRCLE_BRANCH" ]; then
-   SLUG=$(echo $CIRCLE_BRANCH | sed 's/[^a-zA-Z0-9]/-/g')
-else
-   SLUG=$(echo $CIRCLE_TAG | sed 's/^snapshot-//g')
+##################################################################################
+## ## figure out if we need a SLUG:  a snapshot- tag, or an integration/ branch ##
+##################################################################################
+SLUG=""
+if [ $(echo "$CIRCLE_TAG" | grep ^snapshot-) ]; then
+   SLUG=$(echo "$CIRCLE_TAG" | sed "s/^snapshot-//")-
+   echo "Using slug [$SLUG] from tag [$CIRCLE_TAG]"
+
+elif [ $(echo "$CIRCLE_BRANCH" |  grep ^integration/) ]; then
+   SLUG=$(echo "$CIRCLE_BRANCH" | sed "s,/,-,g")-
+   echo "Using slug [$SLUG] from branch [$CIRCLE_BRANCH]"
 fi
 
-POM=$(dirname $0)/../pom.xml
+################################################################
+## ## build the replcaement for -SNAPSHOT, and update the pom ##
+################################################################
+TIMESTAMP=$(date +%Y%m%d-%H%M%S)
+REPLACEMENT=${SLUG}${TIMESTAMP}
 
-echo "Updating $POM <revision> to: $SLUG-SNAPSHOT"
-sed -i "s/<revision>.*/<revision>$SLUG-SNAPSHOT<\/revision>/" $POM
+echo "Updating $POM -SNAPSHOT to: -$REPLACEMENT"
+sed -i "s/-SNAPSHOT<\/revision>/-$REPLACEMENT<\/revision>/" $POM
 git diff $POM
+

.circleci/config.yml

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ version: 2.1
 
 orbs:
   localstack: localstack/platform@2.1
+  browser-tools: circleci/browser-tools@1.4.7
 
 commands:
   store_jacoco_site:
@@ -38,6 +39,8 @@ commands:
       - restore_cache:
           keys:
             - v1-dependencies-{{ checksum "pom.xml" }}
+      - browser-tools/install-chrome
+      - browser-tools/install-chromedriver
       - run:
           name: Write .env
           command: |
@@ -45,7 +48,11 @@ commands:
       - run:
           name: Run Maven Verify
           command: |
-            mvn -s .circleci/mvn-settings.xml -T4 verify
+            mvn -s .circleci/mvn-settings.xml -T4 verify | tee mvn-verify.log
+      - store_artifacts:
+          name: Full Maven Verify Log
+          path: mvn-verify.log
+          destination: mvn-verify
       - store_jacoco_site:
           module: qqq-backend-core
       - store_jacoco_site:
@@ -79,6 +86,19 @@ commands:
             - ~/.m2
           key: v1-dependencies-{{ checksum "pom.xml" }}
 
+  check_middleware_api_versions:
+      steps:
+        - checkout
+        - restore_cache:
+            keys:
+              - v1-dependencies-{{ checksum "pom.xml" }}
+        - run:
+            name: Build and Run ValidateApiVersions
+            command: |
+              mvn -s .circleci/mvn-settings.xml -T4 install -DskipTests
+              mvn -s .circleci/mvn-settings.xml -pl qqq-middleware-javalin package appassembler:assemble -DskipTests
+              qqq-middleware-javalin/target/appassembler/bin/ValidateApiVersions -r $(pwd)
+
   mvn_jar_deploy:
     steps:
       - checkout
@@ -98,6 +118,26 @@ commands:
             - ~/.m2
           key: v1-dependencies-{{ checksum "pom.xml" }}
 
+  install_asciidoctor:
+    steps:
+      - checkout
+      - run:
+          name: Install asciidoctor
+          command: |
+            sudo apt-get update
+            sudo apt install -y asciidoctor
+
+  run_asciidoctor:
+    steps:
+      - run:
+          name: Run asciidoctor
+          command: |
+            cd docs
+            asciidoctor -a docinfo=shared index.adoc
+      - store_artifacts:
+          path: docs/index.html
+          when: always
+
 jobs:
   mvn_test:
     executor: localstack/default
@@ -105,6 +145,7 @@ jobs:
       ## - localstack/startup
       - install_java17
       - mvn_verify
+      - check_middleware_api_versions
 
   mvn_deploy:
     executor: localstack/default
@@ -112,8 +153,15 @@ jobs:
       ## - localstack/startup
       - install_java17
       - mvn_verify
+      - check_middleware_api_versions
       - mvn_jar_deploy
 
+  publish_asciidoc:
+    executor: localstack/default
+    steps:
+      - install_asciidoctor
+      - run_asciidoctor
+
 workflows:
   test_only:
     jobs:
@@ -121,7 +169,7 @@ workflows:
           context: [ qqq-maven-registry-credentials, build-qqq-sample-app ]
           filters:
             branches:
-              ignore: /dev/
+              ignore: /(dev|integration.*)/
             tags:
               ignore: /(version|snapshot)-.*/
 
@@ -131,7 +179,10 @@ workflows:
           context: [ qqq-maven-registry-credentials, build-qqq-sample-app ]
           filters:
             branches:
-              only: /dev/
+              only: /(dev|integration.*)/
             tags:
               only: /(version|snapshot)-.*/
-
+      - publish_asciidoc:
+          filters:
+            branches:
+              only: /dev/

.github/actions/install_asciidoctor/action.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+name: install_asciidoctor
+runs:
+  using: composite
+  steps:
+  - uses: actions/checkout@v4.1.0
+  - name: Install asciidoctor
+    run: |-
+      sudo apt-get update
+      sudo apt install -y asciidoctor
+    shell: bash

.github/actions/install_java17/action.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+name: install_java17
+runs:
+  using: composite
+  steps:
+  - name: Install Java 17
+    run: |-
+      sudo apt-get update
+      sudo apt install -y openjdk-17-jdk
+      sudo rm /etc/alternatives/java
+      sudo ln -s /usr/lib/jvm/java-17-openjdk-amd64/bin/java /etc/alternatives/java
+    shell: bash
+  - name: Install html2text
+    run: |-
+      sudo apt-get update
+      sudo apt-get install -y html2text
+    shell: bash

.github/actions/mvn_jar_deploy/action.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+name: mvn_jar_deploy
+runs:
+  using: composite
+  steps:
+  - uses: actions/checkout@v4.1.0
+  - name: Adjust pom version
+    run: ".circleci/adjust-pom-version.sh"
+    shell: bash
+  - name: restore_cache
+    uses: actions/cache@v3.3.2
+    with:
+      key: v1-dependencies-{{ checksum "pom.xml" }}
+      path: UPDATE_ME
+      restore-keys: v1-dependencies-{{ checksum "pom.xml" }}
+  - name: Run Maven Jar Deploy
+    run: mvn -s .circleci/mvn-settings.xml -T4 flatten:flatten jar:jar deploy:deploy
+    shell: bash
+  - name: save_cache
+    uses: actions/cache@v3.3.2
+    with:
+      path: "~/.m2"
+      key: v1-dependencies-{{ checksum "pom.xml" }}

.github/actions/mvn_verify/action.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,61 @@
+name: mvn_verify
+runs:
+  using: composite
+  steps:
+  - uses: actions/checkout@v4.1.0
+  - name: restore_cache
+    uses: actions/cache@v3.3.2
+    with:
+      key: v1-dependencies-{{ checksum "pom.xml" }}
+      path: UPDATE_ME
+      restore-keys: v1-dependencies-{{ checksum "pom.xml" }}
+  - name: Write .env
+    run: echo "RDBMS_PASSWORD=$RDBMS_PASSWORD" >> qqq-sample-project/.env
+    shell: bash
+  - name: Run Maven Verify
+    run: mvn -s .circleci/mvn-settings.xml -T4 verify
+    shell: bash
+  - uses: "./.github/actions/store_jacoco_site"
+    with:
+      module: qqq-backend-core
+  - uses: "./.github/actions/store_jacoco_site"
+    with:
+      module: qqq-backend-module-filesystem
+  - uses: "./.github/actions/store_jacoco_site"
+    with:
+      module: qqq-backend-module-rdbms
+  - uses: "./.github/actions/store_jacoco_site"
+    with:
+      module: qqq-backend-module-api
+  - uses: "./.github/actions/store_jacoco_site"
+    with:
+      module: qqq-middleware-api
+  - uses: "./.github/actions/store_jacoco_site"
+    with:
+      module: qqq-middleware-javalin
+  - uses: "./.github/actions/store_jacoco_site"
+    with:
+      module: qqq-middleware-picocli
+  - uses: "./.github/actions/store_jacoco_site"
+    with:
+      module: qqq-middleware-slack
+  - uses: "./.github/actions/store_jacoco_site"
+    with:
+      module: qqq-language-support-javascript
+  - uses: "./.github/actions/store_jacoco_site"
+    with:
+      module: qqq-sample-project
+  - name: Save test results
+    run: |-
+      mkdir -p ~/test-results/junit/
+      find . -type f -regex ".*/target/surefire-reports/.*xml" -exec cp {} ~/test-results/junit/ \;
+    if: always()
+    shell: bash
+  - uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4.1.0
+    with:
+      path: "~/test-results"
+  - name: save_cache
+    uses: actions/cache@v3.3.2
+    with:
+      path: "~/.m2"
+      key: v1-dependencies-{{ checksum "pom.xml" }}

.github/actions/run_asciidoctor/action.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,9 @@
+name: run_asciidoctor
+runs:
+  using: composite
+  steps:
+  - name: Run asciidoctor
+    run: |-
+      cd docs
+      asciidoctor -a docinfo=shared index.adoc
+    shell: bash

.github/actions/store_jacoco_site/action.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
+name: store_jacoco_site
+inputs:
+  module:
+    required: false
+runs:
+  using: composite
+  steps:
+  - uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4.1.0
+    with:
+      path: "${{ inputs.module }}/target/site/jacoco/index.html"
+  - uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4.1.0
+    with:
+      path: "${{ inputs.module }}/target/site/jacoco/jacoco-resources"

.github/actions/upload_docs_site/action.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,9 @@
+name: upload_docs_site
+runs:
+  using: composite
+  steps:
+  - name: scp html to justinsgotskinnylegs.com
+    run: |-
+      cd docs
+      scp index.html dkelkhoff@45.79.44.221:/mnt/first-volume/dkelkhoff/nginx/html/justinsgotskinnylegs.com/qqq-docs.html
+    shell: bash

.github/workflows/codacy.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,61 @@
+# This workflow uses actions that are not certified by GitHub.
+# They are provided by a third-party and are governed by
+# separate terms of service, privacy policy, and support
+# documentation.
+
+# This workflow checks out code, performs a Codacy security scan
+# and integrates the results with the
+# GitHub Advanced Security code scanning feature.  For more information on
+# the Codacy security scan action usage and parameters, see
+# https://github.com/codacy/codacy-analysis-cli-action.
+# For more information on Codacy Analysis CLI in general, see
+# https://github.com/codacy/codacy-analysis-cli.
+
+name: Codacy Security Scan
+
+on:
+  push:
+    branches: [ "security" ]
+  pull_request:
+    # The branches below must be a subset of the branches above
+    branches: [ "security" ]
+  schedule:
+    - cron: '26 5 * * 4'
+
+permissions:
+  contents: read
+
+jobs:
+  codacy-security-scan:
+    permissions:
+      contents: read # for actions/checkout to fetch code
+      security-events: write # for github/codeql-action/upload-sarif to upload SARIF results
+      actions: read # only required for a private repository by github/codeql-action/upload-sarif to get the Action run status
+    name: Codacy Security Scan
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    steps:
+      # Checkout the repository to the GitHub Actions runner
+      - name: Checkout code
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+
+      # Execute Codacy Analysis CLI and generate a SARIF output with the security issues identified during the analysis
+      - name: Run Codacy Analysis CLI
+        uses: codacy/codacy-analysis-cli-action@d840f886c4bd4edc059706d09c6a1586111c540b
+        with:
+          # Check https://github.com/codacy/codacy-analysis-cli#project-token to get your project token from your Codacy repository
+          # You can also omit the token and run the tools that support default configurations
+          project-token: ${{ secrets.CODACY_PROJECT_TOKEN }}
+          verbose: true
+          output: results.sarif
+          format: sarif
+          # Adjust severity of non-security issues
+          gh-code-scanning-compat: true
+          # Force 0 exit code to allow SARIF file generation
+          # This will handover control about PR rejection to the GitHub side
+          max-allowed-issues: 2147483647
+
+      # Upload the SARIF file generated in the previous step
+      - name: Upload SARIF results file
+        uses: github/codeql-action/upload-sarif@v2
+        with:
+          sarif_file: results.sarif

.github/workflows/codeql.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,93 @@
+# For most projects, this workflow file will not need changing; you simply need
+# to commit it to your repository.
+#
+# You may wish to alter this file to override the set of languages analyzed,
+# or to provide custom queries or build logic.
+#
+# ******** NOTE ********
+# We have attempted to detect the languages in your repository. Please check
+# the `language` matrix defined below to confirm you have the correct set of
+# supported CodeQL languages.
+#
+name: "CodeQL"
+
+on:
+  push:
+    branches: [ "security" ]
+  pull_request:
+    branches: [ "security" ]
+  schedule:
+    - cron: '31 10 * * 3'
+
+jobs:
+  analyze:
+    name: Analyze (${{ matrix.language }})
+    # Runner size impacts CodeQL analysis time. To learn more, please see:
+    #   - https://gh.io/recommended-hardware-resources-for-running-codeql
+    #   - https://gh.io/supported-runners-and-hardware-resources
+    #   - https://gh.io/using-larger-runners (GitHub.com only)
+    # Consider using larger runners or machines with greater resources for possible analysis time improvements.
+    runs-on: ${{ (matrix.language == 'swift' && 'macos-latest') || 'ubuntu-latest' }}
+    timeout-minutes: ${{ (matrix.language == 'swift' && 120) || 360 }}
+    permissions:
+      # required for all workflows
+      security-events: write
+
+      # required to fetch internal or private CodeQL packs
+      packages: read
+
+      # only required for workflows in private repositories
+      actions: read
+      contents: read
+
+    strategy:
+      fail-fast: false
+      matrix:
+        include:
+        - language: java-kotlin
+          build-mode: none # This mode only analyzes Java. Set this to 'autobuild' or 'manual' to analyze Kotlin too.
+        # CodeQL supports the following values keywords for 'language': 'c-cpp', 'csharp', 'go', 'java-kotlin', 'javascript-typescript', 'python', 'ruby', 'swift'
+        # Use `c-cpp` to analyze code written in C, C++ or both
+        # Use 'java-kotlin' to analyze code written in Java, Kotlin or both
+        # Use 'javascript-typescript' to analyze code written in JavaScript, TypeScript or both
+        # To learn more about changing the languages that are analyzed or customizing the build mode for your analysis,
+        # see https://docs.github.com/en/code-security/code-scanning/creating-an-advanced-setup-for-code-scanning/customizing-your-advanced-setup-for-code-scanning.
+        # If you are analyzing a compiled language, you can modify the 'build-mode' for that language to customize how
+        # your codebase is analyzed, see https://docs.github.com/en/code-security/code-scanning/creating-an-advanced-setup-for-code-scanning/codeql-code-scanning-for-compiled-languages
+    steps:
+    - name: Checkout repository
+      uses: actions/checkout@v4
+
+    # Initializes the CodeQL tools for scanning.
+    - name: Initialize CodeQL
+      uses: github/codeql-action/init@v3
+      with:
+        languages: ${{ matrix.language }}
+        build-mode: ${{ matrix.build-mode }}
+        # If you wish to specify custom queries, you can do so here or in a config file.
+        # By default, queries listed here will override any specified in a config file.
+        # Prefix the list here with "+" to use these queries and those in the config file.
+
+        # For more details on CodeQL's query packs, refer to: https://docs.github.com/en/code-security/code-scanning/automatically-scanning-your-code-for-vulnerabilities-and-errors/configuring-code-scanning#using-queries-in-ql-packs
+        # queries: security-extended,security-and-quality
+
+    # If the analyze step fails for one of the languages you are analyzing with
+    # "We were unable to automatically build your code", modify the matrix above
+    # to set the build mode to "manual" for that language. Then modify this step
+    # to build your code.
+    # ℹ️ Command-line programs to run using the OS shell.
+    # 📚 See https://docs.github.com/en/actions/using-workflows/workflow-syntax-for-github-actions#jobsjob_idstepsrun
+    - if: matrix.build-mode == 'manual'
+      shell: bash
+      run: |
+        echo 'If you are using a "manual" build mode for one or more of the' \
+          'languages you are analyzing, replace this with the commands to build' \
+          'your code, for example:'
+        echo '  make bootstrap'
+        echo '  make release'
+        exit 1
+
+    - name: Perform CodeQL Analysis
+      uses: github/codeql-action/analyze@v3
+      with:
+        category: "/language:${{matrix.language}}"

.github/workflows/deploy.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+name: Kingsrook/qqq/deploy
+on:
+  push:
+    branches:
+    - release
+jobs:
+  mvn_deploy:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    steps:
+    - uses: actions/checkout@v4.1.0
+    - uses: "./.github/actions/install_java17"
+    - uses: "./.github/actions/mvn_verify"
+    - uses: "./.github/actions/mvn_jar_deploy"
+  publish_asciidoc:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    steps:
+    - uses: actions/checkout@v4.1.0
+    - uses: "./.github/actions/install_asciidoctor"
+    - uses: "./.github/actions/run_asciidoctor"
+    - uses: "./.github/actions/upload_docs_site"

.github/workflows/test_only.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+name: Kingsrook/qqq/test_only
+on:
+  push:
+    branches:
+    - release
+jobs:
+  mvn_test:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    steps:
+    - uses: actions/checkout@v4.1.0
+    - uses: "./.github/actions/install_java17"
+    - uses: "./.github/actions/mvn_verify"

.gitignore

@@ -35,3 +35,5 @@ hs_err_pid*
 *.swp
 .flattened-pom.xml
 dependency-reduced-pom.xml
+/.env.local
+/.cache/

CONTRIBUTING.md

@@ -0,0 +1,144 @@
+# Contributing to QQQ
+
+First off, thanks for taking the time to contribute! ❤️
+
+All types of contributions are encouraged and valued. See the [Table of Contents](#table-of-contents) for different ways to help and details about how this project handles them. Please make sure to read the relevant section before making your contribution. It will make it a lot easier for us maintainers and smooth out the experience for all involved. The community looks forward to your contributions. 🎉
+
+> And if you like the project, but just don't have time to contribute, that's fine. There are other easy ways to support the project and show your appreciation, which we would also be very happy about:
+> - Star the project
+> - Tweet about it
+> - Refer this project in your project's readme
+> - Mention the project at local meetups and tell your friends/colleagues
+
+
+## Table of Contents
+
+- [Code of Conduct](#code-of-conduct)
+- [I Have a Question](#i-have-a-question)
+- [I Want To Contribute](#i-want-to-contribute)
+- [Reporting Bugs](#reporting-bugs)
+- [Suggesting Enhancements](#suggesting-enhancements)
+- [Your First Code Contribution](#your-first-code-contribution)
+- [Improving The Documentation](#improving-the-documentation)
+- [Styleguides](#styleguides)
+- [Commit Messages](#commit-messages)
+- [Join The Project Team](#join-the-project-team)
+
+
+## Code of Conduct
+
+We do not have a published Code of Conduct at this time.  
+Lacking that, please just follow the [Golden Rule](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Rule)
+
+
+## I Have a Question
+
+> If you want to ask a question, we assume that you have read the available [Documentation](https://justinsgotskinnylegs.com/qqq-docs.html).
+
+Before you ask a question, it is best to search for existing [Issues](/issues) that might help you. In case you have found a suitable issue and still need clarification, you can write your question in this issue. It is also advisable to search the internet for answers first.
+
+If you then still feel the need to ask a question and need clarification, we recommend the following:
+
+- Open an [Issue](/issues/new).
+- Provide as much context as you can about what you're running into.
+- Provide project and platform versions, depending on what seems relevant.
+
+We will then take care of the issue as soon as possible.
+
+
+
+## I Want To Contribute
+
+> ### Legal Notice 
+> When contributing to this project, you must agree that you have authored 100% of the content, that you have the necessary rights to the content and that the content you contribute may be provided under the project license.
+
+### Reporting Bugs
+
+
+#### Before Submitting a Bug Report
+
+A good bug report shouldn't leave others needing to chase you up for more information. Therefore, we ask you to investigate carefully, collect information and describe the issue in detail in your report. Please complete the following steps in advance to help us fix any potential bug as fast as possible.
+
+- Make sure that you are using the latest version.
+- Determine if your bug is really a bug and not an error on your side e.g. using incompatible environment components/versions (Make sure that you have read the [documentation](https://justinsgotskinnylegs.com/qqq-docs.html). If you are looking for support, you might want to check [this section](#i-have-a-question)).
+- To see if other users have experienced (and potentially already solved) the same issue you are having, check if there is not already a bug report existing for your bug or error in the [bug tracker](issues?q=label%3Abug).
+- Also make sure to search the internet (including Stack Overflow) to see if users outside of the GitHub community have discussed the issue.
+- Collect information about the bug:
+  - Stack trace
+  - OS, Platform and Version (Windows, Linux, macOS, x86, ARM)
+  - Version of the interpreter, compiler, SDK, runtime environment, package manager, depending on what seems relevant.
+  - Possibly your input and the output
+  - Can you reliably reproduce the issue? And can you also reproduce it with older versions?
+
+
+#### How Do I Submit a Good Bug Report?
+
+> You must never report security related issues, vulnerabilities or bugs including sensitive information to the issue tracker, or elsewhere in public. Instead sensitive bugs must be sent by email to <contact@kingsrook.com>.
+
+
+We use GitHub issues to track bugs and errors. If you run into an issue with the project:
+
+- Open an [Issue](/issues/new). (Since we can't be sure at this point whether it is a bug or not, we ask you not to talk about a bug yet and not to label the issue.)
+- Explain the behavior you would expect and the actual behavior.
+- Please provide as much context as possible and describe the *reproduction steps* that someone else can follow to recreate the issue on their own. This usually includes your code. For good bug reports you should isolate the problem and create a reduced test case.
+- Provide the information you collected in the previous section.
+
+Once it's filed:
+
+- The project team will label the issue accordingly.
+- A team member will try to reproduce the issue with your provided steps. If there are no reproduction steps or no obvious way to reproduce the issue, the team will ask you for those steps and mark the issue as `needs-repro`. Bugs with the `needs-repro` tag will not be addressed until they are reproduced.
+- If the team is able to reproduce the issue, it will be marked `needs-fix`, as well as possibly other tags (such as `critical`), and the issue will be left to be [implemented by someone](#your-first-code-contribution).
+
+
+
+
+### Suggesting Enhancements
+
+This section guides you through submitting an enhancement suggestion for QQQ, **including completely new features and minor improvements to existing functionality**. Following these guidelines will help maintainers and the community to understand your suggestion and find related suggestions.
+
+
+#### Before Submitting an Enhancement
+
+- Make sure that you are using the latest version.
+- Read the [documentation](https://justinsgotskinnylegs.com/qqq-docs.html) carefully and find out if the functionality is already covered, maybe by an individual configuration.
+- Perform a [search](/issues) to see if the enhancement has already been suggested. If it has, add a comment to the existing issue instead of opening a new one.
+- Find out whether your idea fits with the scope and aims of the project. It's up to you to make a strong case to convince the project's developers of the merits of this feature. Keep in mind that we want features that will be useful to the majority of our users and not just a small subset. If you're just targeting a minority of users, consider writing an add-on/plugin library.
+
+
+#### How Do I Submit a Good Enhancement Suggestion?
+
+Enhancement suggestions are tracked as [GitHub issues](/issues).
+
+- Use a **clear and descriptive title** for the issue to identify the suggestion.
+- Provide a **step-by-step description of the suggested enhancement** in as many details as possible.
+- **Describe the current behavior** and **explain which behavior you expected to see instead** and why. At this point you can also tell which alternatives do not work for you.
+- You may want to **include screenshots and animated GIFs** which help you demonstrate the steps or point out the part which the suggestion is related to. You can use [this tool](https://www.cockos.com/licecap/) to record GIFs on macOS and Windows, and [this tool](https://github.com/colinkeenan/silentcast) or [this tool](https://github.com/GNOME/byzanz) on Linux. 
+- **Explain why this enhancement would be useful** to most QQQ users. You may also want to point out the other projects that solved it better and which could serve as inspiration.
+
+
+
+### Your First Code Contribution
+
+Unfortunately, we are not prepared at this time for accepting external code contributions in any meaningful way.  We don't have process in place for reviewing pull requests.  So, the best we can do right now would be to accept suggestions via issues, as referenced above.
+
+### Improving The Documentation
+
+Unfortunately, we are not prepared at this time for accepting external documentation contributions in any meaningful way.  We don't have process in place for reviewing pull requests.  So, the best we can do right now would be to accept suggestions via issues, as referenced above.
+
+
+## Styleguides
+
+To be documented at a point when we become ready to accept code contributions.
+
+### Commit Messages
+
+To be documented at a point when we become ready to accept code contributions.
+
+## Join The Project Team
+
+To be documented at a point when we become ready to accept more team members.
+
+
+## Attribution
+This guide is based on the **contributing.md**. [Make your own](https://contributing.md/)!
+

LICENSE.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,619 @@
+                    GNU AFFERO GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE
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+conveyed by you (or copies made from those copies), or (b) primarily
+for and in connection with specific products or compilations that
+contain the covered work, unless you entered into that arrangement,
+or that patent license was granted, prior to 28 March 2007.
+
+  Nothing in this License shall be construed as excluding or limiting
+any implied license or other defenses to infringement that may
+otherwise be available to you under applicable patent law.
+
+  12. No Surrender of Others' Freedom.
+
+  If conditions are imposed on you (whether by court order, agreement or
+otherwise) that contradict the conditions of this License, they do not
+excuse you from the conditions of this License.  If you cannot convey a
+covered work so as to satisfy simultaneously your obligations under this
+License and any other pertinent obligations, then as a consequence you may
+not convey it at all.  For example, if you agree to terms that obligate you
+to collect a royalty for further conveying from those to whom you convey
+the Program, the only way you could satisfy both those terms and this
+License would be to refrain entirely from conveying the Program.
+
+  13. Remote Network Interaction; Use with the GNU General Public License.
+
+  Notwithstanding any other provision of this License, if you modify the
+Program, your modified version must prominently offer all users
+interacting with it remotely through a computer network (if your version
+supports such interaction) an opportunity to receive the Corresponding
+Source of your version by providing access to the Corresponding Source
+from a network server at no charge, through some standard or customary
+means of facilitating copying of software.  This Corresponding Source
+shall include the Corresponding Source for any work covered by version 3
+of the GNU General Public License that is incorporated pursuant to the
+following paragraph.
+
+  Notwithstanding any other provision of this License, you have
+permission to link or combine any covered work with a work licensed
+under version 3 of the GNU General Public License into a single
+combined work, and to convey the resulting work.  The terms of this
+License will continue to apply to the part which is the covered work,
+but the work with which it is combined will remain governed by version
+3 of the GNU General Public License.
+
+  14. Revised Versions of this License.
+
+  The Free Software Foundation may publish revised and/or new versions of
+the GNU Affero General Public License from time to time.  Such new versions
+will be similar in spirit to the present version, but may differ in detail to
+address new problems or concerns.
+
+  Each version is given a distinguishing version number.  If the
+Program specifies that a certain numbered version of the GNU Affero General
+Public License "or any later version" applies to it, you have the
+option of following the terms and conditions either of that numbered
+version or of any later version published by the Free Software
+Foundation.  If the Program does not specify a version number of the
+GNU Affero General Public License, you may choose any version ever published
+by the Free Software Foundation.
+
+  If the Program specifies that a proxy can decide which future
+versions of the GNU Affero General Public License can be used, that proxy's
+public statement of acceptance of a version permanently authorizes you
+to choose that version for the Program.
+
+  Later license versions may give you additional or different
+permissions.  However, no additional obligations are imposed on any
+author or copyright holder as a result of your choosing to follow a
+later version.
+
+  15. Disclaimer of Warranty.
+
+  THERE IS NO WARRANTY FOR THE PROGRAM, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY
+APPLICABLE LAW.  EXCEPT WHEN OTHERWISE STATED IN WRITING THE COPYRIGHT
+HOLDERS AND/OR OTHER PARTIES PROVIDE THE PROGRAM "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY
+OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
+THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
+PURPOSE.  THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE PROGRAM
+IS WITH YOU.  SHOULD THE PROGRAM PROVE DEFECTIVE, YOU ASSUME THE COST OF
+ALL NECESSARY SERVICING, REPAIR OR CORRECTION.
+
+  16. Limitation of Liability.
+
+  IN NO EVENT UNLESS REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW OR AGREED TO IN WRITING
+WILL ANY COPYRIGHT HOLDER, OR ANY OTHER PARTY WHO MODIFIES AND/OR CONVEYS
+THE PROGRAM AS PERMITTED ABOVE, BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR DAMAGES, INCLUDING ANY
+GENERAL, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE
+USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE PROGRAM (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF
+DATA OR DATA BEING RENDERED INACCURATE OR LOSSES SUSTAINED BY YOU OR THIRD
+PARTIES OR A FAILURE OF THE PROGRAM TO OPERATE WITH ANY OTHER PROGRAMS),
+EVEN IF SUCH HOLDER OR OTHER PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
+SUCH DAMAGES.
+
+  17. Interpretation of Sections 15 and 16.
+
+  If the disclaimer of warranty and limitation of liability provided
+above cannot be given local legal effect according to their terms,
+reviewing courts shall apply local law that most closely approximates
+an absolute waiver of all civil liability in connection with the
+Program, unless a warranty or assumption of liability accompanies a
+copy of the Program in return for a fee.
+
+                     END OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS

README.md

@@ -5,21 +5,34 @@ This is the top-level/parent project of qqq.
 QQQ is a Low-code Application Framework for Engineers.
 
 ## Artifacts
-QQQ can be used with a single bundle or smaller fine grained jars.
-The bundle contains all of the sub-jars.  It is named:
+*Note, this information - well, I'd say it's out of date, but honestly, I don't
+think this was ever accurate, lol.  Either way, it needs re-written, please.
+Should refrence the bom-pom, and there is no "bundle" concept at present.*
 
-```qqq-${version}.jar```
+> QQQ can be used with a single bundle or smaller fine grained jars.
+> The bundle contains all of the sub-jars.  It is named:
+> 
+> ```qqq-${version}.jar```
+> 
+> You can also use fine-grained jars:
+> - `qqq-backend-core`: The core module.  Useful if you're developing other modules.
+> - `qqq-backend-module-rdbms`: Backend module for working with Relational Databases.
+> - `qqq-backend-module-filesystem`: Backend module for working with Filesystems (including AWS S3).
+> - `qqq-middleware-javalin`: Middleware http server.  Procivdes REST API, and/or backing for a web frotnend.
+> - `qqq-middleware-picocli`: Middleware (actually, a front-end, innint?) Command Line interface.
 
-You can also use fine-grained jars:
-- `qqq-backend-core`: The core module.  Useful if you're developing other modules.
-- `qqq-backend-module-rdbms`: Backend module for working with Relational Databases.
-- `qqq-backend-module-filesystem`: Backend module for working with Filesystems (including AWS S3).
-- `qqq-middleware-javalin`: Middleware http server.  Procivdes REST API, and/or backing for a web frotnend.
-- `qqq-middleware-picocli`: Middleware (actually, a front-end, innint?) Command Line interface.
+## Framework Developer Tools/Resources
+### IntelliJ
+There are a few useful IntelliJ settings files, under `qqq-dev-tools/intellij`:
+- Kingsrook_Code_Style.xml
+- Kingsrook_Copyright_Profile.xml
+
+One will likely also want the [Kingsrook Commentator
+Plugin](https://plugins.jetbrains.com/plugin/19325-kingsrook-commentator).
 
 ## License
 QQQ - Low-code Application Framework for Engineers. \
-Copyright (C) 2022.  Kingsrook, LLC \
+Copyright (C) 2020-2024.  Kingsrook, LLC \
 651 N Broad St Ste 205 # 6917 | Middletown DE 19709 | United States \
 contact@kingsrook.com | https://github.com/Kingsrook/
 

SECURITY.md

@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+# Security Policy
+
+## Supported Versions
+
+Use this section to tell people about which versions of your project are
+currently being supported with security updates.
+
+| Version | Supported          |
+| ------- | ------------------ |
+| 5.1.x   | :white_check_mark: |
+| 5.0.x   | :x:                |
+| 4.0.x   | :white_check_mark: |
+| < 4.0   | :x:                |
+
+## Reporting a Vulnerability
+
+Use this section to tell people how to report a vulnerability.
+
+Tell them where to go, how often they can expect to get an update on a
+reported vulnerability, what to expect if the vulnerability is accepted or
+declined, etc.

checkstyle/config.xml

@@ -213,18 +213,6 @@
          <property name="tokens" value="VARIABLE_DEF"/>
          <property name="allowSamelineMultipleAnnotations" value="true"/>
       </module>
-      <module name="NonEmptyAtclauseDescription"/>
-      <!-- <module name="JavadocTagContinuationIndentation"/> -->
-      <!--
-      <module name="SummaryJavadoc">
-         <property name="forbiddenSummaryFragments" value="^@return the *|^This method returns |^A [{]@code [a-zA-Z0-9]+[}]( is a )"/>
-      </module>
-      -->
-      <!-- <module name="JavadocParagraph"/> -->
-      <module name="AtclauseOrder">
-         <property name="tagOrder" value="@param, @return, @throws, @deprecated"/>
-         <property name="target" value="CLASS_DEF, INTERFACE_DEF, ENUM_DEF, METHOD_DEF, CTOR_DEF, VARIABLE_DEF"/>
-      </module>
       <module name="JavadocMethod">
          <property name="allowMissingParamTags" value="true"/>
          <property name="allowMissingReturnTag" value="true"/>
@@ -233,23 +221,14 @@
       <module name="MissingJavadocMethod">
          <property name="scope" value="private"/>
       </module>
+      <module name="MissingJavadocType">
+         <property name="scope" value="private"/>
+      </module>
       <module name="MethodName">
          <property name="format" value="^[a-z][a-zA-Z0-9_]*$"/>
          <message key="name.invalidPattern"
           value="Method name ''{0}'' must match pattern ''{1}''."/>
       </module>
-      <module name="SingleLineJavadoc">
-         <property name="ignoreInlineTags" value="false"/>
-      </module>
-
-      <module name="MagicNumber">
-         <property name="severity" value="info"/>
-         <property name="tokens" value="NUM_DOUBLE, NUM_FLOAT, NUM_INT"/>
-         <property name="ignoreNumbers" value="0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8"/>
-         <property name="ignoreFieldDeclaration" value="true"/>
-         <property name="ignoreAnnotation" value="true"/>
-      </module>
-
       <module name="EmptyCatchBlock">
          <property name="exceptionVariableName" value="expected"/>
       </module>

docs/Introduction.adoc

@@ -136,17 +136,13 @@ This speaks to the fact that this "code" is not executable code - but rather is
 **** The Filter button in the Query Screen will present a menu listing all fields from the table for the user to build ad-hoc queries against the table.
 The data-types specified for the fields (in the meta-data) dictate what operators QQQ allows the user to use against fields (e.g., Strings offer "contains" vs Numbers offer "greater than").
 **** Values for records from the table will be formatted for presentation based on the meta-data (such as a numeric field being shown with commas if it represents a quantity, or formatted as currency).
-...
-
-[start=2]
-. *Meta Data* - declarative code - java object instances (potentially which could be read from `.yaml` files or other data sources in a future version of QQQ), which tell QQQ about the backend systems, tables, processes, reports, widgets, etc, that make up the application.
-For example:
-* Details about the database you are using, and how to connect to it.
-* A database table's name, fields, their types, its keys, and basic business rules (required fields, read-only fields, field lengths).
-* The description of web API - its URL and authentication mechanism.
-* A table/path within a web API, and the fields returned in the JSON at that endpoint.
-* The specification of a custom workflow (process), including what screens are needed, with input & output values, and references to the custom application code for processing the data.
-* Details about a chart that summarizes data from a table for presentation as a dashboard widget.
+* Other kinds of information that you tell QQQ about in the form of meta-data objects includes:
+** Details about the database you are using, and how to connect to it.
+** A database table's name, fields, their types, its keys, and basic business rules (required fields, read-only fields, field lengths).
+** The specification of a custom workflow (process), including what screens are needed, with input & output values, and references to the custom application code for processing the data.
+** Details about a chart that summarizes data from a table for presentation as a dashboard widget.
+** The description of web API - its URL and authentication mechanism.
+** A table/path within a web API, and the fields returned in the JSON at that endpoint.
 // the section below is kinda dumb.  like, it says you have to write application code, but
 // then it just talks about how your app code gets for-free the same shit that QQQ does.
 // it should instead say more about what your custom app code is or does.
@@ -164,7 +160,8 @@ For example:
 // * The multi-threaded, paged producer/consumer pattern used in standard framework actions is how all custom application actions are also invoked.
 // ** For example, the standard QQQ Bulk Edit action uses the same streamed-ETL process that custom application processes can use.
 // Meaning your custom processes can take full advantage of the same complex frontend, middleware, and backend structural pieces, and you can just focus on your unique busines logic needs.
-2. *Application code* - to customize beyond what the QQQ framework does out-of-the box, and to provide application-specific business-logic.
+
+. *Application code* - to customize beyond what the QQQ framework does out-of-the box, and to provide application-specific business-logic.
 QQQ provides its programmers the same classes that it internally uses for record access, resulting in a unified application model.
 For example:
 

docs/actions/QueryAction.adoc

@@ -33,9 +33,6 @@ If the {link-table} has a `POST_QUERY_CUSTOMIZER` defined, then after records ar
 * `table` - *String, Required* - Name of the table being queried against.
 * `filter` - *<<QQueryFilter>> object* - Specification for what records should be returned, based on *<<QFilterCriteria>>* objects, and how they should be sorted, based on *<<QFilterOrderBy>>* objects.
 If a `filter` is not given, then all rows in the table will be returned by the query.
-* `skip` - *Integer* - Optional number of records to be skipped at the beginning of the result set.
-e.g., for implementing pagination.
-* `limit` - *Integer* - Optional maximum number of records to be returned by the query.
 * `transaction` - *QBackendTransaction object* - Optional transaction object.
 ** Behavior for this object is backend-dependant.
 In an RDBMS backend, this object is generally needed if you want your query to see data that may have been modified within the same transaction.
@@ -55,6 +52,14 @@ But if running a query to provide data as part of a process, then this can gener
 * `shouldMaskPassword` - *boolean, default: true* - Controls whether or not fields with `type` = `PASSWORD` should be masked, or if their actual values should be returned.
 * `queryJoins` - *List of <<QueryJoin>> objects* - Optional list of tables to be joined with the main table being queried.
 See QueryJoin below for further details.
+* `fieldNamesToInclude` - *Set of String* - Optional set of field names to be included in the records.
+** Fields from a queryJoin must be prefixed by the join table's name or alias, and a period.
+Field names from the table being queried should not have any sort of prefix.
+** A `null` set here (default) means to include all fields from the table and any queryJoins set as select=true.
+** An empty set will cause an error, as well any unrecognized field names.
+** `QueryAction` will validate the set of field names, and throw an exception if any unrecognized names are given.
+** _Note that this is an optional feature, which some backend modules may not implement.
+Meaning, they would always return all fields._
 
 ==== QQueryFilter
 A key component of *<<QueryInput>>*, a *QQueryFilter* defines both what records should be included in a query's results (e.g., an SQL `WHERE`), as well as how those results should be sorted (SQL `ORDER BY`).
@@ -68,6 +73,9 @@ In general, multiple *orderBys* can be given (depending on backend implementatio
 ** Each *subFilter* can include its own additional *subFilters*.
 ** Each *subFilter* can specify a different *booleanOperator*.
 ** For example, consider the following *QQueryFilter*, that uses two *subFilters*, and a mix of *booleanOperators*
+* `skip` - *Integer* - Optional number of records to be skipped at the beginning of the result set.
+e.g., for implementing pagination.
+* `limit` - *Integer* - Optional maximum number of records to be returned by the query.
 
 [source,java]
 ----
@@ -147,9 +155,9 @@ new QFilterOrderBy()
 ----
 
 ==== QueryJoin
-* `joinTable` - *String, required* - Name of the table that is being joined in to the existing query.
+* `joinTable` - *String, required (though inferrable)* - Name of the table that is being joined in to the existing query.
 ** Will be inferred from *joinMetaData*, if *joinTable* is not set when *joinMetaData* gets set.
-* `baseTableOrAlias` - *String, required* - Name of a table (or an alias) already defined in the query, to which the *joinTable* will be joined.
+* `baseTableOrAlias` - *String, required (though inferrable)* - Name of a table (or an alias) already defined in the query, to which the *joinTable* will be joined.
 ** Will be inferred from *joinMetaData*, if *baseTableOrAlias* is not set when *joinMetaData* gets set (which will only use the leftTableName from the joinMetaData - never an alias).
 * `joinMetaData` - *QJoinMetaData object* - Optional specification of a {link-join} in the current QInstance.
 If not set, will be looked up at runtime based on *baseTableOrAlias* and *joinTable*.
@@ -157,21 +165,78 @@ If not set, will be looked up at runtime based on *baseTableOrAlias* and *joinTa
 * `alias` - *String* - Optional (unless multiple instances of the same table are being joined together, when it becomes required).
 Behavior based on SQL `FROM` clause aliases.
 If given, must be used as the part before the dot in field name specifications throughout the rest of the query input.
-* `select` - *boolean, default: false* - Specify whether fields from the *rightTable* should be selected by the query.
+* `select` - *boolean, default: false* - Specify whether fields from the *joinTable* should be selected by the query.
 If *true*, then the `QRecord` objects returned by this query will have values with corresponding to the (table-or-alias `.` field-name) form.
 * `type` - *Enum of INNER, LEFT, RIGHT, FULL, default: INNER* - specifies the SQL-style type of join being performed.
 
 [source,java]
-.QueryJoin definition examples:
+.Basic QueryJoin usage example:
 ----
-// selecting from an "orderLine" table - then join to its corresponding "order" table
+// selecting from an "orderLine" table, joined to its corresponding (parent) "order" table
 queryInput.withTableName("orderLine");
 queryInput.withQueryJoin(new QueryJoin("order").withSelect(true));
 ...
 queryOutput.getRecords().get(0).getValueBigDecimal("order.grandTotal");
+----
 
+[source,java]
+."V" shaped query - selecting from one parent table, and two children joined to it:
+----
+// TODO this needs verified for accuracy, though is a reasonable starting point as-is
+// selecting from an "order" table, and two children of it, orderLine and customer
+queryInput.withTableName("order");
+queryInput.withQueryJoin(new QueryJoin("orderLine").withSelect(true));
+queryInput.withQueryJoin(new QueryJoin("customer").withSelect(true));
+...
+QRecord joinedRecord = queryOutput.getRecords().get(0);
+joinedRecord.getValueString("orderNo");
+joinedRecord.getValueString("orderLine.sku");
+joinedRecord.getValueString("customer.firstName");
+----
+
+[source,java]
+."Chain" shaped query - selecting from one parent table, a child table, and a grandchild:
+----
+// TODO this needs verified for accuracy, though is a reasonable starting point as-is
+// selecting from an "order" table, with a "customer" child table, and an "address" sub-table
+queryInput.withTableName("order");
+queryInput.withQueryJoin(new QueryJoin("customer").withSelect(true));
+queryInput.withQueryJoin(new QueryJoin("address").withSelect(true));
+...
+QRecord joinedRecord = queryOutput.getRecords().get(0);
+joinedRecord.getValueString("orderNo");
+joinedRecord.getValueString("customer.firstName");
+joinedRecord.getValueString("address.street1");
+----
+
+[source,java]
+.QueryJoin usage example where two tables have two different joins between them:
+----
+// TODO this needs verified for accuracy, though is a reasonable starting point as-is
+// here there's a "fulfillmentPlan" table, which points at the order table (many-to-one,
+// as an order's plan can change over time, and we keep old plans around).
+// This join is named:  fulfillmentPlanJoinOrder
+//
+// The other join is "order" pointing at its current "fulfillmentPlan"
+// This join is named:  orderJoinCurrentFulfillmentPlan
+
+// to select an order along with its current fulfillment plan:
+queryInput.withTableName("order");
+queryInput.withQueryJoin(new QueryJoin(instance.getJoin("orderJoinCurrentFulfillmentPlan"))
+   .withSelect(true));
+
+// to select an order, and all fulfillment plans for an order (1 or more records):
+queryInput.withTableName("order");
+queryInput.withQueryJoin(new QueryJoin(instance.getJoin("fulfillmentPlanJoinOrder"))
+   .withSelect(true));
+----
+
+[source,java]
+.QueryJoin usage example for table with two joins to the same child table, selecting from both:
+----
 // given an "order" table with 2 foreign keys to a customer table (billToCustomerId and shipToCustomerId)
 // Note, we must supply the JoinMetaData to the QueryJoin, to drive what fields to join on in each case.
+// we must also define an alias for each of the QueryJoins
 queryInput.withTableName("order");
 queryInput.withQueryJoins(List.of(
    new QueryJoin(instance.getJoin("orderJoinShipToCustomer")
@@ -182,11 +247,18 @@ queryInput.withQueryJoins(List.of(
        .withSelect(true))));
 ...
 record.getValueString("billToCustomer.firstName")
-   + " placed an order for "
+   + " paid for an order, to be sent to "
    + record.getValueString("shipToCustomer.firstName")
 
 ----
 
+[source,java]
+.Implicit QueryJoin, where unambiguous and required by QQueryFilter
+----
+// TODO finish and verify
+queryInput.withTableName("order");
+----
+
 === QueryOutput
 * `records` - *List of QRecord* - List of 0 or more records that match the query filter.
 ** _Note:  If a *recordPipe* was supplied to the QueryInput, then calling `queryOutput.getRecords()` will result in an `IllegalStateException` being thrown - as the records were placed into the pipe as they were fetched, and cannot all be accessed as a single list._

docs/index.adoc

@@ -6,7 +6,10 @@
 
 include::Introduction.adoc[leveloffset=+1]
 
-== Meta Data
+== Meta Data Production
+include::metaData/MetaDataProduction.adoc[leveloffset=+1]
+
+== Meta Data Types
 // Organizational units
 include::metaData/QInstance.adoc[leveloffset=+1]
 include::metaData/Backends.adoc[leveloffset=+1]
@@ -26,6 +29,16 @@ include::metaData/Reports.adoc[leveloffset=+1]
 include::metaData/Icons.adoc[leveloffset=+1]
 include::metaData/PermissionRules.adoc[leveloffset=+1]
 
+== Services
+
+include::misc/ScheduledJobs.adoc[leveloffset=+1]
+
+=== Web server (Javalin)
+#todo#
+
+=== API server (OpenAPI)
+#todo#
+
 == Custom Application Code
 include::misc/QContext.adoc[leveloffset=+1]
 include::misc/QRecords.adoc[leveloffset=+1]
@@ -63,4 +76,4 @@ include::implementations/TableSync.adoc[leveloffset=+1]
 // later... include::actions/RenderTemplateAction.adoc[leveloffset=+1]
 
 == QQQ Utility Classes
-include::utilities/RecordLookupHelper.adoc[leveloffset=+1]
+include::utilities/RecordLookupHelper.adoc[leveloffset=+1]

docs/metaData/Fields.adoc

@@ -21,5 +21,146 @@ Used to set values in the `displayValues` map within a `QRecord`.
 * `possibleValueSourceName` - *String* - Reference to a {link-pvs} to be used for this field.
 Values in this field should correspond to ids from the referenced Possible Value Source.
 * `maxLength` - *Integer* - Maximum length (number of characters) allowed for values in this field.
-Only applicable for fields with `type=STRING`.
-* `
+Only applicable for fields with `type=STRING`.  Needs to be used with a `FieldBehavior` of type `ValueTooLongBehavior`.
+
+==== Field Behaviors
+Additional behaviors can be attached to fields through the use of the `behaviors` attribute,
+which is a `Set` of 0 or more instances of implementations of the `FieldBehavior` interface.
+Note that in some cases, these instances may be `enum` constants,
+but other times may be regular Objects.
+
+QQQ provides a set of common field behaviors.
+Applications can also define their own field behaviors by implementing the `FieldBehavior` interface,
+and attaching instances of their custom behavior classes to fields.
+
+===== ValueTooLongBehavior
+Used on String fields.  Requires the field to have a `maxLength` set.
+Depending on the chosen instance of this enum, before a record is Inserted or Updated,
+if the value in the field is longer than the `maxLength`, then one of the following actions can occur:
+
+* `TRUNCATE` - The value will be simply truncated to the `maxLength`.
+* `TRUNCATE_ELLIPSIS` - The value will be truncated to 3 characters less than the `maxLength`, and three periods (an ellipsis) will be placed at the end.
+* `ERROR` - An error will be reported, and the record will not be inserted or updated.
+* `PASS_THROUGH` - Nothing will happen.  This is the same as not having a `ValueTooLongBehavior` on the field.
+
+[source,java]
+.Examples of using ValueTooLongBehavior
+----
+   new QFieldMetaData("sku", QFieldType.STRING)
+      .withMaxLength(40),
+      .withBehavior(ValueTooLongBehavior.ERROR),
+
+   new QFieldMetaData("reason", QFieldType.STRING)
+      .withMaxLength(250),
+      .withBehavior(ValueTooLongBehavior.TRUNCATE_ELLIPSIS),
+
+----
+
+===== ValueRangeBehavior
+Used on Numeric fields.  Specifies min and/or max allowed values for the field.
+For each of min and max, the following attributes can be set:
+
+* `minValue` / `maxValue` - the number that is the limit.
+* `minAllowEqualTo` / `maxAllowEqualTo` - boolean (default true).  Controls if < (>) or ≤ (≥).
+* `minBehavior` / `maxBehavior` - enum of `ERROR` (default) or `CLIP`.
+** If `ERROR`, then a value not within the range causes an error, and the value does not get stored.
+** else if `CLIP`, then a value not within the range gets "clipped" to either be the min/max (if allowEqualTo),
+or to the min/max plus/minus the clipAmount
+* `minClipAmount` / `maxClipAmount` - Default 1.  Used when behavior is `CLIP` (only applies when
+not allowEqualTo).
+
+[source,java]
+.Examples of using ValueRangeBehavior
+----
+    new QFieldMetaData("noOfShoes", QFieldType.INTEGER)
+      .withBehavior(new ValueRangeBehavior().withMinValue(0));
+
+    new QFieldMetaData("price", QFieldType.BIG_DECIMAL)
+      .withBehavior(new ValueRangeBehavior()
+         // set the min value to be >= 0, and an error if an input is < 0.
+         .withMinValue(BigDecimal.ZERO)
+         .withMinAllowEqualTo(true)
+         .withMinBehavior(ERROR)
+         // set the max value to be < 100 - but effectively, clip larger values to 99.99
+         // here we use the .withMax() method that takes 4 params vs. calling 4 .withMax*() methods.
+         .withMax(new BigDecimal("100.00"), false, CLIP, new BigDecimal("0.01"))
+    );
+----
+
+===== DynamicDefaultValueBehavior
+Used to set a dynamic default value to a field when it is being inserted or updated.
+For example, instead of having a hard-coded `defaultValue` specified in the field meta-data,
+and instead of having to add, for example, a pre-insert custom action.
+
+* `CREATE_DATE` - On inserts, sets the field's value to the current time.
+* `MODIFY_DATE` - On inserts and updates, sets the field's value to the current time.
+* `USER_ID` - On inserts and updates, sets the field's value to the current user's id (but only if the value is currently null).
+
+_Note that the `QInstanceEnricher` will, by default, add the `CREATE_DATE` and `MODIFY_DATE` `DynamicDefaultValueBehavior`
+options to any fields named `"createDate"` or `"modifyDate"`.
+This behavior can be disabled by setting the `configAddDynamicDefaultValuesToFieldsNamedCreateDateAndModifyDate` property
+on the `QInstanceEnricher` instance used by the application to `false`._
+
+[source,java]
+.Examples of using DynamicDefaultValueBehavior
+----
+   new QFieldMetaData("createDate", QFieldType.DATE_TIME)
+      .withBehavior(DynamicDefaultValueBehavior.CREATE_DATE),
+
+   new QFieldMetaData("modifyDate", QFieldType.DATE_TIME)
+      .withBehavior(DynamicDefaultValueBehavior.MODIFY_DATE),
+
+   new QFieldMetaData("createdByUserId", QFieldType.STRING)
+      .withBehavior(DynamicDefaultValueBehavior.USER_ID),
+----
+
+===== DateTimeDisplayValueBehavior
+By default, in QQQ, fields of type `DATE_TIME` are stored in UTC,
+and their values in a QRecord is a java `Instant` instance, which is always UTC.
+However, frontends will prefer to display date-time values in the user's local Time Zone whenever possible.
+
+Using `DateTimeDisplayValueBehavior` allows a `DATE_TIME` field to be displayed in a different Time Zone.
+An example use-case for this would be displaying airplane flight times,
+where you would want a flight from California to New York to display Pacific Time for its departure time,
+and Eastern Time for its arrival.
+
+An instance of `DateTimeDisplayValueBehavior` can be configured to either use a hard-coded time `ZoneId`
+(for example, to always show users UTC, or a business's home-office time zone).
+Or, it can be set up to get the time zone to use from another field in the table.
+
+[source,java]
+.Examples of using DateTimeDisplayValueBehavior
+----
+new QTableMetaData().withName("flights").withFields(List.of(
+   ...
+   new QFieldMetaData("departureTimeZoneId", QFieldType.STRING),
+   new QFieldMetaData("arrivaTimeZoneId", QFieldType.STRING),
+
+   new QFieldMetaData("departureTime", QFieldType.DATE_TIME)
+      .withBehavior(new DateTimeDisplayValueBehavior()
+         .withZoneIdFromFieldName("departureTimeZoneId")),
+
+   new QFieldMetaData("arrivalTime", QFieldType.DATE_TIME)
+      .withBehavior(new DateTimeDisplayValueBehavior()
+         .withZoneIdFromFieldName("arrivalTimeZoneId"))
+
+   new QFieldMetaData("ticketSaleStartDateTime", QFieldType.DATE_TIME)
+      .withBehavior(new DateTimeDisplayValueBehavior()
+         .withDefaultZoneId("UTC"))
+----
+
+===== CaseChangeBehavior
+A field can be made to always go through a toUpperCase or toLowerCase transformation, both before it is stored in a backend,
+and after it is read from a backend, by adding a CaseChangeBehavior to it:
+
+[source,java]
+.Examples of using CaseChangeBehavior
+----
+new QTableMetaData().withName("item").withFields(List.of(
+
+   new QFieldMetaData("sku", QFieldType.STRING)
+      .withBehavior(CaseChangeBehavior.TO_UPPER_CASE)),
+
+   new QFieldMetaData("username", QFieldType.STRING)
+      .withBehavior(CaseChangeBehavior.TO_LOWER_CASE)),
+----

docs/metaData/Joins.adoc

@@ -2,16 +2,57 @@
 == Joins
 include::../variables.adoc[]
 
-#TODO#
+A `QJoinMetaData` is a meta-data object that tells QQQ, essentially “it is possible for these 2 tables to join, here’s how to do it”.
+
+Joins can be used then, in an application, in a number of possible ways:
+
+* In a {link-table}, we can specify joins to be “exposed”, e.g., made available to users on a query screen
+* Also in a Table, as part of an “Association”, which sets up one table as a “parent” of another,
+such that you can store (and fetch) the child-records at the same time as the parent
+** A common use-case here may be an order & lineItem table -
+such that QQQ can generate an API uses to allow you to post an order and its lines in a single request, and they get stored all together
+* In defining the security field (record lock) on a table,
+sometimes, it isn’t a field directly on the table, but instead comes from a joined table (possibly even more than just 1 table away).
+** For example, maybe a lineItem table, doesn't have a clientId, but needs secured by that field
+- so its recordLock can specify a “joinNameChain” that describes how to get from lineItem to order.clientId
+* The `QueryAction` can take (through its QueryInput object) zero or more QueryJoin objects,
+which must make a reference (implicitly or explicitly) to a QJoinMetaData.
+See the section on <<QueryJoin,QueryJoins>> for more details.
 
 === QJoinMetaData
 Joins are defined in a QQQ Instance in a `*QJoinMetaData*` object.
 
-#TODO#
+In this object, we have the concept of a "leftTable" and a "rightTable".
+There isn't generally anything special about which table is on the "left" and which is on the "right".
+But the remaining pieces of the QJoinMetaData do all need to line-up with these sides.
+
+For example:
+
+* The Type (one-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-one) - where the leftTable comes first, and rightTable comes second
+(e.g., a one-to-many means 1-row in leftTable has many-rows in rightTable associated with it)
+* In a JoinOn object, the 1st field name given is from the leftTable;
+the second fieldName from the rightTable.
 
 *QJoinMetaData Properties:*
 
-* `name` - *String, Required* - Unique name for the join within the QQQ Instance. #todo infererences or conventions?#
-
-#TODO#
+* `name` - *String, Required* - Unique name for the join within the QQQ Instance.
+** One convention is to name joins based on (leftTable + "Join" + rightTable).
+** If you do not wish to define join names yourself, the method `withInferredName()`
+can be called (which defers to
+`public static String makeInferredJoinName(String leftTable, String rightTable)`),
+to create a name for the join following the (leftTable + "Join" + rightTable) convention.
+* `leftTable` - *String, Required* - Name of a {link-table} in the {link-instance}.
+* `rightTable` - *String, Required* - Name of a {link-table} in the {link-instance}.
+* `type` - *enum, Required* - cardinality between the two tables in the join.
+** e.g., `ONE_TO_ONE`, `ONE_TO_MANY` (indicating 1 record in the left table may join
+to many records in the right table), or `MANY_TO_ONE` (vice-versa).
+** Note that there is no MANY_TO_MANY option, as a many-to-many is built as multiple QJoinMetaData's
+going through the intermediary (intersection) table.
+* `joinOns` - *List<JoinOn>, Required* - fields used to join the tables.
+Note: In the 2-arg JoinOn constructor, the leftTable's field comes first.
+Alternatively, the no-arg constructor can be used along with `.withLeftField().withRightField()`
+* `orderBys` - *List<QFilterOrderBy>* - Optional list of order-by objects,
+used in some framework-generated queries using the join.
+The field names are assumed to come from the rightTable.
 
+#TODO# what else do we need here?

docs/metaData/MetaDataProduction.adoc

@@ -0,0 +1,413 @@
+[#MetaDataProduction]
+include::../variables.adoc[]
+
+The first thing that an application built using QQQ needs to do is to define its meta data.
+This basically means the construction of a `QInstance` object, which is populated with the
+meta data objects defining the backend(s), tables, processes, possible-value sources, joins,
+authentication provider, etc, that make your application.
+
+There are various styles that can be used for how you define your meta data, and for the
+most part they can be mixed and matched.  They will be presented here based on the historical
+evolution of how they were added to QQQ, where we generally believe that better techniques have
+been added over time.  So, you may wish to skip the earlier techniques, and jump straight to
+the end of this section.  However, it can always be instructive to learn about the past, so,
+read at your own pace.
+
+== Omni-Provider
+At the most basic level, the way to populate a `QInstance` is the simple and direct approach of creating
+one big class, possibly with just one big method, and just doing all the work directly inline there.
+
+This may (clearly) violate several good engineering principles.  However, it does have the benefit of
+being simple - if all of your meta-data is defined in one place, it can be pretty simple to find where
+that place is.  So - especially in a small project, this technique may be worth continuing to consider.
+
+Re: "doing all the work" as mentioned above - what work are we talking about?  At a minimum, we need
+to construct the following meta-data objects, and pass them into our `QInstance`:
+
+* `QAuthenticationMetaData` - how (or if!) users will be authenticated to the application.
+* `QBackendMeataData` - a backend data store.
+* `QTableMetaData` - a table (within the backend).
+* `QAppMetaData` - an organizational unit to present the other elements in a UI.
+
+Here's what a single-method omni-provider could look like:
+
+[source,java]
+.About the simplest possible single-file meta-data provider
+----
+public QInstance defineQInstance()
+{
+    QInstance qInstance = new QInstance();
+
+    qInstance.setAuthentication(new QAuthenticationMetaData()
+       .withName("anonymous")
+       .withType(QAuthenticationType.FULLY_ANONYMOUS));
+
+    qInstance.addBackend(new QBackendMetaData()
+       .withBackendType(MemoryBackendModule.class)
+       .withName("memoryBackend"));
+
+    qInstance.addTable(new QTableMetaData()
+        .withName("myTable")
+        .withPrimaryKeyField("id")
+        .withBackendName("memoryBackend")
+        .withField(new QFieldMetaData("id", QFieldType.INTEGER)));
+
+    qInstance.addApp(new QAppMetaData()
+       .withName("myApp")
+       .withSectionOfChildren(new QAppSection().withName("mySection"),
+          qInstance.getTable("myTable")))
+
+   return (qInstance);
+}
+----
+
+== Multi-method Omni-Provider
+
+The next evolution of meta-data production comes by just applying some basic better-engineering
+principles, and splitting up from a single method that constructs all the things, to at least
+using unique methods to construct each thing, then calling those methods to add their results
+to the QInstance.
+
+[source,java]
+.Multi-method omni- meta-data provider
+----
+public QInstance defineQInstance()
+{
+    QInstance qInstance = new QInstance();
+    qInstance.setAuthentication(defineAuthenticationMetaData());
+    qInstance.addBackend(defineBackendMetaData());
+    qInstance.addTable(defineMyTableMetaData());
+    qInstance.addApp(defineMyAppMetaData(qInstance));
+    return qInstance;
+}
+
+public QAuthenticationMetaData defineAuthenticationMetaData()
+{
+    return new QAuthenticationMetaData()
+       .withName("anonymous")
+       .withType(QAuthenticationType.FULLY_ANONYMOUS);
+}
+
+public QBackendMetaData defineBackendMetaData()
+{
+    return new QBackendMetaData()
+       .withBackendType(MemoryBackendModule.class)
+       .withName("memoryBackend");
+}
+
+// implementations of defineMyTableMetaData() and defineMyAppMetaData(qInstance)
+// left as an exercise for the reader
+----
+
+== Multi-class Providers
+
+Then the next logical evolution would be to put each of these single meta-data producing
+objects into its own class, along with calls to those classes.  This gets us away from the
+"5000 line" single-class, and lets us stop using the word "omni":
+
+[source,java]
+.Multi-class meta-data providers
+----
+public QInstance defineQInstance()
+{
+    QInstance qInstance = new QInstance();
+    qInstance.setAuthentication(new AuthMetaDataProvider().defineAuthenticationMetaData());
+    qInstance.addBackend(new BackendMetaDataProvider().defineBackendMetaData());
+    qInstance.addTable(new MyTableMetaDataProvider().defineTableMetaData());
+    qInstance.addApp(new MyAppMetaDataProvider().defineAppMetaData(qInstance));
+    return qInstance;
+}
+
+public class AuthMetaDataProvider
+{
+    public QAuthenticationMetaData defineAuthenticationMetaData()
+    {
+        return new QAuthenticationMetaData()
+           .withName("anonymous")
+           .withType(QAuthenticationType.FULLY_ANONYMOUS);
+    }
+}
+
+public class BackendMetaDataProvider
+{
+    public QBackendMetaData defineBackendMetaData()
+    {
+        return new QBackendMetaData()
+           .withBackendType(MemoryBackendModule.class)
+           .withName("memoryBackend");
+    }
+}
+
+// implementations of MyTableMetaDataProvider and MyAppMetaDataProvider
+// left as an exercise for the reader
+----
+
+== MetaDataProducerInterface
+
+As the size of your application grows, if you're doing per-object meta-data providers, you may find it
+burdensome, when adding a new object to your instance, to have to write code for it in two places -
+that is - a new class to produce that meta-data object, AND a single line of code to add that object
+to your `QInstance`.  As such, a mechanism exists to let you avoid that line-of-code for adding the object
+to the `QInstance`.
+
+This mechanism involves adding the `MetaDataProducerInterface` to all of your classes that produce a
+meta-data object.  This interface is generic, with a type parameter that will typically be the type of
+meta-data object you are producing, such as `QTableMetaData`, `QProcessMetaData`, or `QWidgetMetaData`,
+(technically, any class which implements `TopLevelMetaData`).  Implementers of the interface are then
+required to override just one method: `T produce(QInstance qInstance) throws QException;`
+
+Once you have your `MetaDataProducerInterface` classes defined, then there's a one-time call needed
+to add all of the objects produced by these classes to your `QInstance` - as shown here:
+
+[source,java]
+.Using MetaDataProducerInterface
+----
+public QInstance defineQInstance()
+{
+    QInstance qInstance = new QInstance();
+    MetaDataProducerHelper.processAllMetaDataProducersInPackage(qInstance,
+      "com.mydomain.myapplication");
+    return qInstance;
+}
+
+public class AuthMetaDataProducer implements MetaDataProducerInterface<QAuthenticationMetaData>
+{
+    @Override
+    public QAuthenticationMetaData produce(QInstance qInstance)
+    {
+        return new QAuthenticationMetaData()
+           .withName("anonymous")
+           .withType(QAuthenticationType.FULLY_ANONYMOUS);
+    }
+}
+
+public class BackendMetaDataProducer implements MetaDataProducerInterface<QBackendMetaData>
+{
+    @Override
+    public QBackendMetaData defineBackendMetaData()
+    {
+        return new QBackendMetaData()
+           .withBackendType(MemoryBackendModule.class)
+           .withName("memoryBackend");
+    }
+}
+
+// implementations of MyTableMetaDataProvider and MyAppMetaDataProvider
+// left as an exercise for the reader
+----
+
+=== MetaDataProducerMultiOutput
+It is worth mentioning, that sometimes it might feel like a bridge that's a bit too far, to make
+every single one of your meta-data objects require its own class.  Some may argue that it's best
+to do it that way - single responsibility principle, etc.  But, if you're producing, say, 5 widgets
+that are all related, and it's only a handful of lines of code for each one, maybe you'd rather
+produce them all in the same class.  Or maybe when you define a table, you'd like to define its
+joins and widgets at the same time.
+
+This approach can be accomplished by making the type argument for your `MetaDataProducerInterface` be
+`MetaDataProducerMultiOutput` - a simple class that just wraps a list of other `MetaDataProducerOutput`
+objects.
+
+[source,java]
+.Returning a MetaDataProducerMultiOutput
+----
+public class MyMultiProducer implements MetaDataProducerInterface<MetaDataProducerMultiOutput>
+{
+    @Override
+    public MetaDataProducerMultiOutput produce(QInstance qInstance)
+    {
+       MetaDataProducerMultiOutput output = new MetaDataProducerMultiOutput();
+
+       output.add(new QPossibleValueSource()...);
+       output.add(new QJoinMetaData()...);
+       output.add(new QJoinMetaData()...);
+       output.add(new QWidgetMetaData()...);
+       output.add(new QTableMetaData()...);
+
+       return (output);
+    }
+}
+----
+
+
+== Aside: TableMetaData with RecordEntities
+At this point, let's take a brief aside to dig deeper into the creation of a `QTableMeta` object.
+Tables, being probably the most important meta-data type in QQQ, have a lot of information that can
+be specified in their meta-data object.
+
+At the same time, if you're writing any custom code in your QQQ application
+(e.g., any processes or table customizers), where you're working with records from tables, you may
+prefer being able to work with entity beans (e.g., java classes with typed getter & setter methods),
+rather than the default object type that QQQ's ORM actions return, the `QRecord`, which carries all
+of its values in a `Map` (where you don't get compile-time checks of field names or data types).
+QQQ has a mechanism for dealing with this - in the form of the `QRecordEntity` class.
+
+So - if you want to build your application using entity beans (which is recommended, for the compile-time
+safety that they provide in custom code), you will be writing a `QRecordEntity` class for each of your tables,
+which will look like:
+
+[source,java]
+.QRecordEntity example
+----
+public class MyTable extends QRecordEntity
+{
+   public static final String TABLE_NAME = "myTable";
+
+   @QField(isEditable = false, isPrimaryKey = true)
+   private Integer id;
+
+   @QField()
+   private String name;
+
+   // no-arg constructor and constructor that takes a QRecord
+   // getters & setters (and optional fluent setters)
+}
+----
+
+The point of introducing this topic here and now is, that a `QRecordEntity` can be used to shortcut to
+defining some of the attributes in a `QTableMetaData` object.  Specifically, in a `MetaDataProducer<QTableMetaData>`
+you may say:
+
+[source,java]
+.QTableMetaDataProducer using a QRecordEntity
+----
+public QTableMetaData produce(QInstance qInstance) throws QExcpetion
+{
+  return new QTableMetaData()
+     .withName(MyTable.TABLE_NAME)
+     .withFieldsFromEntity(MyTable.class)
+     .withBackendName("memoryBackend");
+}
+----
+
+That `withFieldsFromEntity` call is one of the biggest benefits of this technique.  It allows you to avoid defining
+all of the fields in you table in two places (the entity and the table meta-data).
+
+== MetaData Producing Annotations for Entities
+
+If you are using `QRecordEntity` classes that correspond to your tables, then you can take advantage of some
+additional annotations on those classes, to produce more related meta-data objects associated with those tables.
+The point of this is to eliminate boilerplate, and simplify / speed up the process of getting a new table
+built and deployed in your application.
+
+Furthermore, the case can be made that it is beneficial to keep the meta-data definition for a table as close
+as possible to the entity that corresponds to the table.  This enables modifications to the table (e.g., adding
+a new field/column) to only require edits in one java source file, rather than necessarily requiring edits
+in two files.
+
+=== @QMetaDataProducingEntity
+This is an annotation meant to be placed on a `QRecordEntity` subclass, which you would like to be
+processed by an invocation of `MetaDataProducerHelper`, to automatically produce some meta-data
+objects.
+
+This annotation supports:
+
+* Creating table meta-data for the corresponding record entity table. Enabled by setting `produceTableMetaData=true`.
+** One may customize the table meta data that is produced automatically by supplying a class that extends
+`MetaDataCustomizerInterface` in the annotation attribute `tableMetaDataCustomizer`.
+** In addition to (or as an alternative to) the per-table `MetaDataCustomizerInterface` that can be specified
+in `@QMetaDataProducingEntity.tableMetaDataCustomzier`, when an application calls
+`MetaDataProducerHelper.processAllMetaDataProducersInPackage`, an additional `MetaDataCustomizerInterface` can be
+given, to apply a common set of adjustments to all tales being generated by the call.
+* Making a possible-value-source out of the table.  Enabled by setting `producePossibleValueSource=true`.
+* Processing child tables to create joins and childRecordList widgets
+
+=== @ChildTable
+This is an annotation used as a value that goes inside a `@QMetadataProducingEntity` annotation, to define
+child-tables, e.g., for producing joins and childRecordList widgets related to the table defined in the entity class.
+
+==== @ChildJoin
+This is an annotation used as a value inside a `@ChildTable` inside a `@QMetadataProducingEntity` annotation,
+to control the generation of a `QJoinMetaData`, as a `ONE_TO_MANY` type join from the table represented by
+the annotated entity, to the table referenced in the `@ChildTable` annotation.
+
+==== @ChildRecordListWidget
+This is an annotation used as a value that goes inside a `@QMetadataProducingEntity` annotation, to control
+the generation of a QWidgetMetaData - for a ChildRecordList widget.
+
+[source,java]
+.QRecordEntity with meta-data producing annotations and a table MetaDataCustomizer
+----
+@QMetaDataProducingEntity(
+   produceTableMetaData = true,
+   tableMetaDataCustomizer = MyTable.TableMetaDataCustomizer.class,
+   producePossibleValueSource = true,
+   childTables = {
+      @ChildTable(
+         childTableEntityClass = MyChildTable.class,
+         childJoin = @ChildJoin(enabled = true),
+         childRecordListWidget = @ChildRecordListWidget(enabled = true, label = "Children"))
+   }
+)
+public class MyTable extends QRecordEntity
+{
+   public static final String TABLE_NAME = "myTable";
+
+   public static class TableMetaDataCustomizer implements MetaDataCustomizerInterface<QTableMetaData>
+   {
+      @Override
+      public QTableMetaData customizeMetaData(QInstance qInstance, QTableMetaData table) throws QException
+      {
+         String childJoinName = QJoinMetaData.makeInferredJoinName(TABLE_NAME, MyChildTable.TABLE_NAME);
+
+         table
+            .withUniqueKey(new UniqueKey("name"))
+            .withIcon(new QIcon().withName("table_bar"))
+            .withRecordLabelFormat("%s")
+            .withRecordLabelFields("name")
+
+            .withSection(new QFieldSection("identity", new QIcon().withName("badge"), Tier.T1,
+               List.of("id", "name")))
+            // todo additional sections for other fields
+            .withSection(new QFieldSection("children", new QIcon().withName("account_tree"), Tier.T2)
+               .withWidgetName(childJoinName))
+
+            .withExposedJoin(new ExposedJoin()
+               .withLabel("Children")
+               .withJoinPath(List.of(childJoinName))
+               .withJoinTable(MyChildTable.TABLE_NAME));
+
+         return (table);
+      }
+   }
+
+   @QField(isEditable = false, isPrimaryKey = true)
+   private Integer id;
+
+   // remaining fields, constructors, getters & setters left as an exercise for the reader and/or the IDE
+}
+----
+
+The class given in the example above, if processed by the `MetaDataProducerHelper`, would add the following
+meta-data objects to your `QInstance`:
+
+* A `QTableMetaData` named `myTable`, with all fields annotated as `@QField` from the `QRecordEntity` class,
+and with additional attributes as set in the `TableMetaDataCustomizer` inner class.
+* A `QPossibleValueSource` named `myTable`, of type `TABLE`, with `myTable` as its backing table.
+* A `QJoinMetaData` named `myTableJoinMyChildTable`, as a `ONE_TO_MANY` type, between those two tables.
+* A `QWidgetMetaData` named `myTableJoinMyChildTable`, as a `CHILD_RECORD_LIST` type, that will show a list of
+records from `myChildTable` as a widget, when viewing a record from `myTable`.
+
+== Other MetaData Producing Annotations
+
+Similar to these annotations for a `RecordEntity`, a similar one exists for a `PossibleValueEnum` class,
+to automatically write the meta-data to use that enum as a possible value source in your application:
+
+=== @QMetaDataProducingPossibleValueEnum
+This is an annotation to go on a `PossibleValueEnum` class, which you would like to be
+processed by MetaDataProducerHelper, to automatically produce a PossibleValueSource meta-data
+based on the enum.
+
+[source,java]
+.PossibleValueEnum with meta-data producing annotation
+----
+@QMetaDataProducingPossibleValueEnum(producePossibleValueSource = true)
+public enum MyOptionsEnum implements PossibleValueEnum<Integer>
+{
+   // values and methods left as exercise for reader
+}
+----
+The enum given in the example above, if processed by the `MetaDataProducerHelper`, would add the following
+meta-data object to your `QInstance`:
+
+* A `QPossibleValueSource` named `MyOptionsEnum`, of type `ENUM`, with `MyOptionsEnum` as its backing enum.

docs/metaData/Processes.adoc

@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ Processes are defined in a QQQ Instance in a `*QProcessMetaData*` object.
 In addition to directly building a `QProcessMetaData` object setting its properties directly, there are a few common process patterns that provide *Builder* objects for ease-of-use.
 See StreamedETLWithFrontendProcess below for a common example
 
+[#_QProcessMetaData_Properties]
 *QProcessMetaData Properties:*
 
 * `name` - *String, Required* - Unique name for the process within the QQQ Instance.
@@ -30,12 +31,20 @@ See below for details.
 * `permissionRules` - *QPermissionRules object* - define the permission/access rules for the process.
 See {link-permissionRules} for details.
 * `steps` and `stepList` - *Map of String → <<QStepMetaData>>* and *List of QStepMetaData* - Defines the <<QFrontendStepMetaData,screens>> and <<QBackendStepMetaData,backend code>> that makes up the process.
-** `stepList` is the list of steps in the order that they will by default be executed.
-** `steps` is a map, including all steps from `stepList`, but which may also include steps which can used by the process if its backend steps make the decision to do so, at run-time.
+** `stepList` is the list of steps in the order that they will be executed
+(that is to say - this is the _default_ order of execution - but it can be customized - see <<_custom_process_flow>> for details).
+** `steps` is a map, including all steps from `stepList`, but which may also include steps which can used by the process if its backend steps make the decision to do so, at run-time (e.g., using <<_custom_process_flow>>).
 ** A process's steps are normally defined in one of two was:
 *** 1) by a single call to `.withStepList(List<QStepMetaData>)`, which internally adds each step into the `steps` map.
 *** 2) by multiple calls to `.addStep(QStepMetaData)`, which adds a step to both the `stepList` and `steps` map.
-** If a process also needs optional steps, they should be added by a call to `.addOptionalStep(QStepMetaData)`, which only places them in the `steps` map.
+** If a process also needs optional steps (for a <<_custom_process_flow>>), they should be added by a call to `.addOptionalStep(QStepMetaData)`, which only places them in the `steps` map.
+* `stepFlow` - *enum, default LINEAR* - specifies the the flow-control logic between steps.  Possible values are:
+** `LINEAR` - steps are executed in-order, through the `stepList`.
+A backend step _can_ customize the `nextStepName` or re-order the `stepList`, if needed.
+In a frontend step, a user may be given the option to go _back_ to a previous step as well.
+** `STATE_MACHINE` - steps are executed as a Fine State Machine, starting with the first step in `stepList`,
+but then proceeding based on the `nextStepName` specified by the previous step.
+Thus allowing much more flexible flows.
 * `schedule` - *<<QScheduleMetaData>>* - set up the process to run automatically on the specified schedule.
 See below for details.
 * `minInputRecords` - *Integer* - #not used...#
@@ -65,6 +74,11 @@ For processes with a user-interface, they must define one or more "screens" in t
 * `formFields` - *List of String* - list of field names used by the screen as form-inputs.
 * `viewFields` - *List of String* - list of field names used by the screen as visible outputs.
 * `recordListFields` - *List of String* - list of field names used by the screen in a record listing.
+* `format` - *Optional String* - directive for a frontend to use specialized formatting for the display of the process.
+** Consult frontend documentation for supported values and their meanings.
+* `backStepName` - *Optional String* - For processes using `LINEAR` flow, if this value is given,
+then the frontend should offer a control that the user can take (e.g., a button) to move back to an
+earlier step in the process.
 
 ==== QFrontendComponentMetaData
 
@@ -88,10 +102,13 @@ Expects a process value named `html`.
 Expects process values named `downloadFileName` and `serverFilePath`.
 ** `GOOGLE_DRIVE_SELECT_FOLDER` - Special form that presents a UI from Google Drive, where the user can select a folder (e.g., as a target for uploading files in a subsequent backend step).
 ** `BULK_EDIT_FORM` - For use by the standard QQQ Bulk Edit process.
+** `BULK_LOAD_FILE_MAPPING_FORM`, `BULK_LOAD_VALUE_MAPPING_FORM`, or `BULK_LOAD_PROFILE_FORM` - For use by the standard QQQ Bulk Load process.
 ** `VALIDATION_REVIEW_SCREEN` - For use by the QQQ Streamed ETL With Frontend process family of processes.
 Displays a component prompting the user to run full validation or to skip it, or, if full validation has been ran, then showing the results of that validation.
 ** `PROCESS_SUMMARY_RESULTS` - For use by the QQQ Streamed ETL With Frontend process family of processes.
 Displays the summary results of running the process.
+** `WIDGET` - Render a QQQ Widget.
+Requires that `widgetName` be given as a value for the component.
 ** `RECORD_LIST` - _Deprecated.
 Showed a grid with a list of records as populated by the process._
 * `values` - *Map of String → Serializable* - Key=value pairs, with different expectations based on the component's `type`.
@@ -114,6 +131,27 @@ It can be used, however, for example, to cause a `defaultValue` to be applied to
 It can also be used to cause the process to throw an error, if a field is marked as `isRequired`, but a value is not present.
 ** `recordListMetaData` - *RecordListMetaData object* - _Not used at this time._
 
+==== QStateMachineStep
+
+Processes that use `flow = STATE_MACHINE` should use process steps of type `QStateMachineStep`.
+
+A common pattern seen in state-machine processes, is that they will present a frontend-step to a user,
+then always run a given backend-step in response to that screen which the user submitted.
+Inside that backend-step, custom application logic will determine the next state to go to,
+which is typically another frontend-step (which would then submit data to its corresponding backend-step,
+and continue the FSM).
+
+To help facilitate this pattern, factory methods exist on `QStateMachineStep`,
+for constructing the commonly-expected types of state-machine steps:
+
+* `frontendThenBackend(name, frontendStep, backendStep)` - for the frontend-then-backend pattern described above.
+* `backendOnly(name, backendStep)` - for a state that only has a backend step.
+This might be useful as a “reset” step, to run before restarting a state-loop.
+* `frontendOnly(name, frontendStep)` - for a state that only has a frontend step,
+which would always be followed by another state, which must be specified as the `defaultNextStepName`
+on the `QStateMachineStep`.
+
+
 ==== BasepullConfiguration
 
 A "Basepull" process is a common pattern where an application needs to perform some action on all new (or updated) records from a particular data source.
@@ -188,8 +226,8 @@ To improve this programmer-interface, an inner `Builder` class exists within `St
 
 *StreamedETLWithFrontendProcess.Builder methods:*
 
-* `withName(String name) - Set the name for the process.
-* `withLabel(String label) - Set the label for the process.
+* `withName(String name)` - Set the name for the process.
+* `withLabel(String label)` - Set the label for the process.
 * `withIcon(QIcon icon)` - Set an {link-icon} to be display with the process in the UI.
 * `withExtractStepClass(Class<? extends AbstractExtractStep>)` - Define the Extract step for the process.
 If no special extraction logic is needed, `ExtractViaQuery.class` is often a reasonable default.
@@ -214,3 +252,127 @@ But for some cases, doing page-level transactions can reduce long-transactions a
 * `withFields(List<QFieldMetaData> fieldList)` - Adds additional input fields to the preview step of the process.
 * `withBasepullConfiguration(BasepullConfiguration basepullConfiguration)` - Add a <<BasepullConfiguration>> to the process.
 * `withSchedule(QScheduleMetaData schedule)` - Add a <<QScheduleMetaData>> to the process.
+
+[#_custom_process_flow]
+==== How to customize a Linear process flow
+As referenced in the definition of the <<_QProcessMetaData_Properties,QProcessMetaData Properties>>, by default,
+(with `flow = LINEAR`) a process will execute each of its steps in-order, as defined in the `stepList` property.
+However, a Backend Step can customize this flow as follows:
+
+* `RunBackendStepOutput.setOverrideLastStepName(String stepName)`
+** QQQ's `RunProcessAction` keeps track of which step it "last" ran, e.g., to tell it which one to run next.
+However, if a step sets the `OverrideLastStepName` property in its output object,
+then the step named in that property becomes the effective "last" step,
+thus determining which step comes next.
+
+* `RunBackendStepOutput.updateStepList(List<String> stepNameList)`
+** Calling this method changes the process's runtime definition of steps to be executed.
+Thus allowing a completely custom flow.
+It should be noted, that the "last" step name (as tracked by QQQ within `RunProcessAction`)
+does need to be found in the new `stepNameList` - otherwise, the framework will not know where you were,
+for figuring out where to go next.
+
+[source,java]
+.Example of a defining process that can use a customized linear flow:
+----
+// for a case like this, it would be recommended to define all step names in constants:
+public final static String STEP_START = "start";
+public final static String STEP_A     = "a";
+public final static String STEP_B     = "b";
+public final static String STEP_C     = "c";
+public final static String STEP_1     = "1";
+public final static String STEP_2     = "2";
+public final static String STEP_3     = "3";
+public final static String STEP_END   = "end";
+
+// also, to define the possible flows (lists of steps) in constants as well:
+public final static List<String> LETTERS_STEP_LIST = List.of(
+  STEP_START, STEP_A, STEP_B, STEP_C, STEP_END);
+
+public final static List<String> NUMBERS_STEP_LIST = List.of(
+  STEP_START, STEP_1, STEP_2, STEP_3, STEP_END);
+
+// when we define the process's meta-data, we only give a "skeleton" stepList -
+// we must at least have our starting step, and we may want at least one frontend step
+// for the UI to show some placeholder(s):
+QProcessMetaData process = new QProcessMetaData()
+   .withName(PROCESS_NAME)
+   .withStepList(List.of(
+      new QBackendStepMetaData().withName(STEP_START)
+         .withCode(new QCodeReference(/*...*/)),
+      new QFrontendStepMetaData()
+         .withName(STEP_END)
+   ));
+
+// the additional steps get added via `addOptionalStep`, which only puts them in
+// the process's stepMap, not its stepList!
+process.addOptionalStep(new QFrontendStepMetaData().withName(STEP_A));
+process.addOptionalStep(new QBackendStepMetaData().withName(STEP_B)
+   .withCode(new QCodeReference(/*...*/)));
+process.addOptionalStep(new QFrontendStepMetaData().withName(STEP_C));
+
+process.addOptionalStep(new QBackendStepMetaData().withName(STEP_1)
+   .withCode(new QCodeReference(/*...*/)));
+process.addOptionalStep(new QFrontendStepMetaData().withName(STEP_2));
+process.addOptionalStep(new QBackendStepMetaData().withName(STEP_3)
+   .withCode(new QCodeReference(/*...*/)));
+
+----
+
+[source,java]
+.Example of a process backend step adjusting the process's runtime flow:
+----
+/***************************************************************************
+** look at the value named "which". if it's "letters", then make the process
+** go through the stepList consisting of letters; else, update the step list
+** to be the "numbers" steps.
+**
+** Also - if the "skipSomeSteps" value is give as true, then set the
+** overrideLastStepName to skip again (in the letters case, skip past A, B
+** and C; in the numbers case, skip past 1 and 2).
+***************************************************************************/
+public static class StartStep implements BackendStep
+{
+  @Override
+  public void run(RunBackendStepInput runBackendStepInput, RunBackendStepOutput runBackendStepOutput) throws QException
+  {
+     Boolean skipSomeSteps = runBackendStepInput.getValueBoolean("skipSomeSteps");
+
+     if(runBackendStepInput.getValueString("which").equals("letters"))
+     {
+        runBackendStepOutput.updateStepList(LETTERS_STEP_LIST);
+        if(BooleanUtils.isTrue(skipSomeSteps))
+        {
+           runBackendStepOutput.setOverrideLastStepName(STEP_C);
+        }
+     }
+     else
+     {
+        runBackendStepOutput.updateStepList(NUMBERS_STEP_LIST);
+        if(BooleanUtils.isTrue(skipSomeSteps))
+        {
+           runBackendStepOutput.setOverrideLastStepName(STEP_2);
+        }
+     }
+  }
+}
+----
+
+[#_process_back]
+==== How to allow a process to go back
+
+The simplest option to allow a process to present a "Back" button to users,
+thus allowing them to move backward through a process
+(e.g., from a review screen back to an earlier input screen), is to set the property `backStepName`
+on a `QFrontendStepMetaData`.
+
+If the step that is executed after the user hits "Back" is a backend step, then within that
+step, `runBackendStepInput.getIsStepBack()` will return `true` (but ONLY within that first step after
+the user hits "Back").  It may be necessary within individual processes to be aware that the user
+has chosen to go back, to reset certain values in the process's state.
+
+Alternatively, if a frontend step's "Back" behavior needs to be dynamic (e.g., sometimes not available,
+or sometimes targeting different steps in the process), then in a backend step that runs before the
+frontend step, a call to `runBackendStepOutput.getProcessState().setBackStepName()` can be made,
+to customize the value which would otherwise come from the `QFrontendStepMetaData`.
+

docs/metaData/QInstance.adoc

@@ -29,11 +29,21 @@ service.routes(qJavalinImplementation.getRoutes());
 service.start();
 ----
 
-*QBackendMetaData Setup Methods:*
+*QInstance Setup:*
 
 These are the methods that one is most likely to use when setting up (defining) a `QInstance` object:
 
-* asdf
+* `add(TopLevelMetaDataInterface metaData)` - Generic method that takes most of the meta-data subtypes that can be added
+to an instance, such as `QBackendMetaData`, `QTableMetaData`, `QProcessMetaData`, etc.
+There are also type-specific methods (e.g., `addTable`, `addProcess`, etc), which one can call instead - this would just
+be a matter of personal preference.
 
-*QBackendMetaData Usage Methods:*
+*QInstance Usage:*
 
+Generally you will set up a `QInstance` in your application's startup flow, and then place it in the server (e.g., javalin).
+But, if, during application-code runtime, you need access to any of the meta-data in the instance, you access it
+via the `QContext` object's static `getInstance()` method.  This can be useful, for example, to get a list of the defined
+tables in the application, or fields in a table, or details about a field, etc.
+
+It is generally considered risky and/or not a good idea at all to modify the `QInstance` after it has been validated and
+a server is running.  Future versions of QQQ may in fact restrict modifications to the instance after validation.

docs/misc/ProcessBackendSteps.adoc

@@ -128,15 +128,15 @@ These steps are:
 ** The Extract step is called before the Preview, Validate, and Result screens, though for the Preview screen, it is set to only extract a small number of records (10).
 * *Transform* - a subclass of `AbstractTransformStep` - is responsible for applying the majority of the business logic of the process.
 In ETL terminology, this is the "Transform" action - which means applying some type of logical transformation an input record (found by the Extract step) to generate an output record (stored by the Load step).
-** A Transform step's `run` method will be called, potentially, multiple times, each time with a page of records in the `runBackendStepInput` parameter.
+** A Transform step's `runOnePage` method will be called, potentially, multiple times, each time with a page of records in the `runBackendStepInput` parameter.
 ** This method is responsible for adding records to the `runBackendStepOutput`, which will then be passed to the *Load* step.
 ** This class is also responsible for implementing the method `getProcessSummary`, which provides the data to the *Validate* screen.
-** The run method will generally update ProcessSummaryLine objects to facilitate this functionality.
+** The `runOnePage` method will generally update ProcessSummaryLine objects to facilitate this functionality.
 ** The Transform step is called before the Preview, Validate, and Result screens, consuming all records selected by the Extract step.
 * *Load* - a subclass of `AbstractLoadStep` - is responsible for the Load function of the ETL job.
 _A quick word on terminology - this step is actually doing what we are more likely to think of as storing data - which feels like the opposite of “loading” - but we use the name Load to keep in line with the ETL naming convention…_
 ** The Load step is ONLY called before the Result screen is presented (possibly after Preview, if the user chose to skip validation, otherwise, after validation).
-** Similar to the Transform step, the Load step's `run` method will be called potentially multiple times, with pages of records in its input.
+** Similar to the Transform step, the Load step's `runOnePage` method will be called potentially multiple times, with pages of records in its input.
 ** As such, the Load step is generally the only step where data writes should occur.
 *** e.g., a Transform step should not do any writes, as it will be called when the user is going to the Preview & Validate screens - e.g., before the user confirmed that they want to execute the action!
 ** A common pattern is that the Load step just needs to insert or update the list of records output by the Transform step, in which case the QQQ-provided `LoadViaInsertStep` or `LoadViaUpdateStep` can be used, but custom use-cases can be built as well.

docs/misc/ScheduledJobs.adoc

@@ -0,0 +1,141 @@
+== Schedulers and Scheduled Jobs
+include::../variables.adoc[]
+
+QQQ has the ability to automatically run various types of jobs on schedules,
+either defined in your instance's meta-data,
+or optionally via data in your application, in a `scheduledJob` table.
+
+=== Schedulers and QSchedulerMetaData
+2 types of schedulers are included in QQQ by default (though an application can define its own schedulers):
+
+* `SimpleScheduler` - is (as its name suggests) a simple class which uses java's `ScheduledExecutorService`
+to run jobs on repeating intervals.
+** Cannot run cron schedules - only repeating intervals.
+** If multiple servers are running, each will potentially run the same job concurrently
+** Has no configurations, e.g., to limit the number of threads.
+
+* `QuartzScheduler` - uses the 3rd party https://www.quartz-scheduler.org/[Quartz Scheduler] library to provide
+a much more capable, though admittedly more complex, scheduling solution.
+** Can run both cron schedules and repeating intervals.
+** By default, will not allow concurrent executions of the same job.
+** Supports multiple configurations, e.g., to limit the number of threads.
+
+An application can define its own scheduler by providing a class which implements the `QSchedulerInterface`.
+
+A `QInstance` can work with 0 or more schedulers, as defined by adding `QSchedulerMetaData` objects
+to the instance.
+
+This meta-data class is `abstract`, and is extended by the 2 built-in schedulers
+(e.g., `SimpleSchedulerMetaData` and `QuartzSchedulerMetaData`).  As such,
+these concrete subclasses are what you need to instantiate and add to your instance.
+
+To configure a QuartzScheduler, you can add a `Properties` object to the `QuartzSchedulerMetaData` object.
+See https://www.quartz-scheduler.org/documentation/[Quartz's documentation] for available configuration properties.
+
+[source,java]
+.Defining SchedulerMetaData
+----
+qInstance.addScheduler(new SimpleSchedulerMetaData().withName("mySimpleScheduler"));
+
+qInstance.addScheduler(new QuartzSchedulerMetaData()
+   .withName("myQuartzScheduler")
+   .withProperties(myQuartzProperties);
+----
+
+=== SchedulableTypes
+The types of jobs which can be scheduled in a QQQ application are defined in the `QInstance` by
+instances of the `SchedulableType` meta-data class.
+These objects contain a name, along with a `QCodeReference` to the `runner`,
+which must be a class that implements the `SchedulableRunner` interface.
+
+By default, (in the `QInstanceEnricher`), QQQ will make 3 `SchedulableType` options available:
+
+* `PROCESS` - Any Process defined in the `QInstance` can be scheduled.
+* `QUEUE_PROCESSOR` - A Queue defined in the `QInstance`, which requires polling (e.g., SQS), can be scheduled.
+* `TABLE_AUTOMATIONS` - A Table in the `QInstance`, with `AutomationDetails` referring to an
+AutomationProvider which requires polling, can be scheduled.
+
+If an application only wants to use a subset of these `SchedulableType` options,
+or to add custom `SchedulableType` options,
+the `QInstance` will need to have 1 or more `SchedulableType` objects in it before the `QInstanceEnricher` runs.
+
+=== User-defined Scheduled Jobs
+To allow users to schedule jobs (rather than using programmer-defined schedules (in meta-data)),
+you can add a set of tables to your `QInstance`, using the `ScheduledJobsMetaDataProvider` class:
+
+[source,java]
+.Adding the ScheduledJob tables and related meta-data to a QInstance
+----
+new ScheduledJobsMetaDataProvider().defineAll(
+   qInstance, backendName, table -> tableEnricher(table));
+----
+
+This meta-data provider adds a "scheduledJob" and "scheduledJobParameter" table, along with
+some PossibleValueSources.
+These tables include post-action customizers, which manage (re-, un-) scheduling jobs based on
+changes made to records in this these tables.
+
+Also, when `QScheduleManager` is started, it will query these tables,and will schedule jobs as defined therein.
+
+_You can use a mix of user-defined and meta-data defined scheduled jobs in your instance.
+However, if a ScheduledJob record references a process, queue, or table automation with a
+meta-data defined schedule, the ScheduledJob will NOT be started by ScheduleManager --
+rather, the meta-data definition will "win"._
+
+[source,sql]
+.Example of inserting scheduled jobs records directly into an SQL backend
+----
+-- A process:
+INSERT INTO scheduled_job (label, scheduler_name, cron_expression, cron_time_zone_id, repeat_seconds, type, is_active) VALUES
+   ('myProcess', 'QuartzScheduler', null, null, 300, 'PROCESS', 1);
+INSERT INTO scheduled_job_parameter (scheduled_job_id, `key`, value) VALUES
+   ((SELECT id FROM scheduled_job WHERE label = 'myProcess'), 'processName', 'myProcess');
+
+-- A table's insert & update automations:
+INSERT INTO scheduled_job (label, scheduler_name, cron_expression, cron_time_zone_id, repeat_seconds, type, is_active) VALUES
+   ('myTable.PENDING_INSERT_AUTOMATIONS', 'QuartzScheduler', null, null, 15, 'TABLE_AUTOMATIONS', 1),
+   ('myTable.PENDING_UPDATE_AUTOMATIONS', 'QuartzScheduler', null, null, 15, 'TABLE_AUTOMATIONS', 1);
+INSERT INTO scheduled_job_parameter (scheduled_job_id, `key`, value) VALUES
+   ((SELECT id FROM scheduled_job WHERE label = 'myTable.PENDING_INSERT_AUTOMATIONS'), 'tableName', 'myTable'),
+   ((SELECT id FROM scheduled_job WHERE label = 'myTable.PENDING_INSERT_AUTOMATIONS'), 'automationStatus', 'PENDING_INSERT_AUTOMATIONS'),
+   ((SELECT id FROM scheduled_job WHERE label = 'myTable.PENDING_UPDATE_AUTOMATIONS'), 'tableName', 'myTable'),
+   ((SELECT id FROM scheduled_job WHERE label = 'myTable.PENDING_UPDATE_AUTOMATIONS'), 'automationStatus', 'PENDING_UPDATE_AUTOMATIONS');
+
+-- A queue processor:
+INSERT INTO scheduled_job (label, scheduler_name, cron_expression, cron_time_zone_id, repeat_seconds, type, is_active) VALUES
+   ('mySqsQueue', 'QuartzScheduler', null, null, 60, 'QUEUE_PROCESSOR', 1);
+INSERT INTO scheduled_job_parameter (scheduled_job_id, `key`, value) VALUES
+   ((SELECT id FROM scheduled_job WHERE label = 'mySqsQueue'), 'queueName', 'mySqsQueue');
+----
+
+=== Running Scheduled Jobs
+In a server running QQQ, if you wish to start running scheduled jobs, you need to initialize
+the `QScheduleManger` singleton class, then call its `start()` method.
+
+Note that internally, this class will check for a system property of `qqq.scheduleManager.enabled`
+or an environment variable of `QQQ_SCHEDULE_MANAGER_ENABLED`, and if the first value found is
+`"false"`, then the scheduler will not actually run its jobs (but, in the case of the `QuartzSchdeuler`,
+it will be available for managing scheduled jobs).
+
+The method `QScheduleManager.initInstance` requires 2 parameters:  Your `QInstance`, and a
+`Supplier<QSession>` lambda, which returns the session that will be used for scheduled jobs when they
+are executed.
+
+[source,java]
+.Starting the Schedule Manager service
+----
+QScheduleManager.initInstance(qInstance, () -> systemUserSession).start();
+----
+
+=== Examples
+[source,java]
+.Attach a schedule in meta-data to a Process
+----
+QProcessMetaData myProcess = new QProcessMetaData()
+   // ...
+   .withSchedule(new QScheduleMetaData()
+      .withSchedulerName("myScheduler")
+      .withDescription("Run myProcess every five minutes")
+      .withRepeatSeconds(300))
+----
+

pom.xml

@@ -29,12 +29,15 @@
    <packaging>pom</packaging>
 
    <modules>
+      <module>qqq-bom</module>
       <module>qqq-backend-core</module>
       <module>qqq-backend-module-api</module>
       <module>qqq-backend-module-filesystem</module>
       <module>qqq-backend-module-rdbms</module>
+      <module>qqq-backend-module-sqlite</module>
       <module>qqq-backend-module-mongodb</module>
       <module>qqq-language-support-javascript</module>
+      <module>qqq-openapi</module>
       <module>qqq-middleware-picocli</module>
       <module>qqq-middleware-javalin</module>
       <module>qqq-middleware-lambda</module>
@@ -45,12 +48,11 @@
    </modules>
 
    <properties>
-      <revision>0.20.0-SNAPSHOT</revision>
+      <revision>0.25.0-SNAPSHOT</revision>
 
       <project.build.sourceEncoding>UTF-8</project.build.sourceEncoding>
       <project.reporting.outputEncoding>UTF-8</project.reporting.outputEncoding>
-      <maven.compiler.source>17</maven.compiler.source>
-      <maven.compiler.target>17</maven.compiler.target>
+      <maven.compiler.release>17</maven.compiler.release>
       <maven.compiler.showDeprecation>true</maven.compiler.showDeprecation>
       <maven.compiler.showWarnings>true</maven.compiler.showWarnings>
       <coverage.haltOnFailure>true</coverage.haltOnFailure>
@@ -149,7 +151,7 @@
                <dependency>
                   <groupId>com.puppycrawl.tools</groupId>
                   <artifactId>checkstyle</artifactId>
-                  <version>9.0</version>
+                  <version>10.16.0</version>
                </dependency>
             </dependencies>
             <executions>
@@ -167,6 +169,7 @@
                      <violationSeverity>warning</violationSeverity>
                      <excludes>**/target/generated-sources/*.*</excludes>
                      <!-- <linkXRef>false</linkXRef> -->
+                     <includeTestSourceDirectory>true</includeTestSourceDirectory>
                   </configuration>
                   <goals>
                      <goal>check</goal>
@@ -208,6 +211,7 @@
                   <productionBranch>main</productionBranch>
                   <developmentBranch>dev</developmentBranch>
                   <versionTagPrefix>version-</versionTagPrefix>
+                  <releaseBranchPrefix>rel/</releaseBranchPrefix>
                </gitFlowConfig>
                <skipFeatureVersion>true</skipFeatureVersion> <!-- Keep feature names out of versions -->
                <postReleaseGoals>install</postReleaseGoals>  <!-- Let CI run deploys -->
@@ -245,8 +249,7 @@ echo "   See also target/site/jacoco/index.html"
 echo "   and https://www.jacoco.org/jacoco/trunk/doc/counters.html"
 echo "------------------------------------------------------------"
 
-which xpath > /dev/null 2>&1
-if [ "$?" == "0" ]; then
+if which xpath > /dev/null 2>&1; then
    echo "Element\nInstructions Missed\nInstruction Coverage\nBranches Missed\nBranch Coverage\nComplexity Missed\nComplexity Hit\nLines Missed\nLines Hit\nMethods Missed\nMethods Hit\nClasses Missed\nClasses Hit\n" > /tmp/$$.headers
    xpath -n -q -e '/html/body/table/tfoot/tr[1]/td/text()' target/site/jacoco/index.html > /tmp/$$.values
    paste /tmp/$$.headers /tmp/$$.values | tail +2 | awk -v FS='\t' '{printf("%-20s %s\n",$1,$2)}'
@@ -255,8 +258,7 @@ else
    echo "xpath is not installed.  Jacoco coverage summary will not be produced here...";
 fi
 
-which xpath > /dev/null 2>&1
-if [ "$?" == "0" ]; then
+if which html2text > /dev/null 2>&1; then
    echo "Untested classes, per Jacoco:"
    echo "-----------------------------"
    for i in target/site/jacoco/*/index.html; do

qodana.yaml

@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
+#-------------------------------------------------------------------------------#
+#               Qodana analysis is configured by qodana.yaml file               #
+#             https://www.jetbrains.com/help/qodana/qodana-yaml.html            #
+#-------------------------------------------------------------------------------#
+version: "1.0"
+
+#Specify inspection profile for code analysis
+profile:
+  name: qodana.starter
+
+#Enable inspections
+#include:
+#  - name: <SomeEnabledInspectionId>
+
+#Disable inspections
+#exclude:
+#  - name: <SomeDisabledInspectionId>
+#    paths:
+#      - <path/where/not/run/inspection>
+
+projectJDK: 17 #(Applied in CI/CD pipeline)
+
+#Execute shell command before Qodana execution (Applied in CI/CD pipeline)
+#bootstrap: sh ./prepare-qodana.sh
+
+#Install IDE plugins before Qodana execution (Applied in CI/CD pipeline)
+#plugins:
+#  - id: <plugin.id> #(plugin id can be found at https://plugins.jetbrains.com)
+
+#Specify Qodana linter for analysis (Applied in CI/CD pipeline)
+linter: jetbrains/qodana-jvm:latest

qqq-backend-core/pom.xml

@@ -65,7 +65,11 @@
          <artifactId>aws-java-sdk-secretsmanager</artifactId>
          <version>1.12.385</version>
       </dependency>
-
+      <dependency>
+         <groupId>com.ibm.icu</groupId>
+         <artifactId>icu4j</artifactId>
+         <version>77.1</version>
+      </dependency>
       <dependency>
          <groupId>com.fasterxml.jackson.core</groupId>
          <artifactId>jackson-databind</artifactId>
@@ -100,8 +104,31 @@
       <dependency>
          <groupId>org.dhatim</groupId>
          <artifactId>fastexcel</artifactId>
-         <version>0.12.15</version>
+         <version>0.18.4</version>
       </dependency>
+      <dependency>
+         <groupId>org.dhatim</groupId>
+         <artifactId>fastexcel-reader</artifactId>
+         <version>0.18.4</version>
+      </dependency>
+      <dependency>
+         <groupId>org.apache.poi</groupId>
+         <artifactId>poi</artifactId>
+         <version>5.2.5</version>
+      </dependency>
+      <dependency>
+         <groupId>org.apache.poi</groupId>
+         <artifactId>poi-ooxml</artifactId>
+         <version>5.2.5</version>
+      </dependency>
+
+      <!-- adding to help FastExcel -->
+      <dependency>
+         <groupId>commons-io</groupId>
+         <artifactId>commons-io</artifactId>
+         <version>2.16.0</version>
+      </dependency>
+
       <dependency>
          <groupId>com.auth0</groupId>
          <artifactId>auth0</artifactId>
@@ -128,16 +155,21 @@
          <version>2.3</version>
       </dependency>
 
-      <!-- the next 2 deps are for html to pdf - per https://www.baeldung.com/java-html-to-pdf -->
+      <!-- the next 3 deps are for html to pdf -->
       <dependency>
          <groupId>org.jsoup</groupId>
          <artifactId>jsoup</artifactId>
          <version>1.15.3</version>
       </dependency>
       <dependency>
-         <groupId>org.xhtmlrenderer</groupId>
-         <artifactId>flying-saucer-pdf-openpdf</artifactId>
-         <version>9.1.22</version>
+         <groupId>com.openhtmltopdf</groupId>
+         <artifactId>openhtmltopdf-core</artifactId>
+         <version>1.0.10</version>
+      </dependency>
+      <dependency>
+         <groupId>com.openhtmltopdf</groupId>
+         <artifactId>openhtmltopdf-pdfbox</artifactId>
+         <version>1.0.10</version>
       </dependency>
 
       <!-- the next 3 deps are being added for google drive support -->
@@ -163,6 +195,45 @@
          <version>1.12.321</version>
       </dependency>
 
+      <dependency>
+         <groupId>com.amazonaws</groupId>
+         <artifactId>aws-java-sdk-ses</artifactId>
+         <version>1.12.705</version>
+      </dependency>
+
+      <dependency>
+         <groupId>cloud.localstack</groupId>
+         <artifactId>localstack-utils</artifactId>
+         <version>0.2.20</version>
+         <scope>test</scope>
+      </dependency>
+
+      <dependency>
+         <groupId>org.quartz-scheduler</groupId>
+         <artifactId>quartz</artifactId>
+         <version>2.3.2</version>
+      </dependency>
+
+      <!-- bring in a newer version of this lib, which quartz transitively loads through c3p0 -->
+      <dependency>
+         <groupId>com.mchange</groupId>
+         <artifactId>mchange-commons-java</artifactId>
+         <version>0.3.0</version>
+      </dependency>
+
+      <!-- Many of the deps we bring in use slf4j.  This dep maps slf4j to our logger, log4j -->
+      <dependency>
+         <groupId>org.apache.logging.log4j</groupId>
+         <artifactId>log4j-slf4j-impl</artifactId>
+         <version>2.23.0</version>
+      </dependency>
+
+      <dependency>
+         <groupId>com.sun.mail</groupId>
+         <artifactId>jakarta.mail</artifactId>
+         <version>2.0.1</version>
+      </dependency>
+
       <!-- Common deps for all qqq modules -->
       <dependency>
          <groupId>org.apache.maven.plugins</groupId>

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/ActionHelper.java

@@ -37,6 +37,7 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.QInstance;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.session.QSession;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.modules.authentication.QAuthenticationModuleDispatcher;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.modules.authentication.QAuthenticationModuleInterface;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.PrefixedDefaultThreadFactory;
 
 
 /*******************************************************************************
@@ -55,7 +56,7 @@ public class ActionHelper
    /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
    private static Integer         CORE_THREADS    = 8;
    private static Integer         MAX_THREADS     = 500;
-   private static ExecutorService executorService = new ThreadPoolExecutor(CORE_THREADS, MAX_THREADS, 60L, TimeUnit.SECONDS, new SynchronousQueue<>());
+   private static ExecutorService executorService = new ThreadPoolExecutor(CORE_THREADS, MAX_THREADS, 60L, TimeUnit.SECONDS, new SynchronousQueue<>(), new PrefixedDefaultThreadFactory(ActionHelper.class));
 
 
 

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/QBackendTransaction.java

@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.modules.backend.QBackendModuleInterface;
  **
  ** Note:  One would imagine that this class shouldn't ever implement Serializable...
  *******************************************************************************/
-public class QBackendTransaction
+public class QBackendTransaction implements AutoCloseable
 {
 
    /*******************************************************************************

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/async/AsyncJobManager.java

@@ -42,6 +42,7 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.state.InMemoryStateProvider;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.state.StateProviderInterface;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.state.StateType;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.state.UUIDAndTypeStateKey;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.PrefixedDefaultThreadFactory;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.StringUtils;
 import org.apache.logging.log4j.Level;
 import static com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.LogUtils.logPair;
@@ -65,7 +66,7 @@ public class AsyncJobManager
    /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
    private static Integer         CORE_THREADS    = 8;
    private static Integer         MAX_THREADS     = 500;
-   private static ExecutorService executorService = new ThreadPoolExecutor(CORE_THREADS, MAX_THREADS, 60L, TimeUnit.SECONDS, new SynchronousQueue<>());
+   private static ExecutorService executorService = new ThreadPoolExecutor(CORE_THREADS, MAX_THREADS, 60L, TimeUnit.SECONDS, new SynchronousQueue<>(), new PrefixedDefaultThreadFactory(AsyncJobManager.class));
 
 
    private String forcedJobUUID = null;
@@ -159,7 +160,7 @@ public class AsyncJobManager
    private <T extends Serializable> T runAsyncJob(String jobName, AsyncJob<T> asyncJob, UUIDAndTypeStateKey uuidAndTypeStateKey, AsyncJobStatus asyncJobStatus)
    {
       String originalThreadName = Thread.currentThread().getName();
-      Thread.currentThread().setName("Job:" + jobName + ":" + uuidAndTypeStateKey.getUuid().toString().substring(0, 8));
+      Thread.currentThread().setName("Job:" + jobName);
       try
       {
          LOG.debug("Starting job " + uuidAndTypeStateKey.getUuid());
@@ -169,17 +170,24 @@ public class AsyncJobManager
          LOG.debug("Completed job " + uuidAndTypeStateKey.getUuid());
          return (result);
       }
-      catch(Exception e)
+      catch(Throwable t)
       {
          asyncJobStatus.setState(AsyncJobState.ERROR);
-         asyncJobStatus.setCaughtException(e);
+         if(t instanceof Exception e)
+         {
+            asyncJobStatus.setCaughtException(e);
+         }
+         else
+         {
+            asyncJobStatus.setCaughtException(new QException("Caught throwable", t));
+         }
          getStateProvider().put(uuidAndTypeStateKey, asyncJobStatus);
 
          //////////////////////////////////////////////////////
          // if user facing, just log an info, warn otherwise //
          //////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-         LOG.log((e instanceof QUserFacingException) ? Level.INFO : Level.WARN, "Job ended with an exception", e, logPair("jobId", uuidAndTypeStateKey.getUuid()));
-         throw (new CompletionException(e));
+         LOG.log((t instanceof QUserFacingException) ? Level.INFO : Level.WARN, "Job ended with an exception", t, logPair("jobId", uuidAndTypeStateKey.getUuid()));
+         throw (new CompletionException(t));
       }
       finally
       {

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/async/AsyncJobStatus.java

@@ -31,6 +31,7 @@ import java.io.Serializable;
  *******************************************************************************/
 public class AsyncJobStatus implements Serializable
 {
+   private String        jobName;
    private AsyncJobState state;
    private String        message;
    private Integer       current;
@@ -187,4 +188,36 @@ public class AsyncJobStatus implements Serializable
    {
       this.cancelRequested = cancelRequested;
    }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Getter for jobName
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public String getJobName()
+   {
+      return (this.jobName);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Setter for jobName
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public void setJobName(String jobName)
+   {
+      this.jobName = jobName;
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Fluent setter for jobName
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public AsyncJobStatus withJobName(String jobName)
+   {
+      this.jobName = jobName;
+      return (this);
+   }
+
 }

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/async/AsyncRecordPipeLoop.java

@@ -32,6 +32,7 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.QLogger;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.SleepUtils;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.lambdas.UnsafeFunction;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.lambdas.UnsafeSupplier;
+import static com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.LogUtils.logPair;
 
 
 /*******************************************************************************
@@ -185,8 +186,7 @@ public class AsyncRecordPipeLoop
 
       if(recordCount > 0)
       {
-         LOG.info(String.format("Processed %,d records", recordCount)
-            + String.format(" at end of job [%s] in %,d ms (%.2f records/second).", jobName, (endTime - jobStartTime), 1000d * (recordCount / (.001d + (endTime - jobStartTime)))));
+         LOG.debug("End of job summary", logPair("recordCount", recordCount), logPair("jobName", jobName), logPair("millis", endTime - jobStartTime), logPair("recordsPerSecond", 1000d * (recordCount / (.001d + (endTime - jobStartTime)))));
       }
 
       return (recordCount);

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/async/NonPersistedAsyncJobCallback.java

@@ -0,0 +1,62 @@
+/*
+ * QQQ - Low-code Application Framework for Engineers.
+ * Copyright (C) 2021-2024.  Kingsrook, LLC
+ * 651 N Broad St Ste 205 # 6917 | Middletown DE 19709 | United States
+ * contact@kingsrook.com
+ * https://github.com/Kingsrook/
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU Affero General Public License as
+ * published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the
+ * License, or (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU Affero General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU Affero General Public License
+ * along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.async;
+
+
+import java.util.UUID;
+
+
+/*******************************************************************************
+ ** subclass designed to be used when we want there to be an instance (so code
+ ** doesn't have to all be null-tolerant), but there's no one who will ever be
+ ** reading the status data, so we don't need to store the object in a
+ ** state provider.
+ *******************************************************************************/
+public class NonPersistedAsyncJobCallback extends AsyncJobCallback
+{
+   private final AsyncJobStatus asyncJobStatus;
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public NonPersistedAsyncJobCallback(UUID jobUUID, AsyncJobStatus asyncJobStatus)
+   {
+      super(jobUUID, asyncJobStatus);
+      this.asyncJobStatus = asyncJobStatus;
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   protected void storeUpdatedStatus()
+   {
+      ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      // noop - cf. base class, which writes to persistence here (our point is, we do not) //
+      ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+   }
+
+}

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/audits/AuditAction.java

@@ -44,6 +44,7 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.get.GetOutput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.insert.InsertInput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.insert.InsertOutput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.data.QRecord;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.security.MultiRecordSecurityLock;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.security.RecordSecurityLock;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.security.RecordSecurityLockFilters;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.tables.QTableMetaData;
@@ -173,26 +174,53 @@ public class AuditAction extends AbstractQActionFunction<AuditInput, AuditOutput
       Map<String, Serializable> securityKeyValues = new HashMap<>();
       for(RecordSecurityLock recordSecurityLock : RecordSecurityLockFilters.filterForReadLocks(CollectionUtils.nonNullList(table.getRecordSecurityLocks())))
       {
-         Serializable keyValue = record == null ? null : record.getValue(recordSecurityLock.getFieldName());
-
-         if(keyValue == null && oldRecord.isPresent())
-         {
-            LOG.debug("Table with a securityLock, but value not found in field", logPair("table", table.getName()), logPair("field", recordSecurityLock.getFieldName()));
-            keyValue = oldRecord.get().getValue(recordSecurityLock.getFieldName());
-         }
-
-         if(keyValue == null)
-         {
-            LOG.debug("Table with a securityLock, but value not found in field", logPair("table", table.getName()), logPair("field", recordSecurityLock.getFieldName()), logPair("oldRecordIsPresent", oldRecord.isPresent()));
-         }
-
-         securityKeyValues.put(recordSecurityLock.getSecurityKeyType(), keyValue);
+         getRecordSecurityKeyValues(table, record, oldRecord, recordSecurityLock, securityKeyValues);
       }
       return securityKeyValues;
    }
 
 
 
+   /***************************************************************************
+    ** recursive implementation of getRecordSecurityKeyValues, for dealing with
+    ** multi-locks
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   private static void getRecordSecurityKeyValues(QTableMetaData table, QRecord record, Optional<QRecord> oldRecord, RecordSecurityLock recordSecurityLock, Map<String, Serializable> securityKeyValues)
+   {
+      //////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      // special case with recursive call for multi-locks //
+      //////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      if(recordSecurityLock instanceof MultiRecordSecurityLock multiRecordSecurityLock)
+      {
+         for(RecordSecurityLock subLock : RecordSecurityLockFilters.filterForReadLocks(CollectionUtils.nonNullList(multiRecordSecurityLock.getLocks())))
+         {
+            getRecordSecurityKeyValues(table, record, oldRecord, subLock, securityKeyValues);
+         }
+
+         return;
+      }
+
+      ///////////////////////////////////////////
+      // by default, deal with non-multi locks //
+      ///////////////////////////////////////////
+      Serializable keyValue = record == null ? null : record.getValue(recordSecurityLock.getFieldName());
+
+      if(keyValue == null && oldRecord.isPresent())
+      {
+         LOG.debug("Table with a securityLock, but value not found in field", logPair("table", table.getName()), logPair("field", recordSecurityLock.getFieldName()));
+         keyValue = oldRecord.get().getValue(recordSecurityLock.getFieldName());
+      }
+
+      if(keyValue == null)
+      {
+         LOG.debug("Table with a securityLock, but value not found in field", logPair("table", table.getName()), logPair("field", recordSecurityLock.getFieldName()), logPair("oldRecordIsPresent", oldRecord.isPresent()));
+      }
+
+      securityKeyValues.put(recordSecurityLock.getSecurityKeyType(), keyValue);
+   }
+
+
+
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
@@ -218,15 +246,16 @@ public class AuditAction extends AbstractQActionFunction<AuditInput, AuditOutput
                   throw (new QException("Requested audit for an unrecognized table name: " + auditSingleInput.getAuditTableName()));
                }
 
-               ///////////////////////////////////////////////////
-               // validate security keys on the table are given //
-               ///////////////////////////////////////////////////
-               for(RecordSecurityLock recordSecurityLock : RecordSecurityLockFilters.filterForReadLocks(CollectionUtils.nonNullList(table.getRecordSecurityLocks())))
+               ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+               // validate security keys on the table are given     //
+               // originally, this case threw...                    //
+               // but i think it's better to record the audit, just //
+               // missing its security key value, then to fail...   //
+               // but, maybe should be configurable, etc...         //
+               ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+               if(!validateSecurityKeys(auditSingleInput, table))
                {
-                  if(auditSingleInput.getSecurityKeyValues() == null || !auditSingleInput.getSecurityKeyValues().containsKey(recordSecurityLock.getSecurityKeyType()))
-                  {
-                     throw (new QException("Missing securityKeyValue [" + recordSecurityLock.getSecurityKeyType() + "] in audit request for table " + auditSingleInput.getAuditTableName()));
-                  }
+                  LOG.debug("Missing securityKeyValue in audit request", logPair("table", auditSingleInput.getAuditTableName()), logPair("auditMessage", auditSingleInput.getMessage()), logPair("recordId", auditSingleInput.getRecordId()));
                }
 
                ////////////////////////////////////////////////
@@ -272,7 +301,7 @@ public class AuditAction extends AbstractQActionFunction<AuditInput, AuditOutput
             List<QRecord> auditDetailRecords = new ArrayList<>();
             for(AuditSingleInput auditSingleInput : CollectionUtils.nonNullList(input.getAuditSingleInputList()))
             {
-               Integer auditId = insertOutput.getRecords().get(i++).getValueInteger("id");
+               Long auditId = insertOutput.getRecords().get(i++).getValueLong("id");
                if(auditId == null)
                {
                   LOG.warn("Missing an id for inserted audit - so won't be able to store its child details...");
@@ -304,6 +333,70 @@ public class AuditAction extends AbstractQActionFunction<AuditInput, AuditOutput
 
 
 
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   static boolean validateSecurityKeys(AuditSingleInput auditSingleInput, QTableMetaData table)
+   {
+      boolean allAreValid = true;
+      for(RecordSecurityLock recordSecurityLock : RecordSecurityLockFilters.filterForReadLocks(CollectionUtils.nonNullList(table.getRecordSecurityLocks())))
+      {
+         boolean lockIsValid = validateSecurityKeysForLock(auditSingleInput, recordSecurityLock);
+         if(!lockIsValid)
+         {
+            allAreValid = false;
+         }
+      }
+
+      return (allAreValid);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   private static boolean validateSecurityKeysForLock(AuditSingleInput auditSingleInput, RecordSecurityLock recordSecurityLock)
+   {
+      if(recordSecurityLock instanceof MultiRecordSecurityLock multiRecordSecurityLock)
+      {
+         boolean allSubLocksAreValid = true;
+         boolean anySubLocksAreValid = false;
+         for(RecordSecurityLock lock : RecordSecurityLockFilters.filterForReadLocks(CollectionUtils.nonNullList(multiRecordSecurityLock.getLocks())))
+         {
+            boolean subLockIsValid = validateSecurityKeysForLock(auditSingleInput, lock);
+            if(subLockIsValid)
+            {
+               anySubLocksAreValid = true;
+            }
+            else
+            {
+               allSubLocksAreValid = false;
+            }
+         }
+
+         if(multiRecordSecurityLock.getOperator().equals(MultiRecordSecurityLock.BooleanOperator.OR))
+         {
+            return (anySubLocksAreValid);
+         }
+         else if(multiRecordSecurityLock.getOperator().equals(MultiRecordSecurityLock.BooleanOperator.AND))
+         {
+            return (allSubLocksAreValid);
+         }
+      }
+      else
+      {
+         if(auditSingleInput.getSecurityKeyValues() == null || !auditSingleInput.getSecurityKeyValues().containsKey(recordSecurityLock.getSecurityKeyType()))
+         {
+            return (false);
+         }
+      }
+
+      return (true);
+   }
+
+
+
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/audits/DMLAuditAction.java

@@ -149,7 +149,7 @@ public class DMLAuditAction extends AbstractQActionFunction<DMLAuditInput, DMLAu
             // sort the field names by their labels //
             //////////////////////////////////////////
             List<String> sortedFieldNames = table.getFields().keySet().stream()
-               .sorted(Comparator.comparing(fieldName -> table.getFields().get(fieldName).getLabel()))
+               .sorted(Comparator.comparing(fieldName -> Objects.requireNonNullElse(table.getFields().get(fieldName).getLabel(), fieldName)))
                .toList();
 
             QFieldMetaData primaryKeyField = table.getField(table.getPrimaryKeyField());
@@ -303,7 +303,7 @@ public class DMLAuditAction extends AbstractQActionFunction<DMLAuditInput, DMLAu
          }
          else
          {
-            String formattedValue = getFormattedValueForAuditDetail(record, fieldName, field, value);
+            String formattedValue = getFormattedValueForAuditDetail(table, record, fieldName, field, value);
             detailRecord = new QRecord().withValue("message", "Set " + field.getLabel() + " to " + formattedValue);
             detailRecord.withValue("newValue", formattedValue);
          }
@@ -329,8 +329,8 @@ public class DMLAuditAction extends AbstractQActionFunction<DMLAuditInput, DMLAu
             }
             else
             {
-               String formattedValue    = getFormattedValueForAuditDetail(record, fieldName, field, value);
-               String formattedOldValue = getFormattedValueForAuditDetail(oldRecord, fieldName, field, oldValue);
+               String formattedValue    = getFormattedValueForAuditDetail(table, record, fieldName, field, value);
+               String formattedOldValue = getFormattedValueForAuditDetail(table, oldRecord, fieldName, field, oldValue);
 
                if(oldValue == null)
                {
@@ -464,7 +464,7 @@ public class DMLAuditAction extends AbstractQActionFunction<DMLAuditInput, DMLAu
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   private static String getFormattedValueForAuditDetail(QRecord record, String fieldName, QFieldMetaData field, Serializable value)
+   private static String getFormattedValueForAuditDetail(QTableMetaData table, QRecord record, String fieldName, QFieldMetaData field, Serializable value)
    {
       String formattedValue = null;
       if(value != null)
@@ -479,7 +479,8 @@ public class DMLAuditAction extends AbstractQActionFunction<DMLAuditInput, DMLAu
          }
          else
          {
-            formattedValue = QValueFormatter.formatValue(field, value);
+            QValueFormatter.setDisplayValuesInRecord(table, table.getFields(), record);
+            formattedValue = record.getDisplayValue(fieldName);
          }
       }
 

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/automation/AutomationStatus.java

@@ -127,7 +127,6 @@ public enum AutomationStatus implements PossibleValueEnum<Integer>
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   @SuppressWarnings("checkstyle:indentation")
    public String getInsertOrUpdate()
    {
       return switch(this)

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/automation/RecordAutomationStatusUpdater.java

@@ -344,6 +344,9 @@ public class RecordAutomationStatusUpdater
 
 
 
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
    private record Key(QTableMetaData table, TriggerEvent triggerEvent) {}
 
 }

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/automation/RunRecordScriptAutomationHandler.java

@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ public class RunRecordScriptAutomationHandler extends RecordAutomationHandler
       }
 
       QRecord scriptRevision = queryOutput.getRecords().get(0);
-      LOG.info("Running script against records", logPair("scriptRevisionId", scriptRevision.getValue("id")), logPair("scriptId", scriptRevision.getValue("scriptIdd")));
+      LOG.debug("Running script against records", logPair("scriptRevisionId", scriptRevision.getValue("id")), logPair("scriptId", scriptRevision.getValue("scriptIdd")));
 
       RunAdHocRecordScriptInput input = new RunAdHocRecordScriptInput();
       input.setCodeReference(new AdHocScriptCodeReference().withScriptRevisionRecord(scriptRevision));

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/automation/polling/PollingAutomationPerTableRunner.java

@@ -132,6 +132,11 @@ public class PollingAutomationPerTableRunner implements Runnable
        *******************************************************************************/
       String tableName();
 
+      /*******************************************************************************
+       **
+       *******************************************************************************/
+      QTableAutomationDetails tableAutomationDetails();
+
       /*******************************************************************************
        **
        *******************************************************************************/
@@ -143,7 +148,7 @@ public class PollingAutomationPerTableRunner implements Runnable
    /*******************************************************************************
     ** Wrapper for a pair of (tableName, automationStatus)
     *******************************************************************************/
-   public record TableActions(String tableName, AutomationStatus status) implements TableActionsInterface
+   public record TableActions(String tableName, QTableAutomationDetails tableAutomationDetails, AutomationStatus status) implements TableActionsInterface
    {
       /*******************************************************************************
        **
@@ -159,7 +164,7 @@ public class PollingAutomationPerTableRunner implements Runnable
     ** extended version of TableAction, for sharding use-case - adds the shard
     ** details.
     *******************************************************************************/
-   public record ShardedTableActions(String tableName, AutomationStatus status, String shardByFieldName, Serializable shardValue, String shardLabel) implements TableActionsInterface
+   public record ShardedTableActions(String tableName, QTableAutomationDetails tableAutomationDetails, AutomationStatus status, String shardByFieldName, Serializable shardValue, String shardLabel) implements TableActionsInterface
    {
       /*******************************************************************************
        **
@@ -198,8 +203,8 @@ public class PollingAutomationPerTableRunner implements Runnable
                   {
                      Serializable shardId = record.getValue(automationDetails.getShardIdFieldName());
                      String       label   = record.getValueString(automationDetails.getShardLabelFieldName());
-                     tableActionList.add(new ShardedTableActions(table.getName(), AutomationStatus.PENDING_INSERT_AUTOMATIONS, automationDetails.getShardByFieldName(), shardId, label));
-                     tableActionList.add(new ShardedTableActions(table.getName(), AutomationStatus.PENDING_UPDATE_AUTOMATIONS, automationDetails.getShardByFieldName(), shardId, label));
+                     tableActionList.add(new ShardedTableActions(table.getName(), automationDetails, AutomationStatus.PENDING_INSERT_AUTOMATIONS, automationDetails.getShardByFieldName(), shardId, label));
+                     tableActionList.add(new ShardedTableActions(table.getName(), automationDetails, AutomationStatus.PENDING_UPDATE_AUTOMATIONS, automationDetails.getShardByFieldName(), shardId, label));
                   }
                }
                catch(Exception e)
@@ -209,11 +214,11 @@ public class PollingAutomationPerTableRunner implements Runnable
             }
             else
             {
-               ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-               // for non-sharded, we just need tabler name & automation status //
-               ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-               tableActionList.add(new TableActions(table.getName(), AutomationStatus.PENDING_INSERT_AUTOMATIONS));
-               tableActionList.add(new TableActions(table.getName(), AutomationStatus.PENDING_UPDATE_AUTOMATIONS));
+               //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+               // for non-sharded, we just need table name & automation status //
+               //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+               tableActionList.add(new TableActions(table.getName(), automationDetails, AutomationStatus.PENDING_INSERT_AUTOMATIONS));
+               tableActionList.add(new TableActions(table.getName(), automationDetails, AutomationStatus.PENDING_UPDATE_AUTOMATIONS));
             }
          }
       }
@@ -521,7 +526,7 @@ public class PollingAutomationPerTableRunner implements Runnable
          // note - this method - will re-query the objects, so we should have confidence that their data is fresh... //
          //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
          List<QRecord> matchingQRecords = getRecordsMatchingActionFilter(table, records, action);
-         LOG.debug("Of the {} records that were pending automations, {} of them match the filter on the action {}", records.size(), matchingQRecords.size(), action);
+         LOG.debug("Of the [" + records.size() + "] records that were pending automations, [" + matchingQRecords.size() + "] of them match the filter on the action:" +  action);
          if(CollectionUtils.nullSafeHasContents(matchingQRecords))
          {
             LOG.debug("  Processing " + matchingQRecords.size() + " records in " + table + " for action " + action);
@@ -596,7 +601,7 @@ public class PollingAutomationPerTableRunner implements Runnable
 
    /*******************************************************************************
     ** Finally, actually run action code against a list of known matching records.
-    ** todo not commit - move to somewhere genericer
+    **
     *******************************************************************************/
    public static void applyActionToMatchingRecords(QTableMetaData table, List<QRecord> records, TableAutomationAction action) throws Exception
    {
@@ -644,7 +649,7 @@ public class PollingAutomationPerTableRunner implements Runnable
          input.setRecordList(records);
          input.setAction(action);
 
-         RecordAutomationHandler recordAutomationHandler = QCodeLoader.getRecordAutomationHandler(action);
+         RecordAutomationHandler recordAutomationHandler = QCodeLoader.getAdHoc(RecordAutomationHandler.class, action.getCodeReference());
          recordAutomationHandler.execute(input);
       }
    }

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/customizers/AbstractPostDeleteCustomizer.java

@@ -47,12 +47,24 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.data.QRecord;
  ** records that the delete action marked in error - the user might want to do
  ** something special with them (idk, try some other way to delete them?)
  *******************************************************************************/
-public abstract class AbstractPostDeleteCustomizer
+public abstract class AbstractPostDeleteCustomizer implements TableCustomizerInterface
 {
    protected DeleteInput deleteInput;
 
 
 
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public List<QRecord> postDelete(DeleteInput deleteInput, List<QRecord> records) throws QException
+   {
+      this.deleteInput = deleteInput;
+      return apply(records);
+   }
+
+
+
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/customizers/AbstractPostInsertCustomizer.java

@@ -42,12 +42,24 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.data.QRecord;
  **
  ** Note that the full insertInput is available as a field in this class.
  *******************************************************************************/
-public abstract class AbstractPostInsertCustomizer
+public abstract class AbstractPostInsertCustomizer implements TableCustomizerInterface
 {
    protected InsertInput insertInput;
 
 
 
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public List<QRecord> postInsert(InsertInput insertInput, List<QRecord> records) throws QException
+   {
+      this.insertInput = insertInput;
+      return (apply(records));
+   }
+
+
+
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/customizers/AbstractPostQueryCustomizer.java

@@ -23,16 +23,29 @@ package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.customizers;
 
 
 import java.util.List;
-import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.AbstractTableActionInput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.QueryOrGetInputInterface;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.data.QRecord;
 
 
 /*******************************************************************************
  **
  *******************************************************************************/
-public abstract class AbstractPostQueryCustomizer
+public abstract class AbstractPostQueryCustomizer implements TableCustomizerInterface
 {
-   protected AbstractTableActionInput input;
+   protected QueryOrGetInputInterface input;
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public List<QRecord> postQuery(QueryOrGetInputInterface queryInput, List<QRecord> records) throws QException
+   {
+      input = queryInput;
+      return apply(records);
+   }
 
 
 
@@ -47,7 +60,7 @@ public abstract class AbstractPostQueryCustomizer
     ** Getter for input
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   public AbstractTableActionInput getInput()
+   public QueryOrGetInputInterface getInput()
    {
       return (input);
    }
@@ -58,7 +71,7 @@ public abstract class AbstractPostQueryCustomizer
     ** Setter for input
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   public void setInput(AbstractTableActionInput input)
+   public void setInput(QueryOrGetInputInterface input)
    {
       this.input = input;
    }

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/customizers/AbstractPostUpdateCustomizer.java

@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ import java.io.Serializable;
 import java.util.HashMap;
 import java.util.List;
 import java.util.Map;
+import java.util.Optional;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.update.UpdateInput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.data.QRecord;
@@ -48,7 +49,7 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.data.QRecord;
  ** available (if the backend supports it) - both as a list (`getOldRecordList`)
  ** and as a memoized (by this class) map of primaryKey to record (`getOldRecordMap`).
  *******************************************************************************/
-public abstract class AbstractPostUpdateCustomizer
+public abstract class AbstractPostUpdateCustomizer implements TableCustomizerInterface
 {
    protected UpdateInput   updateInput;
    protected List<QRecord> oldRecordList;
@@ -57,6 +58,19 @@ public abstract class AbstractPostUpdateCustomizer
 
 
 
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public List<QRecord> postUpdate(UpdateInput updateInput, List<QRecord> records, Optional<List<QRecord>> oldRecordList) throws QException
+   {
+      this.updateInput = updateInput;
+      this.oldRecordList = oldRecordList.orElse(null);
+      return apply(records);
+   }
+
+
+
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/customizers/AbstractPreDeleteCustomizer.java

@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.data.QRecord;
  ** Note that the full deleteInput is available as a field in this class.
  **
  *******************************************************************************/
-public abstract class AbstractPreDeleteCustomizer
+public abstract class AbstractPreDeleteCustomizer implements TableCustomizerInterface
 {
    protected DeleteInput deleteInput;
 
@@ -58,6 +58,19 @@ public abstract class AbstractPreDeleteCustomizer
 
 
 
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public List<QRecord> preDelete(DeleteInput deleteInput, List<QRecord> records, boolean isPreview) throws QException
+   {
+      this.deleteInput = deleteInput;
+      this.isPreview = isPreview;
+      return apply(records);
+   }
+
+
+
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/customizers/AbstractPreInsertCustomizer.java

@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.data.QRecord;
  **
  ** Note that the full insertInput is available as a field in this class.
  *******************************************************************************/
-public abstract class AbstractPreInsertCustomizer
+public abstract class AbstractPreInsertCustomizer implements TableCustomizerInterface
 {
    protected InsertInput insertInput;
 
@@ -55,10 +55,10 @@ public abstract class AbstractPreInsertCustomizer
 
 
 
-   /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-   // allow the customizer to specify when it should be executed as part of the   //
-   // insert action.  default (per method in this class) is AFTER_ALL_VALIDATIONS //
-   /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+   /***************************************************************************
+    ** allow the customizer to specify when it should be executed as part of the
+    ** insert action.  default (per method in this class) is AFTER_ALL_VALIDATIONS
+    ***************************************************************************/
    public enum WhenToRun
    {
       BEFORE_ALL_VALIDATIONS,
@@ -70,6 +70,30 @@ public abstract class AbstractPreInsertCustomizer
 
 
 
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public List<QRecord> preInsert(InsertInput insertInput, List<QRecord> records, boolean isPreview) throws QException
+   {
+      this.insertInput = insertInput;
+      this.isPreview = isPreview;
+      return (apply(records));
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public WhenToRun whenToRunPreInsert(InsertInput insertInput, boolean isPreview)
+   {
+      return getWhenToRun();
+   }
+
+
+
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/customizers/AbstractPreUpdateCustomizer.java

@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ import java.io.Serializable;
 import java.util.HashMap;
 import java.util.List;
 import java.util.Map;
+import java.util.Optional;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.update.UpdateInput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.data.QRecord;
@@ -53,7 +54,7 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.data.QRecord;
  ** available (if the backend supports it) - both as a list (`getOldRecordList`)
  ** and as a memoized (by this class) map of primaryKey to record (`getOldRecordMap`).
  *******************************************************************************/
-public abstract class AbstractPreUpdateCustomizer
+public abstract class AbstractPreUpdateCustomizer implements TableCustomizerInterface
 {
    protected UpdateInput   updateInput;
    protected List<QRecord> oldRecordList;
@@ -63,6 +64,20 @@ public abstract class AbstractPreUpdateCustomizer
 
 
 
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public List<QRecord> preUpdate(UpdateInput updateInput, List<QRecord> records, boolean isPreview, Optional<List<QRecord>> oldRecordList) throws QException
+   {
+      this.updateInput = updateInput;
+      this.isPreview = isPreview;
+      this.oldRecordList = oldRecordList.orElse(null);
+      return apply(records);
+   }
+
+
+
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/customizers/ChildInserterPostInsertCustomizer.java

@@ -28,6 +28,7 @@ import java.util.Iterator;
 import java.util.List;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.tables.InsertAction;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.tables.UpdateAction;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.context.QContext;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QRuntimeException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.insert.InsertInput;
@@ -49,6 +50,9 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.CollectionUtils;
  *******************************************************************************/
 public abstract class ChildInserterPostInsertCustomizer extends AbstractPostInsertCustomizer
 {
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
    public enum RelationshipType
    {
       PARENT_POINTS_AT_CHILD,
@@ -97,7 +101,7 @@ public abstract class ChildInserterPostInsertCustomizer extends AbstractPostInse
          List<QRecord>  rs               = records;
          List<QRecord>  childrenToInsert = new ArrayList<>();
          QTableMetaData table            = getInsertInput().getTable();
-         QTableMetaData childTable       = getInsertInput().getInstance().getTable(getChildTableName());
+         QTableMetaData childTable       = QContext.getQInstance().getTable(getChildTableName());
 
          ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
          // iterate over the inserted records, building a list child records to insert //

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/customizers/QCodeLoader.java

@@ -22,138 +22,46 @@
 package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.customizers;
 
 
+import java.lang.reflect.Constructor;
 import java.util.Optional;
-import java.util.function.Function;
-import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.automation.RecordAutomationHandler;
-import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.processes.BackendStep;
-import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.values.QCustomPossibleValueProvider;
-import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.QLogger;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.code.InitializableViaCodeReference;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.code.QCodeReference;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.code.QCodeType;
-import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.possiblevalues.QPossibleValueSource;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.tables.QTableMetaData;
-import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.tables.automation.TableAutomationAction;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.lambdas.UnsafeFunction;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.memoization.Memoization;
 import static com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.LogUtils.logPair;
 
 
 /*******************************************************************************
  ** Utility to load code for running QQQ customizers.
+ **
+ ** That memoization causes 1,000,000 such calls to go from ~500ms to ~100ms.
  *******************************************************************************/
 public class QCodeLoader
 {
    private static final QLogger LOG = QLogger.getLogger(QCodeLoader.class);
 
+   private static Memoization<String, Constructor<?>> constructorMemoization = new Memoization<>();
+
 
 
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   public static <T, R> Optional<Function<T, R>> getTableCustomizerFunction(QTableMetaData table, String customizerName)
+   public static Optional<TableCustomizerInterface> getTableCustomizer(QTableMetaData table, String customizerName)
    {
       Optional<QCodeReference> codeReference = table.getCustomizer(customizerName);
       if(codeReference.isPresent())
       {
-         return (Optional.ofNullable(QCodeLoader.getFunction(codeReference.get())));
+         return (Optional.ofNullable(QCodeLoader.getAdHoc(TableCustomizerInterface.class, codeReference.get())));
       }
       return (Optional.empty());
    }
 
 
 
-   /*******************************************************************************
-    **
-    *******************************************************************************/
-   public static <T> Optional<T> getTableCustomizer(Class<T> expectedClass, QTableMetaData table, String customizerName)
-   {
-      Optional<QCodeReference> codeReference = table.getCustomizer(customizerName);
-      if(codeReference.isPresent())
-      {
-         return (Optional.ofNullable(QCodeLoader.getAdHoc(expectedClass, codeReference.get())));
-      }
-      return (Optional.empty());
-   }
-
-
-
-   /*******************************************************************************
-    **
-    *******************************************************************************/
-   @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
-   public static <T, R> Function<T, R> getFunction(QCodeReference codeReference)
-   {
-      if(codeReference == null)
-      {
-         return (null);
-      }
-
-      if(!codeReference.getCodeType().equals(QCodeType.JAVA))
-      {
-         ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-         // todo - 1) support more languages, 2) wrap them w/ java Functions here, 3) profit! //
-         ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-         throw (new IllegalArgumentException("Only JAVA customizers are supported at this time."));
-      }
-
-      try
-      {
-         Class<?> customizerClass = Class.forName(codeReference.getName());
-         return ((Function<T, R>) customizerClass.getConstructor().newInstance());
-      }
-      catch(Exception e)
-      {
-         LOG.error("Error initializing customizer", logPair("codeReference", codeReference), e);
-
-         //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-         // return null here - under the assumption that during normal run-time operations, we'll never hit here //
-         // as we'll want to validate all functions in the instance validator at startup time (and IT will throw //
-         // if it finds an invalid code reference                                                                //
-         //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-         return (null);
-      }
-   }
-
-
-
-   /*******************************************************************************
-    **
-    *******************************************************************************/
-   @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
-   public static <T extends BackendStep> T getBackendStep(Class<T> expectedType, QCodeReference codeReference)
-   {
-      if(codeReference == null)
-      {
-         return (null);
-      }
-
-      if(!codeReference.getCodeType().equals(QCodeType.JAVA))
-      {
-         ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-         // todo - 1) support more languages, 2) wrap them w/ java Functions here, 3) profit! //
-         ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-         throw (new IllegalArgumentException("Only JAVA BackendSteps are supported at this time."));
-      }
-
-      try
-      {
-         Class<?> customizerClass = Class.forName(codeReference.getName());
-         return ((T) customizerClass.getConstructor().newInstance());
-      }
-      catch(Exception e)
-      {
-         LOG.error("Error initializing customizer", logPair("codeReference", codeReference), e);
-
-         //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-         // return null here - under the assumption that during normal run-time operations, we'll never hit here //
-         // as we'll want to validate all functions in the instance validator at startup time (and IT will throw //
-         // if it finds an invalid code reference                                                                //
-         //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-         return (null);
-      }
-   }
-
-
-
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
@@ -175,12 +83,35 @@ public class QCodeLoader
 
       try
       {
-         Class<?> customizerClass = Class.forName(codeReference.getName());
-         return ((T) customizerClass.getConstructor().newInstance());
+         Optional<Constructor<?>> constructor = constructorMemoization.getResultThrowing(codeReference.getName(), (UnsafeFunction<String, Constructor<?>, Exception>) s ->
+         {
+            Class<?> customizerClass = Class.forName(codeReference.getName());
+            return customizerClass.getConstructor();
+         });
+
+         if(constructor.isPresent())
+         {
+            T t = (T) constructor.get().newInstance();
+
+            ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // if the object is initializable, then, well, initialize it! //
+            ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            if(t instanceof InitializableViaCodeReference initializableViaCodeReference)
+            {
+               initializableViaCodeReference.initialize(codeReference);
+            }
+
+            return t;
+         }
+         else
+         {
+            LOG.error("Could not get constructor for code reference", logPair("codeReference", codeReference));
+            return (null);
+         }
       }
       catch(Exception e)
       {
-         LOG.error("Error initializing customizer", logPair("codeReference", codeReference), e);
+         LOG.error("Error initializing codeReference", e, logPair("codeReference", codeReference));
 
          //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
          // return null here - under the assumption that during normal run-time operations, we'll never hit here //
@@ -191,67 +122,4 @@ public class QCodeLoader
       }
    }
 
-
-
-   /*******************************************************************************
-    **
-    *******************************************************************************/
-   public static RecordAutomationHandler getRecordAutomationHandler(TableAutomationAction action) throws QException
-   {
-      try
-      {
-         QCodeReference codeReference = action.getCodeReference();
-         if(!codeReference.getCodeType().equals(QCodeType.JAVA))
-         {
-            ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-            // todo - 1) support more languages, 2) wrap them w/ java Functions here, 3) profit! //
-            ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-            throw (new IllegalArgumentException("Only JAVA customizers are supported at this time."));
-         }
-
-         Class<?> codeClass  = Class.forName(codeReference.getName());
-         Object   codeObject = codeClass.getConstructor().newInstance();
-         if(!(codeObject instanceof RecordAutomationHandler recordAutomationHandler))
-         {
-            throw (new QException("The supplied code [" + codeClass.getName() + "] is not an instance of RecordAutomationHandler"));
-         }
-         return (recordAutomationHandler);
-      }
-      catch(QException qe)
-      {
-         throw (qe);
-      }
-      catch(Exception e)
-      {
-         throw (new QException("Error getting record automation handler for action [" + action.getName() + "]", e));
-      }
-   }
-
-
-
-   /*******************************************************************************
-    **
-    *******************************************************************************/
-   public static QCustomPossibleValueProvider getCustomPossibleValueProvider(QPossibleValueSource possibleValueSource) throws QException
-   {
-      try
-      {
-         Class<?> codeClass  = Class.forName(possibleValueSource.getCustomCodeReference().getName());
-         Object   codeObject = codeClass.getConstructor().newInstance();
-         if(!(codeObject instanceof QCustomPossibleValueProvider customPossibleValueProvider))
-         {
-            throw (new QException("The supplied code [" + codeClass.getName() + "] is not an instance of QCustomPossibleValueProvider"));
-         }
-         return (customPossibleValueProvider);
-      }
-      catch(QException qe)
-      {
-         throw (qe);
-      }
-      catch(Exception e)
-      {
-         throw (new QException("Error getting custom possible value provider for PVS [" + possibleValueSource.getName() + "]", e));
-      }
-   }
-
 }

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/customizers/RecordCustomizerUtilityInterface.java

@@ -24,10 +24,13 @@ package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.customizers;
 
 import java.io.Serializable;
 import java.util.HashMap;
+import java.util.List;
 import java.util.Map;
 import java.util.Objects;
+import java.util.Optional;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.context.QContext;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.QLogger;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.update.UpdateInput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.data.QRecord;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.fields.QFieldMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.tables.QTableMetaData;
@@ -50,10 +53,7 @@ public interface RecordCustomizerUtilityInterface
    /*******************************************************************************
     ** Container for an old value and a new value.
     *******************************************************************************/
-   @SuppressWarnings("checkstyle:MethodName")
-   record Change(Serializable oldValue, Serializable newValue)
-   {
-   }
+   record Change(Serializable oldValue, Serializable newValue) {}
 
 
    /*******************************************************************************
@@ -146,4 +146,33 @@ public interface RecordCustomizerUtilityInterface
       }
    }
 
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   default Map<Serializable, QRecord> getOldRecordMap(List<QRecord> oldRecordList, UpdateInput updateInput)
+   {
+      Map<Serializable, QRecord> oldRecordMap = new HashMap<>();
+      for(QRecord qRecord : oldRecordList)
+      {
+         oldRecordMap.put(qRecord.getValue(updateInput.getTable().getPrimaryKeyField()), qRecord);
+      }
+
+      return (oldRecordMap);
+   }
+
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   static <T extends Serializable> T getValueFromRecordOrOldRecord(String fieldName, QRecord record, Serializable primaryKey, Optional<Map<Serializable, QRecord>> oldRecordMap)
+   {
+      T value = (T) record.getValue(fieldName);
+      if(value == null && primaryKey != null && oldRecordMap.isPresent() && oldRecordMap.get().containsKey(primaryKey))
+      {
+         value = (T) oldRecordMap.get().get(primaryKey).getValue(fieldName);
+      }
+      return value;
+   }
+
 }

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/customizers/TableCustomizerInterface.java

@@ -0,0 +1,288 @@
+/*
+ * QQQ - Low-code Application Framework for Engineers.
+ * Copyright (C) 2021-2024.  Kingsrook, LLC
+ * 651 N Broad St Ste 205 # 6917 | Middletown DE 19709 | United States
+ * contact@kingsrook.com
+ * https://github.com/Kingsrook/
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU Affero General Public License as
+ * published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the
+ * License, or (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU Affero General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU Affero General Public License
+ * along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.customizers;
+
+
+import java.io.Serializable;
+import java.util.List;
+import java.util.Map;
+import java.util.Optional;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.QLogger;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.AbstractActionInput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.QueryOrGetInputInterface;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.delete.DeleteInput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.insert.InsertInput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.update.UpdateInput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.data.QRecord;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.CollectionUtils;
+import static com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.LogUtils.logPair;
+
+
+/*******************************************************************************
+ ** Common interface used by all (core) TableCustomizer types (e.g., post-query,
+ ** and {pre,post}-{insert,update,delete}.
+ **
+ ** Note that the abstract-base classes for each action still exist, though have
+ ** been back-ported to be implementors of this interface.  The action classes
+ ** will now expect this type, and call this type's methods.
+ **
+ *******************************************************************************/
+public interface TableCustomizerInterface
+{
+   QLogger LOG = QLogger.getLogger(TableCustomizerInterface.class);
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** custom actions to run after a query (or get!) takes place.
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   default List<QRecord> postQuery(QueryOrGetInputInterface queryInput, List<QRecord> records) throws QException
+   {
+      LOG.info("A default implementation of postQuery is running...  Probably not expected!", logPair("tableName", queryInput.getTableName()));
+      return (records);
+   }
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** custom actions before an insert takes place.
+    **
+    ** It's important for implementations to be aware of the isPreview field, which
+    ** is set to true when the code is running to give users advice, e.g., on a review
+    ** screen - vs. being false when the action is ACTUALLY happening.  So, if you're doing
+    ** things like storing data, you don't want to do that if isPreview is true!!
+    **
+    ** General implementation would be, to iterate over the records (the inputs to
+    ** the insert action), and look at their values:
+    ** - possibly adding Errors (`addError`) or Warnings (`addWarning`) to the records
+    ** - possibly manipulating values (`setValue`)
+    ** - possibly throwing an exception - if you really don't want the insert operation to continue.
+    ** - doing "whatever else" you may want to do.
+    ** - returning the list of records (can be the input list) that you want to go on to the backend implementation class.
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   default List<QRecord> preInsert(InsertInput insertInput, List<QRecord> records, boolean isPreview) throws QException
+   {
+      try
+      {
+         return (preInsertOrUpdate(insertInput, records, isPreview, Optional.empty()));
+      }
+      catch(NotImplementedHereException e)
+      {
+         LOG.info("A default implementation of preInsert is running...  Probably not expected!", logPair("tableName", insertInput.getTableName()));
+         return (records);
+      }
+   }
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   default AbstractPreInsertCustomizer.WhenToRun whenToRunPreInsert(InsertInput insertInput, boolean isPreview)
+   {
+      return (AbstractPreInsertCustomizer.WhenToRun.AFTER_ALL_VALIDATIONS);
+   }
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** custom actions after an insert takes place.
+    **
+    ** General implementation would be, to iterate over the records (the outputs of
+    ** the insert action), and look at their values:
+    ** - possibly adding Errors (`addError`) or Warnings (`addWarning`) to the records
+    ** - possibly throwing an exception - though doing so won't stop the update, and instead
+    **   will just set a warning on all of the updated records...
+    ** - doing "whatever else" you may want to do.
+    ** - returning the list of records (can be the input list) that you want to go back to the caller.
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   default List<QRecord> postInsert(InsertInput insertInput, List<QRecord> records) throws QException
+   {
+      try
+      {
+         return (postInsertOrUpdate(insertInput, records, Optional.empty()));
+      }
+      catch(NotImplementedHereException e)
+      {
+         LOG.info("A default implementation of postInsert is running...  Probably not expected!", logPair("tableName", insertInput.getTableName()));
+         return (records);
+      }
+   }
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** custom actions before an update takes place.
+    **
+    ** It's important for implementations to be aware of the isPreview field, which
+    ** is set to true when the code is running to give users advice, e.g., on a review
+    ** screen - vs. being false when the action is ACTUALLY happening.  So, if you're doing
+    ** things like storing data, you don't want to do that if isPreview is true!!
+    **
+    ** General implementation would be, to iterate over the records (the inputs to
+    ** the update action), and look at their values:
+    ** - possibly adding Errors (`addError`) or Warnings (`addWarning`) to the records
+    ** - possibly manipulating values (`setValue`)
+    ** - possibly throwing an exception - if you really don't want the update operation to continue.
+    ** - doing "whatever else" you may want to do.
+    ** - returning the list of records (can be the input list) that you want to go on to the backend implementation class.
+    **
+    ** Note, "old records" (e.g., with values freshly fetched from the backend) will be
+    ** available (if the backend supports it)
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   default List<QRecord> preUpdate(UpdateInput updateInput, List<QRecord> records, boolean isPreview, Optional<List<QRecord>> oldRecordList) throws QException
+   {
+      try
+      {
+         return (preInsertOrUpdate(updateInput, records, isPreview, oldRecordList));
+      }
+      catch(NotImplementedHereException e)
+      {
+         LOG.info("A default implementation of preUpdate is running...  Probably not expected!", logPair("tableName", updateInput.getTableName()));
+         return (records);
+      }
+   }
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** custom actions after an update takes place.
+    **
+    ** General implementation would be, to iterate over the records (the outputs of
+    ** the update action), and look at their values:
+    ** - possibly adding Errors (`addError`) or Warnings (`addWarning`) to the records?
+    ** - possibly throwing an exception - though doing so won't stop the update, and instead
+    **   will just set a warning on all of the updated records...
+    ** - doing "whatever else" you may want to do.
+    ** - returning the list of records (can be the input list) that you want to go back to the caller.
+    **
+    ** Note, "old records" (e.g., with values freshly fetched from the backend) will be
+    ** available (if the backend supports it).
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   default List<QRecord> postUpdate(UpdateInput updateInput, List<QRecord> records, Optional<List<QRecord>> oldRecordList) throws QException
+   {
+      try
+      {
+         return (postInsertOrUpdate(updateInput, records, oldRecordList));
+      }
+      catch(NotImplementedHereException e)
+      {
+         LOG.info("A default implementation of postUpdate is running...  Probably not expected!", logPair("tableName", updateInput.getTableName()));
+         return (records);
+      }
+   }
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Custom actions before a delete takes place.
+    **
+    ** It's important for implementations to be aware of the isPreview param, which
+    ** is set to true when the code is running to give users advice, e.g., on a review
+    ** screen - vs. being false when the action is ACTUALLY happening.  So, if you're doing
+    ** things like storing data, you don't want to do that if isPreview is true!!
+    **
+    ** General implementation would be, to iterate over the records (which the DeleteAction
+    ** would look up based on the inputs to the delete action), and look at their values:
+    ** - possibly adding Errors (`addError`) or Warnings (`addWarning`) to the records
+    ** - possibly throwing an exception - if you really don't want the delete operation to continue.
+    ** - doing "whatever else" you may want to do.
+    ** - returning the list of records (can be the input list) - this is how errors
+    **   and warnings are propagated to the DeleteAction.  Note that any records with
+    **   an error will NOT proceed to the backend's delete interface - but those with
+    **   warnings will.
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   default List<QRecord> preDelete(DeleteInput deleteInput, List<QRecord> records, boolean isPreview) throws QException
+   {
+      LOG.info("A default implementation of preDelete is running...  Probably not expected!", logPair("tableName", deleteInput.getTableName()));
+      return (records);
+   }
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Custom actions after a delete takes place.
+    **
+    ** General implementation would be, to iterate over the records (ones which didn't
+    ** have a delete error), and look at their values:
+    ** - possibly adding Errors (`addError`) or Warnings (`addWarning`) to the records?
+    ** - possibly throwing an exception - though doing so won't stop the delete, and instead
+    **   will just set a warning on all of the deleted records...
+    ** - doing "whatever else" you may want to do.
+    ** - returning the list of records (can be the input list) that you want to go back
+    **   to the caller - this is how errors and warnings are propagated .
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   default List<QRecord> postDelete(DeleteInput deleteInput, List<QRecord> records) throws QException
+   {
+      LOG.info("A default implementation of postDelete is running...  Probably not expected!", logPair("tableName", deleteInput.getTableName()));
+      return (records);
+   }
+
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    ** Optional method to override in a customizer that does the same thing for
+    ** both preInsert & preUpdate.
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   default List<QRecord> preInsertOrUpdate(AbstractActionInput input, List<QRecord> records, boolean isPreview, Optional<List<QRecord>> oldRecordList) throws QException
+   {
+      throw NotImplementedHereException.instance;
+   }
+
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    ** Optional method to override in a customizer that does the same thing for
+    ** both postInsert & postUpdate.
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   default List<QRecord> postInsertOrUpdate(AbstractActionInput input, List<QRecord> records, Optional<List<QRecord>> oldRecordList) throws QException
+   {
+      throw NotImplementedHereException.instance;
+   }
+
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   default Optional<Map<Serializable, QRecord>> oldRecordListToMap(String primaryKeyField, Optional<List<QRecord>> oldRecordList)
+   {
+      if(oldRecordList.isPresent())
+      {
+         return (Optional.of(CollectionUtils.listToMap(oldRecordList.get(), r -> r.getValue(primaryKeyField))));
+      }
+      else
+      {
+         return (Optional.empty());
+      }
+   }
+
+
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   class NotImplementedHereException extends QException
+   {
+      private static NotImplementedHereException instance = new NotImplementedHereException();
+
+
+
+      /***************************************************************************
+       **
+       ***************************************************************************/
+      private NotImplementedHereException()
+      {
+         super("Not implemented here");
+      }
+   }
+}

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/customizers/TableCustomizers.java

@@ -29,13 +29,13 @@ package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.customizers;
  *******************************************************************************/
 public enum TableCustomizers
 {
-   POST_QUERY_RECORD("postQueryRecord", AbstractPostQueryCustomizer.class),
-   PRE_INSERT_RECORD("preInsertRecord", AbstractPreInsertCustomizer.class),
-   POST_INSERT_RECORD("postInsertRecord", AbstractPostInsertCustomizer.class),
-   PRE_UPDATE_RECORD("preUpdateRecord", AbstractPreUpdateCustomizer.class),
-   POST_UPDATE_RECORD("postUpdateRecord", AbstractPostUpdateCustomizer.class),
-   PRE_DELETE_RECORD("preDeleteRecord", AbstractPreDeleteCustomizer.class),
-   POST_DELETE_RECORD("postDeleteRecord", AbstractPostDeleteCustomizer.class);
+   POST_QUERY_RECORD("postQueryRecord", TableCustomizerInterface.class),
+   PRE_INSERT_RECORD("preInsertRecord", TableCustomizerInterface.class),
+   POST_INSERT_RECORD("postInsertRecord", TableCustomizerInterface.class),
+   PRE_UPDATE_RECORD("preUpdateRecord", TableCustomizerInterface.class),
+   POST_UPDATE_RECORD("postUpdateRecord", TableCustomizerInterface.class),
+   PRE_DELETE_RECORD("preDeleteRecord", TableCustomizerInterface.class),
+   POST_DELETE_RECORD("postDeleteRecord", TableCustomizerInterface.class);
 
 
    private final String   role;

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/dashboard/AbstractHTMLWidgetRenderer.java

@@ -161,7 +161,7 @@ public abstract class AbstractHTMLWidgetRenderer extends AbstractWidgetRenderer
    public static String linkTableCreateWithDefaultValues(RenderWidgetInput input, String tableName, Map<String, Serializable> defaultValues) throws QException
    {
       String tablePath = QContext.getQInstance().getTablePath(tableName);
-      return (tablePath + "/create?defaultValues=" + URLEncoder.encode(JsonUtils.toJson(defaultValues), Charset.defaultCharset()));
+      return (tablePath + "/create#defaultValues=" + URLEncoder.encode(JsonUtils.toJson(defaultValues), Charset.defaultCharset()));
    }
 
 
@@ -183,7 +183,6 @@ public abstract class AbstractHTMLWidgetRenderer extends AbstractWidgetRenderer
 
 
 
-
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
@@ -291,7 +290,18 @@ public abstract class AbstractHTMLWidgetRenderer extends AbstractWidgetRenderer
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
+   @Deprecated(since = "call one that doesn't take input param")
    public static String linkRecordEdit(AbstractActionInput input, String tableName, Serializable recordId) throws QException
+   {
+      return linkRecordEdit(tableName, recordId);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public static String linkRecordEdit(String tableName, Serializable recordId) throws QException
    {
       String tablePath = QContext.getQInstance().getTablePath(tableName);
       return (tablePath + "/" + recordId + "/edit");
@@ -318,7 +328,17 @@ public abstract class AbstractHTMLWidgetRenderer extends AbstractWidgetRenderer
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
+   @Deprecated(since = "call one that doesn't take input param")
    public static String linkProcessForFilter(AbstractActionInput input, String processName, QQueryFilter filter) throws QException
+   {
+      return linkProcessForFilter(processName, filter);
+   }
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public static String linkProcessForFilter(String processName, QQueryFilter filter) throws QException
    {
       QProcessMetaData process = QContext.getQInstance().getProcess(processName);
       if(process == null)
@@ -338,10 +358,21 @@ public abstract class AbstractHTMLWidgetRenderer extends AbstractWidgetRenderer
 
 
 
+
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
+   @Deprecated(since = "call one that doesn't take input param")
    public static String linkProcessForRecord(AbstractActionInput input, String processName, Serializable recordId) throws QException
+   {
+      return linkProcessForRecord(processName, recordId);
+   }
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public static String linkProcessForRecord(String processName, Serializable recordId) throws QException
    {
       QProcessMetaData process   = QContext.getQInstance().getProcess(processName);
       String           tableName = process.getTableName();

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/dashboard/widgets/AbstractWidgetRenderer.java

@@ -31,6 +31,7 @@ import java.util.Map;
 import java.util.Set;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.values.QValueFormatter;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.values.SearchPossibleValueSourceAction;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.context.QContext;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QCriteriaOperator;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QFilterCriteria;
@@ -42,6 +43,7 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.widgets.RenderWidgetOutput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.dashboard.widgets.QWidgetData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.dashboard.QWidgetMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.dashboard.WidgetDropdownData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.dashboard.WidgetDropdownType;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.possiblevalues.QPossibleValue;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.possiblevalues.QPossibleValueSource;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.CollectionUtils;
@@ -72,80 +74,104 @@ public abstract class AbstractWidgetRenderer
     *******************************************************************************/
    protected boolean setupDropdowns(RenderWidgetInput input, QWidgetMetaData metaData, QWidgetData widgetData) throws QException
    {
-      List<List<Map<String, String>>> pvsData                   = new ArrayList<>();
-      List<String>                    pvsLabels                 = new ArrayList<>();
-      List<String>                    pvsNames                  = new ArrayList<>();
+      List<List<Map<String, String>>> dataList                  = new ArrayList<>();
+      List<String>                    labelList                 = new ArrayList<>();
+      List<String>                    nameList                  = new ArrayList<>();
       List<String>                    missingRequiredSelections = new ArrayList<>();
       for(WidgetDropdownData dropdownData : CollectionUtils.nonNullList(metaData.getDropdowns()))
       {
-         String               possibleValueSourceName = dropdownData.getPossibleValueSourceName();
-         QPossibleValueSource possibleValueSource     = input.getInstance().getPossibleValueSource(possibleValueSourceName);
-
-         /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-         // this looks complicated, but is just look for a label in the dropdown data and if found use it,                                                                                  //
-         // otherwise look for label in PVS and if found use that, otherwise just use the PVS name                                                                                          //
-         /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-         String pvsLabel = dropdownData.getLabel() != null ? dropdownData.getLabel() : (possibleValueSource.getLabel() != null ? possibleValueSource.getLabel() : possibleValueSourceName);
-         pvsLabels.add(pvsLabel);
-         pvsNames.add(possibleValueSourceName);
-
-         SearchPossibleValueSourceInput pvsInput = new SearchPossibleValueSourceInput();
-         pvsInput.setPossibleValueSourceName(possibleValueSourceName);
-
-         if(dropdownData.getForeignKeyFieldName() != null)
+         if(WidgetDropdownType.DATE_PICKER.equals(dropdownData.getType()))
          {
-            ////////////////////////////////////////
-            // look for an id in the query params //
-            ////////////////////////////////////////
-            Integer id = null;
-            if(input.getQueryParams() != null && input.getQueryParams().containsKey("id") && StringUtils.hasContent(input.getQueryParams().get("id")))
+            String name = dropdownData.getName();
+            nameList.add(name);
+            labelList.add(dropdownData.getLabel());
+            dataList.add(new ArrayList<>());
+
+            ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // sure that something has been selected, and if not, display a message that a selection needs made       //
+            ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            if(dropdownData.getIsRequired())
             {
-               id = Integer.parseInt(input.getQueryParams().get("id"));
-            }
-            if(id != null)
-            {
-               pvsInput.setDefaultQueryFilter(new QQueryFilter().withCriteria(
-                  new QFilterCriteria(
-                     dropdownData.getForeignKeyFieldName(),
-                     QCriteriaOperator.EQUALS,
-                     id)));
+               if(!input.getQueryParams().containsKey(name) || !StringUtils.hasContent(input.getQueryParams().get(name)))
+               {
+                  missingRequiredSelections.add(dropdownData.getLabel());
+               }
             }
          }
-
-         SearchPossibleValueSourceOutput output = new SearchPossibleValueSourceAction().execute(pvsInput);
-
-         List<Map<String, String>> dropdownOptionList = new ArrayList<>();
-         pvsData.add(dropdownOptionList);
-
-         //////////////////////////////////////////
-         // sort results, dedupe, and add to map //
-         //////////////////////////////////////////
-         Set<String> exists = new HashSet<>();
-         output.getResults().removeIf(pvs -> !exists.add(pvs.getLabel()));
-         for(QPossibleValue<?> possibleValue : output.getResults())
+         else
          {
-            dropdownOptionList.add(MapBuilder.of(
-               "id", String.valueOf(possibleValue.getId()),
-               "label", possibleValue.getLabel()
-            ));
-         }
-
-         ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-         // because we know the dropdowns and what the field names will be when something is selected, we can make //
-         // sure that something has been selected, and if not, display a message that a selection needs made       //
-         ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-         if(dropdownData.getIsRequired())
-         {
-            if(!input.getQueryParams().containsKey(possibleValueSourceName) || !StringUtils.hasContent(input.getQueryParams().get(possibleValueSourceName)))
+            String possibleValueSourceName = dropdownData.getPossibleValueSourceName();
+            if(possibleValueSourceName != null)
             {
-               missingRequiredSelections.add(pvsLabel);
+               QPossibleValueSource possibleValueSource = QContext.getQInstance().getPossibleValueSource(possibleValueSourceName);
+
+               /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+               // this looks complicated, but is just look for a label in the dropdown data and if found use it,                                                                                  //
+               // otherwise look for label in PVS and if found use that, otherwise just use the PVS name                                                                                          //
+               /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+               String pvsLabel = dropdownData.getLabel() != null ? dropdownData.getLabel() : (possibleValueSource.getLabel() != null ? possibleValueSource.getLabel() : possibleValueSourceName);
+               labelList.add(pvsLabel);
+               nameList.add(possibleValueSourceName);
+
+               SearchPossibleValueSourceInput pvsInput = new SearchPossibleValueSourceInput();
+               pvsInput.setPossibleValueSourceName(possibleValueSourceName);
+
+               if(dropdownData.getForeignKeyFieldName() != null)
+               {
+                  ////////////////////////////////////////
+                  // look for an id in the query params //
+                  ////////////////////////////////////////
+                  Integer id = null;
+                  if(input.getQueryParams() != null && input.getQueryParams().containsKey("id") && StringUtils.hasContent(input.getQueryParams().get("id")))
+                  {
+                     id = Integer.parseInt(input.getQueryParams().get("id"));
+                  }
+                  if(id != null)
+                  {
+                     pvsInput.setDefaultQueryFilter(new QQueryFilter().withCriteria(
+                        new QFilterCriteria(
+                           dropdownData.getForeignKeyFieldName(),
+                           QCriteriaOperator.EQUALS,
+                           id)));
+                  }
+               }
+
+               SearchPossibleValueSourceOutput output = new SearchPossibleValueSourceAction().execute(pvsInput);
+
+               List<Map<String, String>> dropdownOptionList = new ArrayList<>();
+               dataList.add(dropdownOptionList);
+
+               //////////////////////////////////////////
+               // sort results, dedupe, and add to map //
+               //////////////////////////////////////////
+               Set<String> exists = new HashSet<>();
+               output.getResults().removeIf(pvs -> !exists.add(pvs.getLabel()));
+               for(QPossibleValue<?> possibleValue : output.getResults())
+               {
+                  dropdownOptionList.add(MapBuilder.of(
+                     "id", String.valueOf(possibleValue.getId()),
+                     "label", possibleValue.getLabel()
+                  ));
+               }
+
+               ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+               // because we know the dropdowns and what the field names will be when something is selected, we can make //
+               // sure that something has been selected, and if not, display a message that a selection needs made       //
+               ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+               if(dropdownData.getIsRequired())
+               {
+                  if(!input.getQueryParams().containsKey(possibleValueSourceName) || !StringUtils.hasContent(input.getQueryParams().get(possibleValueSourceName)))
+                  {
+                     missingRequiredSelections.add(pvsLabel);
+                  }
+               }
             }
          }
       }
 
-      widgetData.setDropdownNameList(pvsNames);
-      widgetData.setDropdownLabelList(pvsLabels);
-      widgetData.setDropdownDataList(pvsData);
+      widgetData.setDropdownNameList(nameList);
+      widgetData.setDropdownLabelList(labelList);
+      widgetData.setDropdownDataList(dataList);
 
       ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
       // if there are any missing required dropdowns, build up a message to display //

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/dashboard/widgets/Aggregate2DTableWidgetRenderer.java

@@ -0,0 +1,202 @@
+/*
+ * QQQ - Low-code Application Framework for Engineers.
+ * Copyright (C) 2021-2024.  Kingsrook, LLC
+ * 651 N Broad St Ste 205 # 6917 | Middletown DE 19709 | United States
+ * contact@kingsrook.com
+ * https://github.com/Kingsrook/
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU Affero General Public License as
+ * published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the
+ * License, or (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU Affero General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU Affero General Public License
+ * along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.dashboard.widgets;
+
+
+import java.io.Serializable;
+import java.util.ArrayList;
+import java.util.HashMap;
+import java.util.LinkedHashMap;
+import java.util.LinkedHashSet;
+import java.util.List;
+import java.util.Map;
+import java.util.Objects;
+import java.util.Set;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.tables.AggregateAction;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.context.QContext;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.QLogger;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.aggregate.Aggregate;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.aggregate.AggregateInput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.aggregate.AggregateOperator;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.aggregate.AggregateOutput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.aggregate.AggregateResult;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.aggregate.GroupBy;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.aggregate.QFilterOrderByAggregate;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.aggregate.QFilterOrderByGroupBy;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QQueryFilter;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.widgets.RenderWidgetInput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.widgets.RenderWidgetOutput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.dashboard.widgets.TableData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.tables.QTableMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.StringUtils;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.ValueUtils;
+
+
+/*******************************************************************************
+ ** Generic widget that does an aggregate query, and presents its results
+ ** as a table, using group-by values as both row & column labels.
+ *******************************************************************************/
+public class Aggregate2DTableWidgetRenderer extends AbstractWidgetRenderer
+{
+   private static final QLogger LOG = QLogger.getLogger(Aggregate2DTableWidgetRenderer.class);
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public RenderWidgetOutput render(RenderWidgetInput input) throws QException
+   {
+      Map<String, Serializable> values = input.getWidgetMetaData().getDefaultValues();
+
+      String         tableName   = ValueUtils.getValueAsString(values.get("tableName"));
+      String         valueField  = ValueUtils.getValueAsString(values.get("valueField"));
+      String         rowField    = ValueUtils.getValueAsString(values.get("rowField"));
+      String         columnField = ValueUtils.getValueAsString(values.get("columnField"));
+      QTableMetaData table       = QContext.getQInstance().getTable(tableName);
+
+      AggregateInput aggregateInput = new AggregateInput();
+      aggregateInput.setTableName(tableName);
+
+      // todo - allow input of "list of columns" (e.g., in case some miss sometimes, or as a version of filter)
+      // todo - max rows, max cols?
+
+      // todo - from input map
+      QQueryFilter filter = new QQueryFilter();
+      aggregateInput.setFilter(filter);
+
+      Aggregate aggregate = new Aggregate(valueField, AggregateOperator.COUNT);
+      aggregateInput.withAggregate(aggregate);
+
+      GroupBy rowGroupBy    = new GroupBy(table.getField(rowField));
+      GroupBy columnGroupBy = new GroupBy(table.getField(columnField));
+      aggregateInput.withGroupBy(rowGroupBy);
+      aggregateInput.withGroupBy(columnGroupBy);
+
+      String orderBys = ValueUtils.getValueAsString(values.get("orderBys"));
+      if(StringUtils.hasContent(orderBys))
+      {
+         for(String orderBy : orderBys.split(","))
+         {
+            switch(orderBy)
+            {
+               case "row" -> filter.addOrderBy(new QFilterOrderByGroupBy(rowGroupBy));
+               case "column" -> filter.addOrderBy(new QFilterOrderByGroupBy(columnGroupBy));
+               case "value" -> filter.addOrderBy(new QFilterOrderByAggregate(aggregate));
+               default -> LOG.warn("Unrecognized orderBy: " + orderBy);
+            }
+         }
+      }
+
+      AggregateOutput aggregateOutput = new AggregateAction().execute(aggregateInput);
+
+      Map<Serializable, Map<Serializable, Serializable>> data       = new LinkedHashMap<>();
+      Set<Serializable>                                  columnsSet = new LinkedHashSet<>();
+
+      for(AggregateResult result : aggregateOutput.getResults())
+      {
+         Serializable column = result.getGroupByValue(columnGroupBy);
+         Serializable row    = result.getGroupByValue(rowGroupBy);
+         Serializable value  = result.getAggregateValue(aggregate);
+
+         Map<Serializable, Serializable> rowMap = data.computeIfAbsent(row, (k) -> new LinkedHashMap<>());
+         rowMap.put(column, value);
+         columnsSet.add(column);
+      }
+
+      // todo - possible values from rows, cols
+
+      ////////////////////////////////////
+      // setup datastructures for table //
+      ////////////////////////////////////
+      List<Map<String, Object>> tableRows    = new ArrayList<>();
+      List<TableData.Column>    tableColumns = new ArrayList<>();
+      tableColumns.add(new TableData.Column("default", table.getField(rowField).getLabel(), "_row", "2fr", "left"));
+
+      for(Serializable column : columnsSet)
+      {
+         tableColumns.add(new TableData.Column("default", String.valueOf(column) /* todo display value */, String.valueOf(column), "1fr", "right"));
+      }
+
+      tableColumns.add(new TableData.Column("default", "Total", "_total", "1fr", "right"));
+
+      TableData tableData = new TableData(null, tableColumns, tableRows)
+         .withRowsPerPage(100)
+         .withFixedStickyLastRow(false)
+         .withHidePaginationDropdown(true);
+
+      Map<Serializable, Integer> columnSums = new HashMap<>();
+      int                        grandTotal = 0;
+      for(Map.Entry<Serializable, Map<Serializable, Serializable>> rowEntry : data.entrySet())
+      {
+         Map<String, Object> rowMap = new HashMap<>();
+         tableRows.add(rowMap);
+
+         rowMap.put("_row", rowEntry.getKey() /* todo display value */);
+         int rowTotal = 0;
+         for(Serializable column : columnsSet)
+         {
+            Serializable value = rowEntry.getValue().get(column);
+            if(value == null)
+            {
+               value = 0; // todo?
+            }
+
+            Integer valueAsInteger = Objects.requireNonNullElse(ValueUtils.getValueAsInteger(value), 0);
+            rowTotal += valueAsInteger;
+            columnSums.putIfAbsent(column, 0);
+            columnSums.put(column, columnSums.get(column) + valueAsInteger);
+
+            rowMap.put(String.valueOf(column), value); // todo format commas?
+         }
+
+         rowMap.put("_total", rowTotal);
+         grandTotal += rowTotal;
+      }
+
+      ///////////////
+      // total row //
+      ///////////////
+      Map<String, Object> totalRowMap = new HashMap<>();
+      tableRows.add(totalRowMap);
+
+      totalRowMap.put("_row", "Total");
+      int rowTotal = 0;
+      for(Serializable column : columnsSet)
+      {
+         Serializable value = columnSums.get(column);
+         if(value == null)
+         {
+            value = 0; // todo?
+         }
+
+         totalRowMap.put(String.valueOf(column), value); // todo format commas?
+      }
+
+      totalRowMap.put("_total", grandTotal);
+
+      return (new RenderWidgetOutput(tableData));
+   }
+
+}

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/dashboard/widgets/AlertWidgetRenderer.java

@@ -0,0 +1,86 @@
+/*
+ * QQQ - Low-code Application Framework for Engineers.
+ * Copyright (C) 2021-2024.  Kingsrook, LLC
+ * 651 N Broad St Ste 205 # 6917 | Middletown DE 19709 | United States
+ * contact@kingsrook.com
+ * https://github.com/Kingsrook/
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU Affero General Public License as
+ * published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the
+ * License, or (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU Affero General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU Affero General Public License
+ * along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.dashboard.widgets;
+
+
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.widgets.RenderWidgetInput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.widgets.RenderWidgetOutput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.dashboard.widgets.AlertData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.dashboard.widgets.WidgetType;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.MetaDataProducerInterface;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.QInstance;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.code.QCodeReference;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.dashboard.QWidgetMetaData;
+
+
+/*******************************************************************************
+ ** Widget that can add an Alert to a process screen.
+ **
+ ** In the process, you'll want values:
+ ** - alertType - name of entry in AlertType enum (ERROR, WARNING, SUCCESS)
+ ** - alertHtml - html to display inside the alert (other than its icon)
+ *******************************************************************************/
+public class AlertWidgetRenderer extends AbstractWidgetRenderer implements MetaDataProducerInterface<QWidgetMetaData>
+{
+   public static final String NAME = "AlertWidgetRenderer";
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public RenderWidgetOutput render(RenderWidgetInput input) throws QException
+   {
+      AlertData.AlertType alertType = AlertData.AlertType.WARNING;
+      if(input.getQueryParams().containsKey("alertType"))
+      {
+         alertType = AlertData.AlertType.valueOf(input.getQueryParams().get("alertType"));
+      }
+
+      String html = "Warning";
+      if(input.getQueryParams().containsKey("alertHtml"))
+      {
+         html = input.getQueryParams().get("alertHtml");
+      }
+
+      return (new RenderWidgetOutput(new AlertData(alertType, html)));
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public QWidgetMetaData produce(QInstance qInstance) throws QException
+   {
+      return new QWidgetMetaData()
+         .withType(WidgetType.ALERT.getType())
+         .withGridColumns(12)
+         .withName(NAME)
+         .withIsCard(false)
+         .withShowReloadButton(false)
+         .withCodeReference(new QCodeReference(getClass()));
+   }
+}

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/dashboard/widgets/ChildRecordListRenderer.java

@@ -34,8 +34,12 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.tables.CountAction;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.tables.GetAction;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.tables.QueryAction;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.values.QValueFormatter;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.context.QContext;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QNotFoundException;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.instances.QInstanceValidator;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.instances.validation.plugins.QInstanceValidatorPluginInterface;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.QLogger;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.count.CountInput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.get.GetInput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.get.GetOutput;
@@ -49,16 +53,20 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.widgets.RenderWidgetOutput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.dashboard.widgets.ChildRecordListData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.dashboard.widgets.WidgetType;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.data.QRecord;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.QInstance;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.code.QCodeReference;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.dashboard.AbstractWidgetMetaDataBuilder;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.dashboard.QWidgetMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.dashboard.QWidgetMetaDataInterface;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.joins.JoinOn;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.joins.QJoinMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.tables.QTableMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.CollectionUtils;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.JsonUtils;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.StringUtils;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.ValueUtils;
 import org.apache.commons.lang.BooleanUtils;
+import static com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.LogUtils.logPair;
 
 
 /*******************************************************************************
@@ -66,6 +74,9 @@ import org.apache.commons.lang.BooleanUtils;
  *******************************************************************************/
 public class ChildRecordListRenderer extends AbstractWidgetRenderer
 {
+   private static final QLogger LOG = QLogger.getLogger(ChildRecordListRenderer.class);
+
+
 
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
@@ -77,7 +88,9 @@ public class ChildRecordListRenderer extends AbstractWidgetRenderer
          .withIsCard(true)
          .withCodeReference(new QCodeReference(ChildRecordListRenderer.class))
          .withType(WidgetType.CHILD_RECORD_LIST.getType())
-         .withDefaultValue("joinName", join.getName())));
+         .withDefaultValue("joinName", join.getName())
+         .withValidatorPlugin(new ChildRecordListWidgetValidator())
+      ));
    }
 
 
@@ -137,7 +150,7 @@ public class ChildRecordListRenderer extends AbstractWidgetRenderer
        *******************************************************************************/
       public Builder withCanAddChildRecord(boolean b)
       {
-         widgetMetaData.withDefaultValue("canAddChildRecord", true);
+         widgetMetaData.withDefaultValue("canAddChildRecord", b);
          return (this);
       }
 
@@ -151,6 +164,18 @@ public class ChildRecordListRenderer extends AbstractWidgetRenderer
          widgetMetaData.withDefaultValue("disabledFieldsForNewChildRecords", new HashSet<>(disabledFieldsForNewChildRecords));
          return (this);
       }
+
+
+
+      /*******************************************************************************
+       **
+       *******************************************************************************/
+      public Builder withManageAssociationName(String manageAssociationName)
+      {
+         widgetMetaData.withDefaultValue("manageAssociationName", manageAssociationName);
+         return (this);
+      }
+
    }
 
 
@@ -161,98 +186,210 @@ public class ChildRecordListRenderer extends AbstractWidgetRenderer
    @Override
    public RenderWidgetOutput render(RenderWidgetInput input) throws QException
    {
-      String         widgetLabel = input.getQueryParams().get("widgetLabel");
-      String         joinName    = input.getQueryParams().get("joinName");
-      QJoinMetaData  join        = input.getInstance().getJoin(joinName);
-      String         id          = input.getQueryParams().get("id");
-      QTableMetaData leftTable   = input.getInstance().getTable(join.getLeftTable());
-      QTableMetaData rightTable  = input.getInstance().getTable(join.getRightTable());
-
-      Integer maxRows = null;
-      if(StringUtils.hasContent(input.getQueryParams().get("maxRows")))
+      try
       {
-         maxRows = ValueUtils.getValueAsInteger(input.getQueryParams().get("maxRows"));
-      }
-      else if(input.getWidgetMetaData().getDefaultValues().containsKey("maxRows"))
-      {
-         maxRows = ValueUtils.getValueAsInteger(input.getWidgetMetaData().getDefaultValues().containsKey("maxRows"));
-      }
+         String         widgetLabel = input.getQueryParams().get("widgetLabel");
+         String         joinName    = input.getQueryParams().get("joinName");
+         QJoinMetaData  join        = QContext.getQInstance().getJoin(joinName);
+         String         id          = input.getQueryParams().get("id");
+         QTableMetaData leftTable   = QContext.getQInstance().getTable(join.getLeftTable());
+         QTableMetaData rightTable  = QContext.getQInstance().getTable(join.getRightTable());
 
-      ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-      // fetch the record that we're getting children for.  //
-      // e.g., the left-side of the join, with the input id //
-      ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-      GetInput getInput = new GetInput();
-      getInput.setTableName(join.getLeftTable());
-      getInput.setPrimaryKey(id);
-      GetOutput getOutput = new GetAction().execute(getInput);
-      QRecord   record    = getOutput.getRecord();
-
-      if(record == null)
-      {
-         throw (new QNotFoundException("Could not find " + (leftTable == null ? "" : leftTable.getLabel()) + " with primary key " + id));
-      }
-
-      ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-      // set up the query - for the table on the right side of the join //
-      ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-      QQueryFilter filter = new QQueryFilter();
-      for(JoinOn joinOn : join.getJoinOns())
-      {
-         filter.addCriteria(new QFilterCriteria(joinOn.getRightField(), QCriteriaOperator.EQUALS, List.of(record.getValue(joinOn.getLeftField()))));
-      }
-      filter.setOrderBys(join.getOrderBys());
-      filter.setLimit(maxRows);
-
-      QueryInput queryInput = new QueryInput();
-      queryInput.setTableName(join.getRightTable());
-      queryInput.setShouldTranslatePossibleValues(true);
-      queryInput.setShouldGenerateDisplayValues(true);
-      queryInput.setFilter(filter);
-      QueryOutput queryOutput = new QueryAction().execute(queryInput);
-
-      QValueFormatter.setBlobValuesToDownloadUrls(rightTable, queryOutput.getRecords());
-
-      int totalRows = queryOutput.getRecords().size();
-      if(maxRows != null && (queryOutput.getRecords().size() == maxRows))
-      {
-         /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-         // if the input said to only do some max, and the # of results we got is that max, //
-         // then do a count query, for displaying 1-n of <count>                            //
-         /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-         CountInput countInput = new CountInput();
-         countInput.setTableName(join.getRightTable());
-         countInput.setFilter(filter);
-         totalRows = new CountAction().execute(countInput).getCount();
-      }
-
-      String tablePath   = input.getInstance().getTablePath(rightTable.getName());
-      String viewAllLink = tablePath == null ? null : (tablePath + "?filter=" + URLEncoder.encode(JsonUtils.toJson(filter), Charset.defaultCharset()));
-
-      ChildRecordListData widgetData = new ChildRecordListData(widgetLabel, queryOutput, rightTable, tablePath, viewAllLink, totalRows);
-
-      if(BooleanUtils.isTrue(ValueUtils.getValueAsBoolean(input.getQueryParams().get("canAddChildRecord"))))
-      {
-         widgetData.setCanAddChildRecord(true);
-
-         //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-         // new child records must have values from the join-ons //
-         //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-         Map<String, Serializable> defaultValuesForNewChildRecords = new HashMap<>();
-         for(JoinOn joinOn : join.getJoinOns())
+         Integer maxRows = null;
+         if(StringUtils.hasContent(input.getQueryParams().get("maxRows")))
          {
-            defaultValuesForNewChildRecords.put(joinOn.getRightField(), record.getValue(joinOn.getLeftField()));
+            maxRows = ValueUtils.getValueAsInteger(input.getQueryParams().get("maxRows"));
          }
-         widgetData.setDefaultValuesForNewChildRecords(defaultValuesForNewChildRecords);
-
-         Map<String, Serializable> widgetValues = input.getWidgetMetaData().getDefaultValues();
-         if(widgetValues.containsKey("disabledFieldsForNewChildRecords"))
+         else if(input.getWidgetMetaData().getDefaultValues().containsKey("maxRows"))
          {
-            widgetData.setDisabledFieldsForNewChildRecords((Set<String>) widgetValues.get("disabledFieldsForNewChildRecords"));
+            maxRows = ValueUtils.getValueAsInteger(input.getWidgetMetaData().getDefaultValues().get("maxRows"));
          }
-      }
 
-      return (new RenderWidgetOutput(widgetData));
+         //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // fetch the record that we're getting children for. e.g., the left-side of the join, with the input id                                     //
+         // but - only try this if we were given an id.  note, this widget could be called for on an INSERT screen, where we don't have a record yet //
+         // but we still want to be able to return all the other data in here that otherwise comes from the widget meta data, join, etc.             //
+         //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         int          totalRows     = 0;
+         QRecord      primaryRecord = null;
+         QQueryFilter filter        = null;
+         QueryOutput  queryOutput   = new QueryOutput(new QueryInput());
+         if(StringUtils.hasContent(id))
+         {
+            GetInput getInput = new GetInput();
+            getInput.setTableName(join.getLeftTable());
+            getInput.setPrimaryKey(id);
+            GetOutput getOutput = new GetAction().execute(getInput);
+            primaryRecord = getOutput.getRecord();
+
+            if(primaryRecord == null)
+            {
+               throw (new QNotFoundException("Could not find " + (leftTable == null ? "" : leftTable.getLabel()) + " with primary key " + id));
+            }
+
+            ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // set up the query - for the table on the right side of the join //
+            ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            filter = new QQueryFilter();
+            for(JoinOn joinOn : join.getJoinOns())
+            {
+               filter.addCriteria(new QFilterCriteria(joinOn.getRightField(), QCriteriaOperator.EQUALS, List.of(primaryRecord.getValue(joinOn.getLeftField()))));
+            }
+            filter.setOrderBys(join.getOrderBys());
+            filter.setLimit(maxRows);
+
+            QueryInput queryInput = new QueryInput();
+            queryInput.setTableName(join.getRightTable());
+            queryInput.setShouldTranslatePossibleValues(true);
+            queryInput.setShouldGenerateDisplayValues(true);
+            queryInput.setFilter(filter);
+            queryOutput = new QueryAction().execute(queryInput);
+
+            QValueFormatter.setBlobValuesToDownloadUrls(rightTable, queryOutput.getRecords());
+
+            totalRows = queryOutput.getRecords().size();
+            if(maxRows != null && (queryOutput.getRecords().size() == maxRows))
+            {
+               /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+               // if the input said to only do some max, and the # of results we got is that max, //
+               // then do a count query, for displaying 1-n of <count>                            //
+               /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+               CountInput countInput = new CountInput();
+               countInput.setTableName(join.getRightTable());
+               countInput.setFilter(filter);
+               totalRows = new CountAction().execute(countInput).getCount();
+            }
+         }
+
+         String tablePath   = QContext.getQInstance().getTablePath(rightTable.getName());
+         String viewAllLink = tablePath == null ? null : (tablePath + "?filter=" + URLEncoder.encode(JsonUtils.toJson(filter), Charset.defaultCharset()));
+
+         ChildRecordListData widgetData = new ChildRecordListData(widgetLabel, queryOutput, rightTable, tablePath, viewAllLink, totalRows);
+
+         if(BooleanUtils.isTrue(ValueUtils.getValueAsBoolean(input.getQueryParams().get("canAddChildRecord"))))
+         {
+            widgetData.setCanAddChildRecord(true);
+
+            //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // new child records must have values from the join-ons //
+            //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            Map<String, Serializable> defaultValuesForNewChildRecords = new HashMap<>();
+            if(primaryRecord != null)
+            {
+               for(JoinOn joinOn : join.getJoinOns())
+               {
+                  defaultValuesForNewChildRecords.put(joinOn.getRightField(), primaryRecord.getValue(joinOn.getLeftField()));
+               }
+            }
+
+            widgetData.setDefaultValuesForNewChildRecords(defaultValuesForNewChildRecords);
+
+            Map<String, Serializable> widgetValues = input.getWidgetMetaData().getDefaultValues();
+            if(widgetValues.containsKey("disabledFieldsForNewChildRecords"))
+            {
+               @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
+               Set<String> disabledFieldsForNewChildRecords = (Set<String>) widgetValues.get("disabledFieldsForNewChildRecords");
+               widgetData.setDisabledFieldsForNewChildRecords(disabledFieldsForNewChildRecords);
+            }
+            else
+            {
+               /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+               // if there are no disabled fields specified - then normally any fields w/ a default value get implicitly disabled //
+               // but - if we didn't look-up the primary record, then we'll want to explicit disable fields from joins            //
+               /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+               if(primaryRecord == null)
+               {
+                  Set<String> implicitlyDisabledFields = new HashSet<>();
+                  widgetData.setDisabledFieldsForNewChildRecords(implicitlyDisabledFields);
+                  for(JoinOn joinOn : join.getJoinOns())
+                  {
+                     implicitlyDisabledFields.add(joinOn.getRightField());
+                  }
+               }
+            }
+
+            if(widgetValues.containsKey("defaultValuesForNewChildRecordsFromParentFields"))
+            {
+               @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
+               Map<String, String> defaultValuesForNewChildRecordsFromParentFields = (Map<String, String>) widgetValues.get("defaultValuesForNewChildRecordsFromParentFields");
+               widgetData.setDefaultValuesForNewChildRecordsFromParentFields(defaultValuesForNewChildRecordsFromParentFields);
+            }
+         }
+
+         widgetData.setAllowRecordEdit(BooleanUtils.isTrue(ValueUtils.getValueAsBoolean(input.getQueryParams().get("allowRecordEdit"))));
+         widgetData.setAllowRecordDelete(BooleanUtils.isTrue(ValueUtils.getValueAsBoolean(input.getQueryParams().get("allowRecordDelete"))));
+
+         return (new RenderWidgetOutput(widgetData));
+      }
+      catch(Exception e)
+      {
+         LOG.warn("Error rendering child record list", e, logPair("widgetName", () -> input.getWidgetMetaData().getName()));
+         throw (e);
+      }
    }
 
+
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   private static class ChildRecordListWidgetValidator implements QInstanceValidatorPluginInterface<QWidgetMetaDataInterface>
+   {
+
+      /***************************************************************************
+       **
+       ***************************************************************************/
+      @Override
+      public void validate(QWidgetMetaDataInterface widgetMetaData, QInstance qInstance, QInstanceValidator qInstanceValidator)
+      {
+         String prefix = "Widget " + widgetMetaData.getName() + ": ";
+
+         //////////////////////////////////
+         // make sure join name is given //
+         //////////////////////////////////
+         String joinName = ValueUtils.getValueAsString(CollectionUtils.nonNullMap(widgetMetaData.getDefaultValues()).get("joinName"));
+         if(qInstanceValidator.assertCondition(StringUtils.hasContent(joinName), prefix + "defaultValue for joinName must be given"))
+         {
+            ///////////////////////////
+            // make sure join exists //
+            ///////////////////////////
+            QJoinMetaData join = qInstance.getJoin(joinName);
+            if(qInstanceValidator.assertCondition(join != null, prefix + "No join named " + joinName + " exists in the instance"))
+            {
+               //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+               // if there's a manageAssociationName, make sure the table has that association //
+               //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+               String manageAssociationName = ValueUtils.getValueAsString(widgetMetaData.getDefaultValues().get("manageAssociationName"));
+               if(StringUtils.hasContent(manageAssociationName))
+               {
+                  validateAssociationName(prefix, manageAssociationName, join, qInstance, qInstanceValidator);
+               }
+            }
+         }
+      }
+
+
+
+      /***************************************************************************
+       **
+       ***************************************************************************/
+      private void validateAssociationName(String prefix, String manageAssociationName, QJoinMetaData join, QInstance qInstance, QInstanceValidator qInstanceValidator)
+      {
+         ///////////////////////////////////
+         // make sure join's table exists //
+         ///////////////////////////////////
+         QTableMetaData table = qInstance.getTable(join.getLeftTable());
+         if(table == null)
+         {
+            qInstanceValidator.getErrors().add(prefix + "Unable to validate manageAssociationName, as table [" + join.getLeftTable() + "] on left-side table of join [" + join.getName() + "] does not exist.");
+         }
+         else
+         {
+            if(CollectionUtils.nonNullList(table.getAssociations()).stream().noneMatch(a -> manageAssociationName.equals(a.getName())))
+            {
+               qInstanceValidator.getErrors().add(prefix + "an association named [" + manageAssociationName + "] does not exist on table [" + join.getLeftTable() + "]");
+            }
+         }
+      }
+   }
 }

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/dashboard/widgets/DateTimeGroupBy.java

@@ -256,7 +256,6 @@ public enum DateTimeGroupBy
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   @SuppressWarnings("checkstyle:indentation")
    public Instant roundDown(Instant instant, ZoneId zoneId)
    {
       ZonedDateTime zoned = instant.atZone(zoneId);

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/dashboard/widgets/ProcessWidgetRenderer.java

@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.dashboard.widgets;
 
 import java.util.HashMap;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.ActionHelper;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.context.QContext;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.widgets.RenderWidgetInput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.widgets.RenderWidgetOutput;
@@ -57,7 +58,7 @@ public class ProcessWidgetRenderer extends AbstractWidgetRenderer
             setupDropdowns(input, widgetMetaData, data);
 
             String           processName     = (String) widgetMetaData.getDefaultValues().get(WIDGET_PROCESS_NAME);
-            QProcessMetaData processMetaData = input.getInstance().getProcess(processName);
+            QProcessMetaData processMetaData = QContext.getQInstance().getProcess(processName);
             data.setProcessMetaData(processMetaData);
 
             data.setDefaultValues(new HashMap<>(input.getQueryParams()));

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/dashboard/widgets/RecordListWidgetRenderer.java

@@ -0,0 +1,251 @@
+/*
+ * QQQ - Low-code Application Framework for Engineers.
+ * Copyright (C) 2021-2022.  Kingsrook, LLC
+ * 651 N Broad St Ste 205 # 6917 | Middletown DE 19709 | United States
+ * contact@kingsrook.com
+ * https://github.com/Kingsrook/
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU Affero General Public License as
+ * published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the
+ * License, or (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU Affero General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU Affero General Public License
+ * along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.dashboard.widgets;
+
+
+import java.net.URLEncoder;
+import java.nio.charset.Charset;
+import java.util.HashMap;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.tables.CountAction;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.tables.QueryAction;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.values.QValueFormatter;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.context.QContext;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.instances.QInstanceValidator;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.instances.validation.plugins.QInstanceValidatorPluginInterface;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.QLogger;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.count.CountInput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.FilterUseCase;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QQueryFilter;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QueryInput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QueryOutput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.widgets.RenderWidgetInput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.widgets.RenderWidgetOutput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.dashboard.widgets.ChildRecordListData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.dashboard.widgets.WidgetType;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.QInstance;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.code.QCodeReference;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.dashboard.AbstractWidgetMetaDataBuilder;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.dashboard.QWidgetMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.dashboard.QWidgetMetaDataInterface;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.tables.QTableMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.CollectionUtils;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.JsonUtils;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.StringUtils;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.ValueUtils;
+import static com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.LogUtils.logPair;
+
+
+/*******************************************************************************
+ ** Generic widget to display a list of records.
+ **
+ ** Note, closely related to (and copied from ChildRecordListRenderer.
+ ** opportunity to share more code with that in the future??
+ *******************************************************************************/
+public class RecordListWidgetRenderer extends AbstractWidgetRenderer
+{
+   private static final QLogger LOG = QLogger.getLogger(RecordListWidgetRenderer.class);
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public static Builder widgetMetaDataBuilder(String widgetName)
+   {
+      return (new Builder(new QWidgetMetaData()
+         .withName(widgetName)
+         .withIsCard(true)
+         .withCodeReference(new QCodeReference(RecordListWidgetRenderer.class))
+         .withType(WidgetType.CHILD_RECORD_LIST.getType())
+         .withValidatorPlugin(new RecordListWidgetValidator())
+      ));
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public static class Builder extends AbstractWidgetMetaDataBuilder
+   {
+
+      /*******************************************************************************
+       ** Constructor
+       **
+       *******************************************************************************/
+      public Builder(QWidgetMetaData widgetMetaData)
+      {
+         super(widgetMetaData);
+      }
+
+
+
+      /*******************************************************************************
+       **
+       *******************************************************************************/
+      public Builder withLabel(String label)
+      {
+         widgetMetaData.setLabel(label);
+         return (this);
+      }
+
+
+
+      /*******************************************************************************
+       **
+       *******************************************************************************/
+      public Builder withMaxRows(Integer maxRows)
+      {
+         widgetMetaData.withDefaultValue("maxRows", maxRows);
+         return (this);
+      }
+
+
+
+      /*******************************************************************************
+       **
+       *******************************************************************************/
+      public Builder withTableName(String tableName)
+      {
+         widgetMetaData.withDefaultValue("tableName", tableName);
+         return (this);
+      }
+
+
+
+      /*******************************************************************************
+       **
+       *******************************************************************************/
+      public Builder withFilter(QQueryFilter filter)
+      {
+         widgetMetaData.withDefaultValue("filter", filter);
+         return (this);
+      }
+
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public RenderWidgetOutput render(RenderWidgetInput input) throws QException
+   {
+      try
+      {
+         Integer maxRows = null;
+         if(StringUtils.hasContent(input.getQueryParams().get("maxRows")))
+         {
+            maxRows = ValueUtils.getValueAsInteger(input.getQueryParams().get("maxRows"));
+         }
+         else if(input.getWidgetMetaData().getDefaultValues().containsKey("maxRows"))
+         {
+            maxRows = ValueUtils.getValueAsInteger(input.getWidgetMetaData().getDefaultValues().get("maxRows"));
+         }
+
+         QQueryFilter filter = ((QQueryFilter) input.getWidgetMetaData().getDefaultValues().get("filter")).clone();
+         filter.interpretValues(new HashMap<>(input.getQueryParams()), FilterUseCase.DEFAULT);
+         filter.setLimit(maxRows);
+
+         String         tableName = ValueUtils.getValueAsString(input.getWidgetMetaData().getDefaultValues().get("tableName"));
+         QTableMetaData table     = QContext.getQInstance().getTable(tableName);
+
+         QueryInput queryInput = new QueryInput();
+         queryInput.setTableName(tableName);
+         queryInput.setShouldTranslatePossibleValues(true);
+         queryInput.setShouldGenerateDisplayValues(true);
+         queryInput.setFilter(filter);
+         QueryOutput queryOutput = new QueryAction().execute(queryInput);
+
+         QValueFormatter.setBlobValuesToDownloadUrls(table, queryOutput.getRecords());
+
+         int totalRows = queryOutput.getRecords().size();
+         if(maxRows != null && (queryOutput.getRecords().size() == maxRows))
+         {
+            /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // if the input said to only do some max, and the # of results we got is that max, //
+            // then do a count query, for displaying 1-n of <count>                            //
+            /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            CountInput countInput = new CountInput();
+            countInput.setTableName(tableName);
+            countInput.setFilter(filter);
+            totalRows = new CountAction().execute(countInput).getCount();
+         }
+
+         String tablePath   = QContext.getQInstance().getTablePath(tableName);
+         String viewAllLink = tablePath == null ? null : (tablePath + "?filter=" + URLEncoder.encode(JsonUtils.toJson(filter), Charset.defaultCharset()));
+
+         ChildRecordListData widgetData = new ChildRecordListData(input.getQueryParams().get("widgetLabel"), queryOutput, table, tablePath, viewAllLink, totalRows);
+
+         return (new RenderWidgetOutput(widgetData));
+      }
+      catch(Exception e)
+      {
+         LOG.warn("Error rendering record list widget", e, logPair("widgetName", () -> input.getWidgetMetaData().getName()));
+         throw (e);
+      }
+   }
+
+
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   private static class RecordListWidgetValidator implements QInstanceValidatorPluginInterface<QWidgetMetaDataInterface>
+   {
+
+      /***************************************************************************
+       **
+       ***************************************************************************/
+      @Override
+      public void validate(QWidgetMetaDataInterface widgetMetaData, QInstance qInstance, QInstanceValidator qInstanceValidator)
+      {
+         String prefix = "Widget " + widgetMetaData.getName() + ": ";
+
+         //////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // make sure table name is given and exists //
+         //////////////////////////////////////////////
+         QTableMetaData table = null;
+         String tableName = ValueUtils.getValueAsString(CollectionUtils.nonNullMap(widgetMetaData.getDefaultValues()).get("tableName"));
+         if(qInstanceValidator.assertCondition(StringUtils.hasContent(tableName), prefix + "defaultValue for tableName must be given"))
+         {
+            ////////////////////////////
+            // make sure table exists //
+            ////////////////////////////
+            table = qInstance.getTable(tableName);
+            qInstanceValidator.assertCondition(table != null, prefix + "No table named " + tableName + " exists in the instance");
+         }
+
+         ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // make sure filter is given and is valid (only check that if table is given too) //
+         ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         QQueryFilter filter = ((QQueryFilter) widgetMetaData.getDefaultValues().get("filter"));
+         if(qInstanceValidator.assertCondition(filter != null, prefix + "defaultValue for filter must be given") && table != null)
+         {
+            qInstanceValidator.validateQueryFilter(qInstance, prefix, table, filter, null);
+         }
+      }
+
+   }
+}

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/interfaces/QStorageInterface.java

@@ -0,0 +1,69 @@
+/*
+ * QQQ - Low-code Application Framework for Engineers.
+ * Copyright (C) 2021-2024.  Kingsrook, LLC
+ * 651 N Broad St Ste 205 # 6917 | Middletown DE 19709 | United States
+ * contact@kingsrook.com
+ * https://github.com/Kingsrook/
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU Affero General Public License as
+ * published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the
+ * License, or (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU Affero General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU Affero General Public License
+ * along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.interfaces;
+
+
+import java.io.InputStream;
+import java.io.OutputStream;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.storage.StorageInput;
+
+
+/*******************************************************************************
+ ** Interface for actions that a backend can perform, based on streaming data
+ ** into the backend's storage.
+ *******************************************************************************/
+public interface QStorageInterface
+{
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   OutputStream createOutputStream(StorageInput storageInput) throws QException;
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   InputStream getInputStream(StorageInput storageInput) throws QException;
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   default void makePublic(StorageInput storageInput) throws QException
+   {
+      //////////
+      // noop //
+      //////////
+   }
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   default String getDownloadURL(StorageInput storageInput) throws QException
+   {
+      return (null);
+   }
+
+}

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/messaging/SendMessageAction.java

@@ -0,0 +1,64 @@
+/*
+ * QQQ - Low-code Application Framework for Engineers.
+ * Copyright (C) 2021-2024.  Kingsrook, LLC
+ * 651 N Broad St Ste 205 # 6917 | Middletown DE 19709 | United States
+ * contact@kingsrook.com
+ * https://github.com/Kingsrook/
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU Affero General Public License as
+ * published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the
+ * License, or (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU Affero General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU Affero General Public License
+ * along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.messaging;
+
+
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.AbstractQActionFunction;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.context.QContext;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.messaging.SendMessageInput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.messaging.SendMessageOutput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.messaging.QMessagingProviderMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.modules.messaging.MessagingProviderInterface;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.modules.messaging.QMessagingProviderDispatcher;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.StringUtils;
+
+
+/*******************************************************************************
+ **
+ *******************************************************************************/
+public class SendMessageAction extends AbstractQActionFunction<SendMessageInput, SendMessageOutput>
+{
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public SendMessageOutput execute(SendMessageInput input) throws QException
+   {
+      if(!StringUtils.hasContent(input.getMessagingProviderName()))
+      {
+         throw (new QException("Messaging provider name was not given in SendMessageInput."));
+      }
+
+      QMessagingProviderMetaData messagingProvider = QContext.getQInstance().getMessagingProvider(input.getMessagingProviderName());
+      if(messagingProvider == null)
+      {
+         throw (new QException("Messaging provider named [" + input.getMessagingProviderName() + "] was not found in this QInstance."));
+      }
+
+      MessagingProviderInterface messagingProviderInterface = new QMessagingProviderDispatcher().getMessagingProviderInterface(messagingProvider.getType());
+
+      return (messagingProviderInterface.sendMessage(input));
+   }
+
+}

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/metadata/AllowAllMetaDataFilter.java

@@ -0,0 +1,93 @@
+/*
+ * QQQ - Low-code Application Framework for Engineers.
+ * Copyright (C) 2021-2024.  Kingsrook, LLC
+ * 651 N Broad St Ste 205 # 6917 | Middletown DE 19709 | United States
+ * contact@kingsrook.com
+ * https://github.com/Kingsrook/
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU Affero General Public License as
+ * published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the
+ * License, or (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU Affero General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU Affero General Public License
+ * along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.metadata;
+
+
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.metadata.MetaDataInput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.dashboard.QWidgetMetaDataInterface;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.layout.QAppMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.processes.QProcessMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.reporting.QReportMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.tables.QTableMetaData;
+
+
+/*******************************************************************************
+ ** a default implementation of MetaDataFilterInterface, that allows all the things
+ *******************************************************************************/
+@Deprecated(since = "migrated to metaDataCustomizer")
+public class AllowAllMetaDataFilter implements MetaDataFilterInterface
+{
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public boolean allowTable(MetaDataInput input, QTableMetaData table)
+   {
+      return (true);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public boolean allowProcess(MetaDataInput input, QProcessMetaData process)
+   {
+      return (true);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public boolean allowReport(MetaDataInput input, QReportMetaData report)
+   {
+      return (true);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public boolean allowApp(MetaDataInput input, QAppMetaData app)
+   {
+      return (true);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public boolean allowWidget(MetaDataInput input, QWidgetMetaDataInterface widget)
+   {
+      return (true);
+   }
+
+}

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/metadata/DefaultNoopMetaDataActionCustomizer.java

@@ -0,0 +1,92 @@
+/*
+ * QQQ - Low-code Application Framework for Engineers.
+ * Copyright (C) 2021-2024.  Kingsrook, LLC
+ * 651 N Broad St Ste 205 # 6917 | Middletown DE 19709 | United States
+ * contact@kingsrook.com
+ * https://github.com/Kingsrook/
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU Affero General Public License as
+ * published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the
+ * License, or (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU Affero General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU Affero General Public License
+ * along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.metadata;
+
+
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.metadata.MetaDataInput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.dashboard.QWidgetMetaDataInterface;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.layout.QAppMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.processes.QProcessMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.reporting.QReportMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.tables.QTableMetaData;
+
+
+/*******************************************************************************
+ ** a default implementation of MetaDataFilterInterface, that is all noop.
+ *******************************************************************************/
+public class DefaultNoopMetaDataActionCustomizer implements MetaDataActionCustomizerInterface
+{
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public boolean allowTable(MetaDataInput input, QTableMetaData table)
+   {
+      return (true);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public boolean allowProcess(MetaDataInput input, QProcessMetaData process)
+   {
+      return (true);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public boolean allowReport(MetaDataInput input, QReportMetaData report)
+   {
+      return (true);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public boolean allowApp(MetaDataInput input, QAppMetaData app)
+   {
+      return (true);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public boolean allowWidget(MetaDataInput input, QWidgetMetaDataInterface widget)
+   {
+      return (true);
+   }
+
+}

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/metadata/JoinGraph.java

@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@ import java.util.List;
 import java.util.Objects;
 import java.util.Set;
 import java.util.TreeSet;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.instances.QMetaDataVariableInterpreter;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.QInstance;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.joins.QJoinMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.CollectionUtils;
@@ -41,9 +42,19 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.StringUtils;
  *******************************************************************************/
 public class JoinGraph
 {
-
    private Set<Edge> edges = new HashSet<>();
 
+   ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+   // as an instance grows, with the number of joins (say, more than 50?), especially as they may have a lot of connections, //
+   // it can become very very slow to process a full join graph (e.g., 10 seconds, maybe much worse, per Big-O...)           //
+   // also, it's not frequently useful to look at a join path that's more than a handful of tables long.                     //
+   // thus - this property exists - to limit the max length of a join path.  Keeping it small keeps instance enrichment      //
+   // and validation reasonably performant, at the possible cost of, some join-path that's longer than this limit may not    //
+   // be found - but - chances are, you don't want some 12-element join path to be used anyway, thus, this makes sense.      //
+   // but - it can be adjusted, per system property or ENV var.                                                              //
+   ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+   private int maxPathLength = new QMetaDataVariableInterpreter().getIntegerFromPropertyOrEnvironment("qqq.instance.joinGraph.maxPathLength", "QQQ_INSTANCE_JOIN_GRAPH_MAX_PATH_LENGTH", 3);
+
 
 
    /*******************************************************************************
@@ -303,6 +314,13 @@ public class JoinGraph
 
                if(otherTableName != null)
                {
+                  if(newPath.size() > maxPathLength)
+                  {
+                     ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+                     // performance hack.  see comment at maxPathLength definition //
+                     ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+                     continue;
+                  }
 
                   JoinConnectionList newConnectionList = connectionList.copy();
                   JoinConnection     joinConnection    = new JoinConnection(otherTableName, edge.joinName);

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/metadata/MetaDataAction.java

@@ -23,17 +23,26 @@ package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.metadata;
 
 
 import java.util.ArrayList;
+import java.util.Collections;
 import java.util.Comparator;
 import java.util.LinkedHashMap;
 import java.util.List;
 import java.util.Map;
+import java.util.Objects;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.ActionHelper;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.customizers.QCodeLoader;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.permissions.PermissionCheckResult;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.permissions.PermissionsHelper;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.context.QContext;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QRuntimeException;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QUserFacingException;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.QLogger;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.metadata.MetaDataInput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.metadata.MetaDataOutput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.QBackendMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.QInstance;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.code.QCodeReference;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.dashboard.QWidgetMetaDataInterface;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.frontend.AppTreeNode;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.frontend.QFrontendAppMetaData;
@@ -48,6 +57,7 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.processes.QProcessMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.reporting.QReportMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.tables.QTableMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.CollectionUtils;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.memoization.Memoization;
 
 
 /*******************************************************************************
@@ -56,6 +66,12 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.CollectionUtils;
  *******************************************************************************/
 public class MetaDataAction
 {
+   private static final QLogger LOG = QLogger.getLogger(MetaDataAction.class);
+
+   private static Memoization<QInstance, MetaDataActionCustomizerInterface> metaDataActionCustomizerMemoization = new Memoization<>();
+
+
+
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
@@ -63,27 +79,32 @@ public class MetaDataAction
    {
       ActionHelper.validateSession(metaDataInput);
 
-      // todo pre-customization - just get to modify the request?
-      MetaDataOutput metaDataOutput = new MetaDataOutput();
+      MetaDataOutput           metaDataOutput = new MetaDataOutput();
+      Map<String, AppTreeNode> treeNodes      = new LinkedHashMap<>();
 
-      Map<String, AppTreeNode> treeNodes = new LinkedHashMap<>();
+      MetaDataActionCustomizerInterface customizer = getMetaDataActionCustomizer();
 
       /////////////////////////////////////
       // map tables to frontend metadata //
       /////////////////////////////////////
       Map<String, QFrontendTableMetaData> tables = new LinkedHashMap<>();
-      for(Map.Entry<String, QTableMetaData> entry : metaDataInput.getInstance().getTables().entrySet())
+      for(Map.Entry<String, QTableMetaData> entry : QContext.getQInstance().getTables().entrySet())
       {
          String         tableName = entry.getKey();
          QTableMetaData table     = entry.getValue();
 
+         if(!customizer.allowTable(metaDataInput, table))
+         {
+            continue;
+         }
+
          PermissionCheckResult permissionResult = PermissionsHelper.getPermissionCheckResult(metaDataInput, table);
          if(permissionResult.equals(PermissionCheckResult.DENY_HIDE))
          {
             continue;
          }
 
-         QBackendMetaData backendForTable = metaDataInput.getInstance().getBackendForTable(tableName);
+         QBackendMetaData backendForTable = QContext.getQInstance().getBackendForTable(tableName);
          tables.put(tableName, new QFrontendTableMetaData(metaDataInput, backendForTable, table, false, false));
          treeNodes.put(tableName, new AppTreeNode(table));
       }
@@ -96,11 +117,16 @@ public class MetaDataAction
       // map processes to frontend metadata //
       ////////////////////////////////////////
       Map<String, QFrontendProcessMetaData> processes = new LinkedHashMap<>();
-      for(Map.Entry<String, QProcessMetaData> entry : metaDataInput.getInstance().getProcesses().entrySet())
+      for(Map.Entry<String, QProcessMetaData> entry : QContext.getQInstance().getProcesses().entrySet())
       {
          String           processName = entry.getKey();
          QProcessMetaData process     = entry.getValue();
 
+         if(!customizer.allowProcess(metaDataInput, process))
+         {
+            continue;
+         }
+
          PermissionCheckResult permissionResult = PermissionsHelper.getPermissionCheckResult(metaDataInput, process);
          if(permissionResult.equals(PermissionCheckResult.DENY_HIDE))
          {
@@ -116,11 +142,16 @@ public class MetaDataAction
       // map reports to frontend metadata //
       //////////////////////////////////////
       Map<String, QFrontendReportMetaData> reports = new LinkedHashMap<>();
-      for(Map.Entry<String, QReportMetaData> entry : metaDataInput.getInstance().getReports().entrySet())
+      for(Map.Entry<String, QReportMetaData> entry : QContext.getQInstance().getReports().entrySet())
       {
          String          reportName = entry.getKey();
          QReportMetaData report     = entry.getValue();
 
+         if(!customizer.allowReport(metaDataInput, report))
+         {
+            continue;
+         }
+
          PermissionCheckResult permissionResult = PermissionsHelper.getPermissionCheckResult(metaDataInput, report);
          if(permissionResult.equals(PermissionCheckResult.DENY_HIDE))
          {
@@ -136,11 +167,16 @@ public class MetaDataAction
       // map widgets to frontend metadata //
       //////////////////////////////////////
       Map<String, QFrontendWidgetMetaData> widgets = new LinkedHashMap<>();
-      for(Map.Entry<String, QWidgetMetaDataInterface> entry : metaDataInput.getInstance().getWidgets().entrySet())
+      for(Map.Entry<String, QWidgetMetaDataInterface> entry : QContext.getQInstance().getWidgets().entrySet())
       {
          String                   widgetName = entry.getKey();
          QWidgetMetaDataInterface widget     = entry.getValue();
 
+         if(!customizer.allowWidget(metaDataInput, widget))
+         {
+            continue;
+         }
+
          PermissionCheckResult permissionResult = PermissionsHelper.getPermissionCheckResult(metaDataInput, widget);
          if(permissionResult.equals(PermissionCheckResult.DENY_HIDE))
          {
@@ -154,7 +190,7 @@ public class MetaDataAction
       ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////
       // sort apps - by sortOrder (integer), then by label //
       ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-      List<QAppMetaData> sortedApps = metaDataInput.getInstance().getApps().values().stream()
+      List<QAppMetaData> sortedApps = QContext.getQInstance().getApps().values().stream()
          .sorted(Comparator.comparing((QAppMetaData a) -> a.getSortOrder())
             .thenComparing((QAppMetaData a) -> a.getLabel()))
          .toList();
@@ -173,9 +209,19 @@ public class MetaDataAction
             continue;
          }
 
-         apps.put(appName, new QFrontendAppMetaData(app, metaDataOutput));
-         treeNodes.put(appName, new AppTreeNode(app));
+         if(!customizer.allowApp(metaDataInput, app))
+         {
+            continue;
+         }
 
+         //////////////////////////////////////
+         // build the frontend-app meta-data //
+         //////////////////////////////////////
+         QFrontendAppMetaData frontendAppMetaData = new QFrontendAppMetaData(app, metaDataOutput);
+
+         /////////////////////////////////////////
+         // add children (if they're permitted) //
+         /////////////////////////////////////////
          if(CollectionUtils.nullSafeHasContents(app.getChildren()))
          {
             for(QAppChildMetaData child : app.getChildren())
@@ -189,9 +235,42 @@ public class MetaDataAction
                   }
                }
 
-               apps.get(appName).addChild(new AppTreeNode(child));
+               //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+               // if the child was filtered away, so it isn't in its corresponding map, then don't include it here //
+               //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+               if(child instanceof QTableMetaData table && !tables.containsKey(table.getName()))
+               {
+                  continue;
+               }
+               if(child instanceof QProcessMetaData process && !processes.containsKey(process.getName()))
+               {
+                  continue;
+               }
+               if(child instanceof QReportMetaData report && !reports.containsKey(report.getName()))
+               {
+                  continue;
+               }
+               if(child instanceof QAppMetaData childApp && !apps.containsKey(childApp.getName()))
+               {
+                  // continue;
+               }
+
+               frontendAppMetaData.addChild(new AppTreeNode(child));
             }
          }
+
+         //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // if the app ended up having no children, then discard it                                          //
+         // todo - i think this was wrong, because it didn't take into account ... something nested maybe... //
+         //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         if(CollectionUtils.nullSafeIsEmpty(frontendAppMetaData.getChildren()) && CollectionUtils.nullSafeIsEmpty(frontendAppMetaData.getWidgets()))
+         {
+            // LOG.debug("Discarding empty app", logPair("name", frontendAppMetaData.getName()));
+            // continue;
+         }
+
+         apps.put(appName, frontendAppMetaData);
+         treeNodes.put(appName, new AppTreeNode(app));
       }
       metaDataOutput.setApps(apps);
 
@@ -211,20 +290,70 @@ public class MetaDataAction
       ////////////////////////////////////
       // add branding metadata if found //
       ////////////////////////////////////
-      if(metaDataInput.getInstance().getBranding() != null)
+      if(QContext.getQInstance().getBranding() != null)
       {
-         metaDataOutput.setBranding(metaDataInput.getInstance().getBranding());
+         metaDataOutput.setBranding(QContext.getQInstance().getBranding());
       }
 
-      metaDataOutput.setEnvironmentValues(metaDataInput.getInstance().getEnvironmentValues());
+      metaDataOutput.setEnvironmentValues(Objects.requireNonNullElse(QContext.getQInstance().getEnvironmentValues(), Collections.emptyMap()));
 
-      // todo post-customization - can do whatever w/ the result if you want?
+      metaDataOutput.setHelpContents(Objects.requireNonNullElse(QContext.getQInstance().getHelpContent(), Collections.emptyMap()));
+
+      try
+      {
+         customizer.postProcess(metaDataOutput);
+      }
+      catch(QUserFacingException e)
+      {
+         LOG.debug("User-facing exception thrown in meta-data customizer post-processing", e);
+      }
+      catch(Exception e)
+      {
+         LOG.warn("Unexpected error thrown in meta-data customizer post-processing", e);
+      }
 
       return metaDataOutput;
    }
 
 
 
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   private MetaDataActionCustomizerInterface getMetaDataActionCustomizer()
+   {
+      return metaDataActionCustomizerMemoization.getResult(QContext.getQInstance(), i ->
+      {
+         MetaDataActionCustomizerInterface actionCustomizer                  = null;
+         QCodeReference                    metaDataActionCustomizerReference = QContext.getQInstance().getMetaDataActionCustomizer();
+         if(metaDataActionCustomizerReference != null)
+         {
+            actionCustomizer = QCodeLoader.getAdHoc(MetaDataActionCustomizerInterface.class, metaDataActionCustomizerReference);
+            LOG.debug("Using new meta-data actionCustomizer of type: " + actionCustomizer.getClass().getSimpleName());
+         }
+
+         if(actionCustomizer == null)
+         {
+            QCodeReference metaDataFilterReference = QContext.getQInstance().getMetaDataFilter();
+            if(metaDataFilterReference != null)
+            {
+               actionCustomizer = QCodeLoader.getAdHoc(MetaDataActionCustomizerInterface.class, metaDataFilterReference);
+               LOG.debug("Using new meta-data actionCustomizer (via metaDataFilter reference) of type: " + actionCustomizer.getClass().getSimpleName());
+            }
+         }
+
+         if(actionCustomizer == null)
+         {
+            actionCustomizer = new DefaultNoopMetaDataActionCustomizer();
+            LOG.debug("Using new default (allow-all) meta-data actionCustomizer");
+         }
+
+         return (actionCustomizer);
+      }).orElseThrow(() -> new QRuntimeException("Error getting MetaDataActionCustomizer"));
+   }
+
+
+
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/metadata/MetaDataActionCustomizerInterface.java

@@ -0,0 +1,78 @@
+/*
+ * QQQ - Low-code Application Framework for Engineers.
+ * Copyright (C) 2021-2024.  Kingsrook, LLC
+ * 651 N Broad St Ste 205 # 6917 | Middletown DE 19709 | United States
+ * contact@kingsrook.com
+ * https://github.com/Kingsrook/
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU Affero General Public License as
+ * published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the
+ * License, or (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU Affero General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU Affero General Public License
+ * along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.metadata;
+
+
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.metadata.MetaDataInput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.metadata.MetaDataOutput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.dashboard.QWidgetMetaDataInterface;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.layout.QAppMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.processes.QProcessMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.reporting.QReportMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.tables.QTableMetaData;
+
+
+/*******************************************************************************
+ ** Interface for customizations that can be injected by an application into
+ ** the MetaDataAction - e.g., loading applicable meta-data for a user into a
+ ** frontend.
+ *******************************************************************************/
+public interface MetaDataActionCustomizerInterface
+{
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   boolean allowTable(MetaDataInput input, QTableMetaData table);
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   boolean allowProcess(MetaDataInput input, QProcessMetaData process);
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   boolean allowReport(MetaDataInput input, QReportMetaData report);
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   boolean allowApp(MetaDataInput input, QAppMetaData app);
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   boolean allowWidget(MetaDataInput input, QWidgetMetaDataInterface widget);
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   default void postProcess(MetaDataOutput metaDataOutput) throws QException
+   {
+      /////////////////////
+      // noop by default //
+      /////////////////////
+   }
+
+}

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/metadata/MetaDataFilterInterface.java

@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+/*
+ * QQQ - Low-code Application Framework for Engineers.
+ * Copyright (C) 2021-2024.  Kingsrook, LLC
+ * 651 N Broad St Ste 205 # 6917 | Middletown DE 19709 | United States
+ * contact@kingsrook.com
+ * https://github.com/Kingsrook/
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU Affero General Public License as
+ * published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the
+ * License, or (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU Affero General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU Affero General Public License
+ * along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.metadata;
+
+
+/*******************************************************************************
+ **
+ *******************************************************************************/
+@Deprecated(since = "migrated to metaDataCustomizer")
+public interface MetaDataFilterInterface extends MetaDataActionCustomizerInterface
+{
+
+}

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/metadata/ProcessMetaDataAction.java

@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.metadata;
 
 
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.ActionHelper;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.context.QContext;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QNotFoundException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.metadata.ProcessMetaDataInput;
@@ -47,7 +48,7 @@ public class ProcessMetaDataAction
       // todo pre-customization - just get to modify the request?
       ProcessMetaDataOutput processMetaDataOutput = new ProcessMetaDataOutput();
 
-      QProcessMetaData process = processMetaDataInput.getInstance().getProcess(processMetaDataInput.getProcessName());
+      QProcessMetaData process = QContext.getQInstance().getProcess(processMetaDataInput.getProcessName());
       if(process == null)
       {
          throw (new QNotFoundException("Process [" + processMetaDataInput.getProcessName() + "] was not found."));

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/metadata/TableMetaDataAction.java

@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.metadata;
 
 
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.ActionHelper;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.context.QContext;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QNotFoundException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.metadata.TableMetaDataInput;
@@ -48,12 +49,12 @@ public class TableMetaDataAction
       // todo pre-customization - just get to modify the request?
       TableMetaDataOutput tableMetaDataOutput = new TableMetaDataOutput();
 
-      QTableMetaData table = tableMetaDataInput.getInstance().getTable(tableMetaDataInput.getTableName());
+      QTableMetaData table = QContext.getQInstance().getTable(tableMetaDataInput.getTableName());
       if(table == null)
       {
          throw (new QNotFoundException("Table [" + tableMetaDataInput.getTableName() + "] was not found."));
       }
-      QBackendMetaData backendForTable = tableMetaDataInput.getInstance().getBackendForTable(table.getName());
+      QBackendMetaData backendForTable = QContext.getQInstance().getBackendForTable(table.getName());
       tableMetaDataOutput.setTable(new QFrontendTableMetaData(tableMetaDataInput, backendForTable, table, true, true));
 
       // todo post-customization - can do whatever w/ the result if you want

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/permissions/PermissionsHelper.java

@@ -34,18 +34,22 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QPermissionDeniedException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.QLogger;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.AbstractActionInput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.AbstractTableActionInput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.QBackendMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.QInstance;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.dashboard.QWidgetMetaDataInterface;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.layout.QAppMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.permissions.DenyBehavior;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.permissions.MetaDataWithName;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.permissions.MetaDataWithPermissionRules;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.permissions.PermissionLevel;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.permissions.QPermissionRules;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.processes.QProcessMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.reporting.QReportMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.tables.Capability;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.tables.QTableMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.session.QSession;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.StringUtils;
+import static com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.LogUtils.logPair;
 
 
 /*******************************************************************************
@@ -75,6 +79,12 @@ public class PermissionsHelper
       warnAboutPermissionSubTypeForTables(permissionSubType);
       QTableMetaData table = QContext.getQInstance().getTable(tableName);
 
+      if(table == null)
+      {
+         LOG.info("Throwing a permission denied exception in response to a non-existent table name", logPair("tableName", tableName));
+         throw (new QPermissionDeniedException("Permission denied."));
+      }
+
       commonCheckPermissionThrowing(getEffectivePermissionRules(table, QContext.getQInstance()), permissionSubType, table.getName());
    }
 
@@ -181,7 +191,14 @@ public class PermissionsHelper
     *******************************************************************************/
    public static void checkProcessPermissionThrowing(AbstractActionInput actionInput, String processName, Map<String, Serializable> processValues) throws QPermissionDeniedException
    {
-      QProcessMetaData process                  = QContext.getQInstance().getProcess(processName);
+      QProcessMetaData process = QContext.getQInstance().getProcess(processName);
+
+      if(process == null)
+      {
+         LOG.info("Throwing a permission denied exception in response to a non-existent process name", logPair("processName", processName));
+         throw (new QPermissionDeniedException("Permission denied."));
+      }
+
       QPermissionRules effectivePermissionRules = getEffectivePermissionRules(process, QContext.getQInstance());
 
       if(effectivePermissionRules.getCustomPermissionChecker() != null)
@@ -223,6 +240,13 @@ public class PermissionsHelper
    public static void checkAppPermissionThrowing(AbstractActionInput actionInput, String appName) throws QPermissionDeniedException
    {
       QAppMetaData app = QContext.getQInstance().getApp(appName);
+
+      if(app == null)
+      {
+         LOG.info("Throwing a permission denied exception in response to a non-existent app name", logPair("appName", appName));
+         throw (new QPermissionDeniedException("Permission denied."));
+      }
+
       commonCheckPermissionThrowing(getEffectivePermissionRules(app, QContext.getQInstance()), PrivatePermissionSubType.HAS_ACCESS, app.getName());
    }
 
@@ -252,6 +276,13 @@ public class PermissionsHelper
    public static void checkReportPermissionThrowing(AbstractActionInput actionInput, String reportName) throws QPermissionDeniedException
    {
       QReportMetaData report = QContext.getQInstance().getReport(reportName);
+
+      if(report == null)
+      {
+         LOG.info("Throwing a permission denied exception in response to a non-existent process name", logPair("reportName", reportName));
+         throw (new QPermissionDeniedException("Permission denied."));
+      }
+
       commonCheckPermissionThrowing(getEffectivePermissionRules(report, QContext.getQInstance()), PrivatePermissionSubType.HAS_ACCESS, report.getName());
    }
 
@@ -281,6 +312,13 @@ public class PermissionsHelper
    public static void checkWidgetPermissionThrowing(AbstractActionInput actionInput, String widgetName) throws QPermissionDeniedException
    {
       QWidgetMetaDataInterface widget = QContext.getQInstance().getWidget(widgetName);
+
+      if(widget == null)
+      {
+         LOG.info("Throwing a permission denied exception in response to a non-existent widget name", logPair("widgetName", widgetName));
+         throw (new QPermissionDeniedException("Permission denied."));
+      }
+
       commonCheckPermissionThrowing(getEffectivePermissionRules(widget, QContext.getQInstance()), PrivatePermissionSubType.HAS_ACCESS, widget.getName());
    }
 
@@ -333,9 +371,25 @@ public class PermissionsHelper
          QPermissionRules rules    = getEffectivePermissionRules(tableMetaData, instance);
          String           baseName = getEffectivePermissionBaseName(rules, tableMetaData.getName());
 
-         for(TablePermissionSubType permissionSubType : TablePermissionSubType.values())
+         QBackendMetaData backend = instance.getBackend(tableMetaData.getBackendName());
+         if(tableMetaData.isCapabilityEnabled(backend, Capability.TABLE_INSERT))
          {
-            addEffectiveAvailablePermission(rules, permissionSubType, rs, baseName, tableMetaData, "Table");
+            addEffectiveAvailablePermission(rules, TablePermissionSubType.INSERT, rs, baseName, tableMetaData, "Table");
+         }
+
+         if(tableMetaData.isCapabilityEnabled(backend, Capability.TABLE_UPDATE))
+         {
+            addEffectiveAvailablePermission(rules, TablePermissionSubType.EDIT, rs, baseName, tableMetaData, "Table");
+         }
+
+         if(tableMetaData.isCapabilityEnabled(backend, Capability.TABLE_DELETE))
+         {
+            addEffectiveAvailablePermission(rules, TablePermissionSubType.DELETE, rs, baseName, tableMetaData, "Table");
+         }
+
+         if(tableMetaData.isCapabilityEnabled(backend, Capability.TABLE_QUERY) || tableMetaData.isCapabilityEnabled(backend, Capability.TABLE_GET))
+         {
+            addEffectiveAvailablePermission(rules, TablePermissionSubType.READ, rs, baseName, tableMetaData, "Table");
          }
       }
 
@@ -369,7 +423,10 @@ public class PermissionsHelper
       {
          QPermissionRules rules    = getEffectivePermissionRules(widgetMetaData, instance);
          String           baseName = getEffectivePermissionBaseName(rules, widgetMetaData.getName());
-         addEffectiveAvailablePermission(rules, PrivatePermissionSubType.HAS_ACCESS, rs, baseName, widgetMetaData, "Widget");
+         if(!rules.getLevel().equals(PermissionLevel.NOT_PROTECTED))
+         {
+            addEffectiveAvailablePermission(rules, PrivatePermissionSubType.HAS_ACCESS, rs, baseName, widgetMetaData, "Widget");
+         }
       }
 
       return (rs);
@@ -478,7 +535,6 @@ public class PermissionsHelper
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   @SuppressWarnings("checkstyle:indentation")
    static PermissionSubType getEffectivePermissionSubType(QPermissionRules rules, PermissionSubType originalPermissionSubType)
    {
       if(rules == null || rules.getLevel() == null)
@@ -493,10 +549,10 @@ public class PermissionsHelper
       if(PrivatePermissionSubType.HAS_ACCESS.equals(originalPermissionSubType))
       {
          return switch(rules.getLevel())
-            {
-               case NOT_PROTECTED -> null;
-               default -> PrivatePermissionSubType.HAS_ACCESS;
-            };
+         {
+            case NOT_PROTECTED -> null;
+            default -> PrivatePermissionSubType.HAS_ACCESS;
+         };
       }
       else
       {
@@ -505,30 +561,30 @@ public class PermissionsHelper
          // permission sub-type to what we expect to be set for the table                                      //
          ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
          return switch(rules.getLevel())
+         {
+            case NOT_PROTECTED -> null;
+            case HAS_ACCESS_PERMISSION -> PrivatePermissionSubType.HAS_ACCESS;
+            case READ_WRITE_PERMISSIONS ->
             {
-               case NOT_PROTECTED -> null;
-               case HAS_ACCESS_PERMISSION -> PrivatePermissionSubType.HAS_ACCESS;
-               case READ_WRITE_PERMISSIONS ->
+               if(PrivatePermissionSubType.READ.equals(originalPermissionSubType) || PrivatePermissionSubType.WRITE.equals(originalPermissionSubType))
                {
-                  if(PrivatePermissionSubType.READ.equals(originalPermissionSubType) || PrivatePermissionSubType.WRITE.equals(originalPermissionSubType))
-                  {
-                     yield (originalPermissionSubType);
-                  }
-                  else if(TablePermissionSubType.INSERT.equals(originalPermissionSubType) || TablePermissionSubType.EDIT.equals(originalPermissionSubType) || TablePermissionSubType.DELETE.equals(originalPermissionSubType))
-                  {
-                     yield (PrivatePermissionSubType.WRITE);
-                  }
-                  else if(TablePermissionSubType.READ.equals(originalPermissionSubType))
-                  {
-                     yield (PrivatePermissionSubType.READ);
-                  }
-                  else
-                  {
-                     throw new IllegalStateException("Unexpected permissionSubType: " + originalPermissionSubType);
-                  }
+                  yield (originalPermissionSubType);
                }
-               case READ_INSERT_EDIT_DELETE_PERMISSIONS -> originalPermissionSubType;
-            };
+               else if(TablePermissionSubType.INSERT.equals(originalPermissionSubType) || TablePermissionSubType.EDIT.equals(originalPermissionSubType) || TablePermissionSubType.DELETE.equals(originalPermissionSubType))
+               {
+                  yield (PrivatePermissionSubType.WRITE);
+               }
+               else if(TablePermissionSubType.READ.equals(originalPermissionSubType))
+               {
+                  yield (PrivatePermissionSubType.READ);
+               }
+               else
+               {
+                  throw new IllegalStateException("Unexpected permissionSubType: " + originalPermissionSubType);
+               }
+            }
+            case READ_INSERT_EDIT_DELETE_PERMISSIONS -> originalPermissionSubType;
+         };
       }
    }
 

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/processes/CancelProcessAction.java

@@ -0,0 +1,111 @@
+/*
+ * QQQ - Low-code Application Framework for Engineers.
+ * Copyright (C) 2021-2022.  Kingsrook, LLC
+ * 651 N Broad St Ste 205 # 6917 | Middletown DE 19709 | United States
+ * contact@kingsrook.com
+ * https://github.com/Kingsrook/
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU Affero General Public License as
+ * published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the
+ * License, or (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU Affero General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU Affero General Public License
+ * along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.processes;
+
+
+import java.util.Optional;
+import java.util.UUID;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.ActionHelper;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.context.QContext;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QBadRequestException;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.QLogger;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.processes.ProcessState;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.processes.RunProcessInput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.processes.RunProcessOutput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.processes.QProcessMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.state.StateType;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.state.UUIDAndTypeStateKey;
+import static com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.LogUtils.logPair;
+
+
+/*******************************************************************************
+ ** Action handler for running the cancel step of a qqq process
+ *
+ *******************************************************************************/
+public class CancelProcessAction extends RunProcessAction
+{
+   private static final QLogger LOG = QLogger.getLogger(CancelProcessAction.class);
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public RunProcessOutput execute(RunProcessInput runProcessInput) throws QException
+   {
+      ActionHelper.validateSession(runProcessInput);
+
+      QProcessMetaData process = QContext.getQInstance().getProcess(runProcessInput.getProcessName());
+      if(process == null)
+      {
+         throw new QBadRequestException("Process [" + runProcessInput.getProcessName() + "] is not defined in this instance.");
+      }
+
+      if(runProcessInput.getProcessUUID() == null)
+      {
+         throw (new QBadRequestException("Cannot cancel process - processUUID was not given."));
+      }
+
+      UUIDAndTypeStateKey    stateKey     = new UUIDAndTypeStateKey(UUID.fromString(runProcessInput.getProcessUUID()), StateType.PROCESS_STATUS);
+      Optional<ProcessState> processState = getState(runProcessInput.getProcessUUID());
+      if(processState.isEmpty())
+      {
+         throw (new QBadRequestException("Cannot cancel process - State for process UUID [" + runProcessInput.getProcessUUID() + "] was not found."));
+      }
+
+      RunProcessOutput runProcessOutput = new RunProcessOutput();
+      try
+      {
+         if(process.getCancelStep() != null)
+         {
+            LOG.info("Running cancel step for process", logPair("processName", process.getName()));
+            runBackendStep(runProcessInput, process, runProcessOutput, stateKey, process.getCancelStep(), process, processState.get());
+         }
+         else
+         {
+            LOG.debug("Process does not have a custom cancel step to run.", logPair("processName", process.getName()));
+         }
+      }
+      catch(QException qe)
+      {
+         ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // upon exception (e.g., one thrown by a step), throw it. //
+         ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         throw (qe);
+      }
+      catch(Exception e)
+      {
+         throw (new QException("Error cancelling process", e));
+      }
+      finally
+      {
+         //////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // always put the final state in the process result //
+         //////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         runProcessOutput.setProcessState(processState.get());
+      }
+
+      return (runProcessOutput);
+   }
+
+}

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/processes/QProcessCallbackFactory.java

@@ -23,11 +23,19 @@ package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.processes;
 
 
 import java.io.Serializable;
+import java.util.Collection;
 import java.util.Collections;
 import java.util.List;
 import java.util.Map;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.context.QContext;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QRuntimeException;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QCriteriaOperator;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QFilterCriteria;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QQueryFilter;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.data.QRecord;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.data.QRecordEntity;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.fields.QFieldMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.StringUtils;
 
 
 /*******************************************************************************
@@ -65,4 +73,56 @@ public class QProcessCallbackFactory
       };
    }
 
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public static QProcessCallback forRecordEntity(QRecordEntity entity)
+   {
+      return forRecord(entity.toQRecord());
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public static QProcessCallback forRecord(QRecord record)
+   {
+      String primaryKeyField = "id";
+      if(StringUtils.hasContent(record.getTableName()))
+      {
+         primaryKeyField = QContext.getQInstance().getTable(record.getTableName()).getPrimaryKeyField();
+      }
+
+      Serializable primaryKeyValue = record.getValue(primaryKeyField);
+      if(primaryKeyValue == null)
+      {
+         throw (new QRuntimeException("Record did not have value in its primary key field [" + primaryKeyField + "]"));
+      }
+
+      return (forPrimaryKey(primaryKeyField, primaryKeyValue));
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public static QProcessCallback forPrimaryKey(String fieldName, Serializable value)
+   {
+      return (forFilter(new QQueryFilter().withCriteria(new QFilterCriteria(fieldName, QCriteriaOperator.EQUALS, value))));
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public static QProcessCallback forPrimaryKeys(String fieldName, Collection<? extends Serializable> values)
+   {
+      return (forFilter(new QQueryFilter().withCriteria(new QFilterCriteria(fieldName, QCriteriaOperator.IN, values))));
+   }
+
 }

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/processes/RunBackendStepAction.java

@@ -26,22 +26,29 @@ import java.io.Serializable;
 import java.util.ArrayList;
 import java.util.List;
 import java.util.Map;
+import java.util.Objects;
 import java.util.stream.Collectors;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.ActionHelper;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.tables.QueryAction;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.context.QContext;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QUserFacingException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.QLogger;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.processes.RunBackendStepInput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.processes.RunBackendStepOutput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QCriteriaOperator;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QFilterCriteria;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QQueryFilter;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QueryInput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QueryOutput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.code.QCodeReference;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.code.QCodeReferenceLambda;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.fields.QFieldMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.processes.QBackendStepMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.processes.QFunctionInputMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.processes.QProcessMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.processes.QStepMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.tables.QTableMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.CollectionUtils;
 
 
@@ -62,7 +69,7 @@ public class RunBackendStepAction
    {
       ActionHelper.validateSession(runBackendStepInput);
 
-      QProcessMetaData process = runBackendStepInput.getInstance().getProcess(runBackendStepInput.getProcessName());
+      QProcessMetaData process = QContext.getQInstance().getProcess(runBackendStepInput.getProcessName());
       if(process == null)
       {
          throw new QException("Process [" + runBackendStepInput.getProcessName() + "] is not defined in this instance.");
@@ -71,7 +78,17 @@ public class RunBackendStepAction
       QStepMetaData stepMetaData = process.getStep(runBackendStepInput.getStepName());
       if(stepMetaData == null)
       {
-         throw new QException("Step [" + runBackendStepInput.getStepName() + "] is not defined in the process [" + process.getName() + "]");
+         if(process.getCancelStep() != null && Objects.equals(process.getCancelStep().getName(), runBackendStepInput.getStepName()))
+         {
+            /////////////////////////////////////
+            // special case for cancel step... //
+            /////////////////////////////////////
+            stepMetaData = process.getCancelStep();
+         }
+         else
+         {
+            throw new QException("Step [" + runBackendStepInput.getStepName() + "] is not defined in the process [" + process.getName() + "]");
+         }
       }
 
       if(!(stepMetaData instanceof QBackendStepMetaData backendStepMetaData))
@@ -82,7 +99,7 @@ public class RunBackendStepAction
       //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
       // ensure input data is set as needed - use callback object to get anything missing //
       //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-      ensureRecordsAreInRequest(runBackendStepInput, backendStepMetaData);
+      ensureRecordsAreInRequest(runBackendStepInput, backendStepMetaData, process);
       ensureInputFieldsAreInRequest(runBackendStepInput, backendStepMetaData);
 
       ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
@@ -167,32 +184,86 @@ public class RunBackendStepAction
     ** check if this step uses a record list - and if so, if we need to get one
     ** via the callback
     *******************************************************************************/
-   private void ensureRecordsAreInRequest(RunBackendStepInput runBackendStepInput, QBackendStepMetaData step) throws QException
+   private void ensureRecordsAreInRequest(RunBackendStepInput runBackendStepInput, QBackendStepMetaData step, QProcessMetaData process) throws QException
    {
       QFunctionInputMetaData inputMetaData = step.getInputMetaData();
       if(inputMetaData != null && inputMetaData.getRecordListMetaData() != null)
       {
          if(CollectionUtils.nullSafeIsEmpty(runBackendStepInput.getRecords()))
          {
-            QueryInput queryInput = new QueryInput();
-            queryInput.setTableName(inputMetaData.getRecordListMetaData().getTableName());
+            QTableMetaData table      = QContext.getQInstance().getTable(inputMetaData.getRecordListMetaData().getTableName());
+            QueryInput     queryInput = new QueryInput();
+            queryInput.setTableName(table.getName());
 
-            // todo - handle this being async (e.g., http)
-            // seems like it just needs to throw, breaking this flow, and to send a response to the frontend, directing it to prompt the user for the needed data
-            // then this step can re-run, hopefully with the needed data.
-
-            QProcessCallback callback = runBackendStepInput.getCallback();
-            if(callback == null)
+            //////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // look for record ids in the input data values //
+            //////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            String recordIds = (String) runBackendStepInput.getValue("recordIds");
+            if(recordIds == null)
             {
-               throw (new QUserFacingException("Missing input records.",
-                  new QException("Function is missing input records, but no callback was present to request fields from a user")));
+               recordIds = (String) runBackendStepInput.getValue("recordId");
             }
 
-            queryInput.setFilter(callback.getQueryFilter());
+            ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // if records were found, add as criteria to query input //
+            ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            if(recordIds != null)
+            {
+               queryInput.setFilter(new QQueryFilter(new QFilterCriteria(table.getPrimaryKeyField(), QCriteriaOperator.IN, recordIds.split(","))));
+            }
+            else
+            {
+               // todo - handle this being async (e.g., http)
+               // seems like it just needs to throw, breaking this flow, and to send a response to the frontend, directing it to prompt the user for the needed data
+               // then this step can re-run, hopefully with the needed data.
+               QProcessCallback callback = runBackendStepInput.getCallback();
+               if(callback == null)
+               {
+                  throw (new QUserFacingException("Missing input records.",
+                     new QException("Function is missing input records, but no callback was present to request fields from a user")));
+               }
+
+               queryInput.setFilter(callback.getQueryFilter());
+            }
+
+            //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // if process has a max-no of records, set a limit on the process of that number plus 1 //
+            // (the plus 1 being so we can see "oh, you selected more than that many; error!"       //
+            //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            if(process.getMaxInputRecords() != null)
+            {
+               if(queryInput.getFilter() == null)
+               {
+                  queryInput.setFilter(new QQueryFilter());
+               }
+
+               queryInput.getFilter().setLimit(process.getMaxInputRecords() + 1);
+            }
 
             QueryOutput queryOutput = new QueryAction().execute(queryInput);
             runBackendStepInput.setRecords(queryOutput.getRecords());
-            // todo - handle 0 results found?
+
+            ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // if process defines a max, and more than the max were found, throw an error //
+            ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            if(process.getMaxInputRecords() != null)
+            {
+               if(queryOutput.getRecords().size() > process.getMaxInputRecords())
+               {
+                  throw (new QUserFacingException("Too many records were selected for this process.  At most, only " + process.getMaxInputRecords() + " can be selected."));
+               }
+            }
+
+            /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // if process defines a min, and fewer than the min were found, throw an error //
+            /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            if(process.getMinInputRecords() != null)
+            {
+               if(queryOutput.getRecords().size() < process.getMinInputRecords())
+               {
+                  throw (new QUserFacingException("Too few records were selected for this process.  At least " + process.getMinInputRecords() + " must be selected."));
+               }
+            }
          }
       }
    }
@@ -209,11 +280,20 @@ public class RunBackendStepAction
       {
          runBackendStepOutput.seedFromRequest(runBackendStepInput);
 
-         Class<?> codeClass  = Class.forName(code.getName());
-         Object   codeObject = codeClass.getConstructor().newInstance();
+         Object codeObject;
+         if(code instanceof QCodeReferenceLambda<?> qCodeReferenceLambda)
+         {
+            codeObject = qCodeReferenceLambda.getLambda();
+         }
+         else
+         {
+            Class<?> codeClass = Class.forName(code.getName());
+            codeObject = codeClass.getConstructor().newInstance();
+         }
+
          if(!(codeObject instanceof BackendStep backendStepCodeObject))
          {
-            throw (new QException("The supplied code [" + codeClass.getName() + "] is not an instance of BackendStep"));
+            throw (new QException("The supplied codeReference [" + code + "] is not a reference to a BackendStep"));
          }
 
          backendStepCodeObject.run(runBackendStepInput, runBackendStepOutput);

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/processes/RunProcessAction.java

@@ -28,9 +28,11 @@ import java.time.temporal.ChronoUnit;
 import java.util.ArrayList;
 import java.util.List;
 import java.util.Map;
+import java.util.Objects;
 import java.util.Optional;
 import java.util.UUID;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.ActionHelper;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.customizers.QCodeLoader;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.dashboard.widgets.NoCodeWidgetRenderer;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.tables.InsertAction;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.tables.QueryAction;
@@ -52,15 +54,18 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QueryOutput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.update.UpdateInput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.data.QRecord;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.QBackendMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.code.QCodeReference;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.fields.QFieldMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.processes.NoCodeWidgetFrontendComponentMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.processes.QBackendStepMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.processes.QFrontendComponentMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.processes.QFrontendStepMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.processes.QProcessMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.processes.QStateMachineStep;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.processes.QStepMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.session.QSession;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.processes.implementations.basepull.BasepullConfiguration;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.processes.tracing.ProcessTracerInterface;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.state.InMemoryStateProvider;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.state.StateProviderInterface;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.state.StateType;
@@ -69,6 +74,7 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.CollectionUtils;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.StringUtils;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.ValueUtils;
 import org.apache.commons.lang.BooleanUtils;
+import static com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.LogUtils.logPair;
 
 
 /*******************************************************************************
@@ -79,10 +85,13 @@ public class RunProcessAction
 {
    private static final QLogger LOG = QLogger.getLogger(RunProcessAction.class);
 
+   public static final String BASEPULL_KEY_VALUE        = "basepullKeyValue";
    public static final String BASEPULL_THIS_RUNTIME_KEY = "basepullThisRuntimeKey";
    public static final String BASEPULL_LAST_RUNTIME_KEY = "basepullLastRuntimeKey";
    public static final String BASEPULL_TIMESTAMP_FIELD  = "basepullTimestampField";
-   public static final String BASEPULL_CONFIGURATION = "basepullConfiguration";
+   public static final String BASEPULL_CONFIGURATION    = "basepullConfiguration";
+
+   public static final String PROCESS_TRACER_CODE_REFERENCE_FIELD = "processTracerCodeReference";
 
    ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
    // indicator that the timestamp field should be updated - e.g., the execute step is finished. //
@@ -90,6 +99,8 @@ public class RunProcessAction
    public static final String BASEPULL_READY_TO_UPDATE_TIMESTAMP_FIELD = "basepullReadyToUpdateTimestamp";
    public static final String BASEPULL_DID_QUERY_USING_TIMESTAMP_FIELD = "basepullDidQueryUsingTimestamp";
 
+   private ProcessTracerInterface processTracer;
+
 
 
    /*******************************************************************************
@@ -99,7 +110,7 @@ public class RunProcessAction
    {
       ActionHelper.validateSession(runProcessInput);
 
-      QProcessMetaData process = runProcessInput.getInstance().getProcess(runProcessInput.getProcessName());
+      QProcessMetaData process = QContext.getQInstance().getProcess(runProcessInput.getProcessName());
       if(process == null)
       {
          throw new QException("Process [" + runProcessInput.getProcessName() + "] is not defined in this instance.");
@@ -116,9 +127,17 @@ public class RunProcessAction
       }
       runProcessOutput.setProcessUUID(runProcessInput.getProcessUUID());
 
+      traceStartOrResume(runProcessInput, process);
+
       UUIDAndTypeStateKey stateKey     = new UUIDAndTypeStateKey(UUID.fromString(runProcessInput.getProcessUUID()), StateType.PROCESS_STATUS);
       ProcessState        processState = primeProcessState(runProcessInput, stateKey, process);
 
+      /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      // these should always be clear when we're starting a run - so make sure they haven't leaked from previous //
+      /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      processState.clearNextStepName();
+      processState.clearBackStepName();
+
       /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
       // if process is 'basepull' style, keep track of 'now' //
       /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
@@ -133,72 +152,11 @@ public class RunProcessAction
 
       try
       {
-         String lastStepName = runProcessInput.getStartAfterStep();
-
-         STEP_LOOP:
-         while(true)
+         switch(Objects.requireNonNull(process.getStepFlow(), "Process [" + process.getName() + "] has a null stepFlow."))
          {
-            ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-            // always refresh the step list - as any step that runs can modify it (in the process state).        //
-            // this is why we don't do a loop over the step list - as we'd get ConcurrentModificationExceptions. //
-            ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-            List<QStepMetaData> stepList = getAvailableStepList(processState, process, lastStepName);
-            if(stepList.isEmpty())
-            {
-               break;
-            }
-
-            QStepMetaData step = stepList.get(0);
-            lastStepName = step.getName();
-
-            if(step instanceof QFrontendStepMetaData frontendStep)
-            {
-               ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-               // Handle what to do with frontend steps, per request setting //
-               ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-               switch(runProcessInput.getFrontendStepBehavior())
-               {
-                  case BREAK ->
-                  {
-                     LOG.trace("Breaking process [" + process.getName() + "] at frontend step (as requested by caller): " + step.getName());
-                     processFrontendStepFieldDefaultValues(processState, frontendStep);
-                     processFrontendComponents(processState, frontendStep);
-                     processState.setNextStepName(step.getName());
-                     break STEP_LOOP;
-                  }
-                  case SKIP ->
-                  {
-                     LOG.trace("Skipping frontend step [" + step.getName() + "] in process [" + process.getName() + "] (as requested by caller)");
-
-                     //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-                     // much less error prone in case this code changes in the future... //
-                     //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-                     // noinspection UnnecessaryContinue
-                     continue;
-                  }
-                  case FAIL ->
-                  {
-                     LOG.trace("Throwing error for frontend step [" + step.getName() + "] in process [" + process.getName() + "] (as requested by caller)");
-                     throw (new QException("Failing process at step " + step.getName() + " (as requested, to fail on frontend steps)"));
-                  }
-                  default -> throw new IllegalStateException("Unexpected value: " + runProcessInput.getFrontendStepBehavior());
-               }
-            }
-            else if(step instanceof QBackendStepMetaData backendStepMetaData)
-            {
-               ///////////////////////
-               // Run backend steps //
-               ///////////////////////
-               LOG.debug("Running backend step [" + step.getName() + "] in process [" + process.getName() + "]");
-               runBackendStep(runProcessInput, process, runProcessOutput, stateKey, backendStepMetaData, process, processState);
-            }
-            else
-            {
-               //////////////////////////////////////////////////
-               // in case we have a different step type, throw //
-               //////////////////////////////////////////////////
-               throw (new QException("Unsure how to run a step of type: " + step.getClass().getName()));
-            }
+            case LINEAR -> runLinearStepLoop(process, processState, stateKey, runProcessInput, runProcessOutput);
+            case STATE_MACHINE -> runStateMachineStep(runProcessInput.getStartAfterStep(), process, processState, stateKey, runProcessInput, runProcessOutput, 0);
+            default -> throw (new QException("Unhandled process step flow: " + process.getStepFlow()));
          }
 
          ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
@@ -218,6 +176,7 @@ public class RunProcessAction
          ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
          // upon exception (e.g., one thrown by a step), throw it. //
          ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         traceBreakOrFinish(runProcessInput, runProcessOutput, qe);
          throw (qe);
       }
       catch(Exception e)
@@ -225,6 +184,7 @@ public class RunProcessAction
          ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
          // upon exception (e.g., one thrown by a step), throw it. //
          ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         traceBreakOrFinish(runProcessInput, runProcessOutput, e);
          throw (new QException("Error running process", e));
       }
       finally
@@ -235,11 +195,317 @@ public class RunProcessAction
          runProcessOutput.setProcessState(processState);
       }
 
+      traceBreakOrFinish(runProcessInput, runProcessOutput, null);
+
       return (runProcessOutput);
    }
 
 
 
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   private void runLinearStepLoop(QProcessMetaData process, ProcessState processState, UUIDAndTypeStateKey stateKey, RunProcessInput runProcessInput, RunProcessOutput runProcessOutput) throws Exception
+   {
+      String lastStepName = runProcessInput.getStartAfterStep();
+      String startAtStep  = runProcessInput.getStartAtStep();
+
+      while(true)
+      {
+         ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // always refresh the step list - as any step that runs can modify it (in the process state).        //
+         // this is why we don't do a loop over the step list - as we'd get ConcurrentModificationExceptions. //
+         // deal with if we were told, from the input, to start After a step, or start At a step.             //
+         ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         List<QStepMetaData> stepList;
+         if(startAtStep == null)
+         {
+            stepList = getAvailableStepList(processState, process, lastStepName, false);
+         }
+         else
+         {
+            stepList = getAvailableStepList(processState, process, startAtStep, true);
+
+            ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // clear this field - so after we run a step, we'll then loop in last-step mode. //
+            ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            startAtStep = null;
+
+            ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // if we're going to run a backend step now, let it see that this is a step-back //
+            ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            processState.setIsStepBack(true);
+         }
+
+         if(stepList.isEmpty())
+         {
+            break;
+         }
+
+         QStepMetaData step = stepList.get(0);
+         lastStepName = step.getName();
+
+         if(step instanceof QFrontendStepMetaData frontendStep)
+         {
+            LoopTodo loopTodo = prepareForFrontendStep(runProcessInput, process, frontendStep, processState);
+            if(loopTodo == LoopTodo.BREAK)
+            {
+               break;
+            }
+         }
+         else if(step instanceof QBackendStepMetaData backendStepMetaData)
+         {
+            RunBackendStepOutput runBackendStepOutput = runBackendStep(process, processState, stateKey, runProcessInput, runProcessOutput, backendStepMetaData, step);
+
+            /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // if the step returned an override lastStepName, use that to determine how we proceed //
+            /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            if(runBackendStepOutput.getOverrideLastStepName() != null)
+            {
+               LOG.debug("Process step [" + lastStepName + "] returned an overrideLastStepName [" + runBackendStepOutput.getOverrideLastStepName() + "]!");
+               lastStepName = runBackendStepOutput.getOverrideLastStepName();
+            }
+         }
+         else
+         {
+            //////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // in case we have a different step type, throw //
+            //////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            throw (new QException("Unsure how to run a step of type: " + step.getClass().getName()));
+         }
+
+         ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // only let this value be set for the original back step - don't let it stick around. //
+         // if a process wants to keep track of this itself, it can, but in a different slot.  //
+         ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         processState.setIsStepBack(false);
+      }
+
+      ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      // in case we broke from the loop above (e.g., by going directly into a frontend step), once again make sure to lower this flag. //
+      ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      processState.setIsStepBack(false);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   private enum LoopTodo
+   {
+      BREAK,
+      CONTINUE
+   }
+
+
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   private LoopTodo prepareForFrontendStep(RunProcessInput runProcessInput, QProcessMetaData process, QFrontendStepMetaData step, ProcessState processState) throws QException
+   {
+      ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      // Handle what to do with frontend steps, per request setting //
+      ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      switch(runProcessInput.getFrontendStepBehavior())
+      {
+         case BREAK ->
+         {
+            LOG.trace("Breaking process [" + process.getName() + "] at frontend step (as requested by caller): " + step.getName());
+            processFrontendStepFieldDefaultValues(processState, step);
+            processFrontendComponents(processState, step);
+            processState.setNextStepName(step.getName());
+
+            if(StringUtils.hasContent(step.getBackStepName()) && processState.getBackStepName().isEmpty())
+            {
+               processState.setBackStepName(step.getBackStepName());
+            }
+
+            return LoopTodo.BREAK;
+         }
+         case SKIP ->
+         {
+            LOG.trace("Skipping frontend step [" + step.getName() + "] in process [" + process.getName() + "] (as requested by caller)");
+            return LoopTodo.CONTINUE;
+         }
+         case FAIL ->
+         {
+            LOG.trace("Throwing error for frontend step [" + step.getName() + "] in process [" + process.getName() + "] (as requested by caller)");
+            throw (new QException("Failing process at step " + step.getName() + " (as requested, to fail on frontend steps)"));
+         }
+         default -> throw new IllegalStateException("Unexpected value: " + runProcessInput.getFrontendStepBehavior());
+      }
+   }
+
+
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   private void runStateMachineStep(String lastStepName, QProcessMetaData process, ProcessState processState, UUIDAndTypeStateKey stateKey, RunProcessInput runProcessInput, RunProcessOutput runProcessOutput, int stackDepth) throws Exception
+   {
+      //////////////////////////////
+      // check for stack-overflow //
+      //////////////////////////////
+      Integer maxStateMachineProcessStepFlowStackDepth = Objects.requireNonNullElse(runProcessInput.getValueInteger("maxStateMachineProcessStepFlowStackDepth"), 20);
+      if(stackDepth > maxStateMachineProcessStepFlowStackDepth)
+      {
+         throw (new QException("StateMachine process recurred too many times (exceeded maxStateMachineProcessStepFlowStackDepth of " + maxStateMachineProcessStepFlowStackDepth + ")"));
+      }
+
+      //////////////////////////////////
+      // figure out what step to run: //
+      //////////////////////////////////
+      QStepMetaData step = null;
+      if(!StringUtils.hasContent(lastStepName))
+      {
+         ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // if no lastStepName is given, start at the process's first step //
+         ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         if(CollectionUtils.nullSafeIsEmpty(process.getStepList()))
+         {
+            throw (new QException("Process [" + process.getName() + "] does not have a step list defined."));
+         }
+         step = process.getStepList().get(0);
+      }
+      else
+      {
+         /////////////////////////////////////
+         // else run the given lastStepName //
+         /////////////////////////////////////
+         processState.clearNextStepName();
+         processState.clearBackStepName();
+         step = process.getStep(lastStepName);
+         if(step == null)
+         {
+            throw (new QException("Could not find step by name [" + lastStepName + "]"));
+         }
+      }
+
+      /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      // for the flow of:                                                    //
+      // we were on a frontend step (as a sub-step of a state machine step), //
+      // and now we're here to run that state-step's backend step -          //
+      // find the state-machine step containing this frontend step.          //
+      /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      String skipSubStepsUntil = null;
+      if(step instanceof QFrontendStepMetaData frontendStepMetaData)
+      {
+         QStateMachineStep stateMachineStep = getStateMachineStepContainingSubStep(process, frontendStepMetaData.getName());
+         if(stateMachineStep == null)
+         {
+            throw (new QException("Could not find stateMachineStep that contains last-frontend step: " + frontendStepMetaData.getName()));
+         }
+         step = stateMachineStep;
+
+         //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // set this flag, to know to skip this frontend step in the sub-step loop below //
+         //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         skipSubStepsUntil = frontendStepMetaData.getName();
+      }
+
+      if(!(step instanceof QStateMachineStep stateMachineStep))
+      {
+         throw (new QException("Have a non-stateMachineStep in a process using stateMachine flow... " + step.getClass().getName()));
+      }
+
+      ///////////////////////
+      // run the sub-steps //
+      ///////////////////////
+      boolean ranAnySubSteps = false;
+      for(QStepMetaData subStep : stateMachineStep.getSubSteps())
+      {
+         ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // ok, well, skip them if this flag is set (and clear the flag once we've hit this sub-step) //
+         ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         if(skipSubStepsUntil != null)
+         {
+            if(skipSubStepsUntil.equals(subStep.getName()))
+            {
+               skipSubStepsUntil = null;
+            }
+            continue;
+         }
+
+         ranAnySubSteps = true;
+         if(subStep instanceof QFrontendStepMetaData frontendStep)
+         {
+            LoopTodo loopTodo = prepareForFrontendStep(runProcessInput, process, frontendStep, processState);
+            if(loopTodo == LoopTodo.BREAK)
+            {
+               return;
+            }
+         }
+         else if(subStep instanceof QBackendStepMetaData backendStepMetaData)
+         {
+            RunBackendStepOutput runBackendStepOutput = runBackendStep(process, processState, stateKey, runProcessInput, runProcessOutput, backendStepMetaData, step);
+            Optional<String>     nextStepName         = runBackendStepOutput.getProcessState().getNextStepName();
+
+            if(nextStepName.isEmpty() && StringUtils.hasContent(stateMachineStep.getDefaultNextStepName()))
+            {
+               nextStepName = Optional.of(stateMachineStep.getDefaultNextStepName());
+            }
+
+            if(nextStepName.isPresent())
+            {
+               //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+               // if we've been given a next-step-name, go to that step now.                                       //
+               // it might be a backend-only stateMachineStep, in which case, we should run that backend step now. //
+               // or it might be a frontend-then-backend step, in which case, we want to go to that frontend step. //
+               // if we weren't given a next-step-name, then we should stay in the same state - either to finish   //
+               // its sub-steps, or, to fall out of the loop and end the process.                                  //
+               //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+               processState.clearNextStepName();
+               processState.clearBackStepName();
+               runStateMachineStep(nextStepName.get(), process, processState, stateKey, runProcessInput, runProcessOutput, stackDepth + 1);
+               return;
+            }
+         }
+         else
+         {
+            //////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // in case we have a different step type, throw //
+            //////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            throw (new QException("Unsure how to run a step of type: " + step.getClass().getName()));
+         }
+      }
+
+      if(!ranAnySubSteps)
+      {
+         if(StringUtils.hasContent(stateMachineStep.getDefaultNextStepName()))
+         {
+            runStateMachineStep(stateMachineStep.getDefaultNextStepName(), process, processState, stateKey, runProcessInput, runProcessOutput, stackDepth + 1);
+         }
+      }
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public QStateMachineStep getStateMachineStepContainingSubStep(QProcessMetaData process, String stepName)
+   {
+      for(QStepMetaData step : process.getAllSteps().values())
+      {
+         if(step instanceof QStateMachineStep stateMachineStep)
+         {
+            for(QStepMetaData subStep : stateMachineStep.getSubSteps())
+            {
+               if(subStep.getName().equals(stepName))
+               {
+                  return (stateMachineStep);
+               }
+            }
+         }
+      }
+
+      return (null);
+   }
+
+
+
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
@@ -317,6 +583,13 @@ public class RunProcessAction
          ///////////////////////////////////////////////////
          runProcessInput.seedFromProcessState(optionalProcessState.get());
 
+         /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // if we're restoring an old state, we can discard a previously stored processMetaDataAdjustment - //
+         // it is only needed on the transitional edge from a backend-step to a frontend step, but not      //
+         // in the other directly                                                                           //
+         /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         optionalProcessState.get().setProcessMetaDataAdjustment(null);
+
          ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
          // if there were values from the caller, put those (back) in the request //
          ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
@@ -330,16 +603,40 @@ public class RunProcessAction
       }
 
       ProcessState processState = optionalProcessState.get();
-      processState.clearNextStepName();
       return processState;
    }
 
 
 
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   private RunBackendStepOutput runBackendStep(QProcessMetaData process, ProcessState processState, UUIDAndTypeStateKey stateKey, RunProcessInput runProcessInput, RunProcessOutput runProcessOutput, QBackendStepMetaData backendStepMetaData, QStepMetaData step) throws Exception
+   {
+      ///////////////////////
+      // Run backend steps //
+      ///////////////////////
+      LOG.debug("Running backend step [" + step.getName() + "] in process [" + process.getName() + "]");
+      RunBackendStepOutput runBackendStepOutput = runBackendStep(runProcessInput, process, runProcessOutput, stateKey, backendStepMetaData, process, processState);
+
+      //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      // similarly, if the step produced a processMetaDataAdjustment, propagate that data outward //
+      //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      if(runBackendStepOutput.getProcessMetaDataAdjustment() != null)
+      {
+         LOG.debug("Process step [" + step.getName() + "] generated a ProcessMetaDataAdjustment [" + runBackendStepOutput.getProcessMetaDataAdjustment() + "]!");
+         runProcessOutput.setProcessMetaDataAdjustment(runBackendStepOutput.getProcessMetaDataAdjustment());
+      }
+
+      return runBackendStepOutput;
+   }
+
+
+
    /*******************************************************************************
     ** Run a single backend step.
     *******************************************************************************/
-   private void runBackendStep(RunProcessInput runProcessInput, QProcessMetaData process, RunProcessOutput runProcessOutput, UUIDAndTypeStateKey stateKey, QBackendStepMetaData backendStep, QProcessMetaData qProcessMetaData, ProcessState processState) throws Exception
+   RunBackendStepOutput runBackendStep(RunProcessInput runProcessInput, QProcessMetaData process, RunProcessOutput runProcessOutput, UUIDAndTypeStateKey stateKey, QBackendStepMetaData backendStep, QProcessMetaData qProcessMetaData, ProcessState processState) throws Exception
    {
       RunBackendStepInput runBackendStepInput = new RunBackendStepInput(processState);
       runBackendStepInput.setProcessName(process.getName());
@@ -347,6 +644,7 @@ public class RunProcessAction
       runBackendStepInput.setCallback(runProcessInput.getCallback());
       runBackendStepInput.setFrontendStepBehavior(runProcessInput.getFrontendStepBehavior());
       runBackendStepInput.setAsyncJobCallback(runProcessInput.getAsyncJobCallback());
+      runBackendStepInput.setProcessTracer(processTracer);
 
       runBackendStepInput.setTableName(process.getTableName());
       if(!StringUtils.hasContent(runBackendStepInput.getTableName()))
@@ -368,22 +666,30 @@ public class RunProcessAction
          runBackendStepInput.setBasepullLastRunTime((Instant) runProcessInput.getValues().get(BASEPULL_LAST_RUNTIME_KEY));
       }
 
-      RunBackendStepOutput lastFunctionResult = new RunBackendStepAction().execute(runBackendStepInput);
-      storeState(stateKey, lastFunctionResult.getProcessState());
+      traceStepStart(runBackendStepInput);
 
-      if(lastFunctionResult.getException() != null)
+      RunBackendStepOutput runBackendStepOutput = new RunBackendStepAction().execute(runBackendStepInput);
+      storeState(stateKey, runBackendStepOutput.getProcessState());
+
+      traceStepFinish(runBackendStepInput, runBackendStepOutput);
+
+      if(runBackendStepOutput.getException() != null)
       {
-         runProcessOutput.setException(lastFunctionResult.getException());
-         throw (lastFunctionResult.getException());
+         runProcessOutput.setException(runBackendStepOutput.getException());
+         throw (runBackendStepOutput.getException());
       }
+
+      return (runBackendStepOutput);
    }
 
 
 
    /*******************************************************************************
     ** Get the list of steps which are eligible to run.
+    **
+    ** lastStep will be included in the list, or not, based on includeLastStep.
     *******************************************************************************/
-   private List<QStepMetaData> getAvailableStepList(ProcessState processState, QProcessMetaData process, String lastStep) throws QException
+   static List<QStepMetaData> getAvailableStepList(ProcessState processState, QProcessMetaData process, String lastStep, boolean includeLastStep) throws QException
    {
       if(lastStep == null)
       {
@@ -410,6 +716,10 @@ public class RunProcessAction
             if(stepName.equals(lastStep))
             {
                foundLastStep = true;
+               if(includeLastStep)
+               {
+                  validStepNames.add(stepName);
+               }
             }
          }
          return (stepNamesToSteps(process, validStepNames));
@@ -421,7 +731,7 @@ public class RunProcessAction
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   private List<QStepMetaData> stepNamesToSteps(QProcessMetaData process, List<String> stepNames) throws QException
+   private static List<QStepMetaData> stepNamesToSteps(QProcessMetaData process, List<String> stepNames) throws QException
    {
       List<QStepMetaData> result = new ArrayList<>();
 
@@ -490,24 +800,29 @@ public class RunProcessAction
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   protected String determineBasepullKeyValue(QProcessMetaData process, BasepullConfiguration basepullConfiguration) throws QException
+   protected String determineBasepullKeyValue(QProcessMetaData process, RunProcessInput runProcessInput, BasepullConfiguration basepullConfiguration) throws QException
    {
       String basepullKeyValue = (basepullConfiguration.getKeyValue() != null) ? basepullConfiguration.getKeyValue() : process.getName();
+      if(runProcessInput.getValueString(BASEPULL_KEY_VALUE) != null)
+      {
+         basepullKeyValue = runProcessInput.getValueString(BASEPULL_KEY_VALUE);
+      }
 
       //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-      // if backend specifies that it uses variants, look for that data in the session and append to our basepull key //
+      // if process specifies that it uses variants, look for that data in the session and append to our basepull key //
       //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-      if(process.getSchedule() != null && process.getSchedule().getVariantBackend() != null)
+      if(process.getVariantBackend() != null)
       {
          QSession         session         = QContext.getQSession();
-         QBackendMetaData backendMetaData = QContext.getQInstance().getBackend(process.getSchedule().getVariantBackend());
-         if(session.getBackendVariants() == null || !session.getBackendVariants().containsKey(backendMetaData.getVariantOptionsTableTypeValue()))
+         QBackendMetaData backendMetaData = QContext.getQInstance().getBackend(process.getVariantBackend());
+         String           variantTypeKey  = backendMetaData.getBackendVariantsConfig().getVariantTypeKey();
+         if(session.getBackendVariants() == null || !session.getBackendVariants().containsKey(variantTypeKey))
          {
-            LOG.info("Could not find Backend Variant information for Backend '" + backendMetaData.getName() + "'");
+            LOG.warn("Could not find Backend Variant information for Backend '" + backendMetaData.getName() + "'");
          }
          else
          {
-            basepullKeyValue += "-" + session.getBackendVariants().get(backendMetaData.getVariantOptionsTableTypeValue());
+            basepullKeyValue += "-" + session.getBackendVariants().get(variantTypeKey);
          }
       }
 
@@ -524,7 +839,7 @@ public class RunProcessAction
       String basepullTableName            = basepullConfiguration.getTableName();
       String basepullKeyFieldName         = basepullConfiguration.getKeyField();
       String basepullLastRunTimeFieldName = basepullConfiguration.getLastRunTimeFieldName();
-      String basepullKeyValue             = determineBasepullKeyValue(process, basepullConfiguration);
+      String basepullKeyValue             = determineBasepullKeyValue(process, runProcessInput, basepullConfiguration);
 
       ///////////////////////////////////////
       // get the stored basepull timestamp //
@@ -604,7 +919,7 @@ public class RunProcessAction
       String  basepullKeyFieldName                 = basepullConfiguration.getKeyField();
       String  basepullLastRunTimeFieldName         = basepullConfiguration.getLastRunTimeFieldName();
       Integer basepullHoursBackForInitialTimestamp = basepullConfiguration.getHoursBackForInitialTimestamp();
-      String  basepullKeyValue                     = determineBasepullKeyValue(process, basepullConfiguration);
+      String  basepullKeyValue                     = determineBasepullKeyValue(process, runProcessInput, basepullConfiguration);
 
       ///////////////////////////////////////
       // get the stored basepull timestamp //
@@ -636,4 +951,153 @@ public class RunProcessAction
       runProcessInput.getValues().put(BASEPULL_TIMESTAMP_FIELD, basepullConfiguration.getTimestampField());
       runProcessInput.getValues().put(BASEPULL_CONFIGURATION, basepullConfiguration);
    }
+
+
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   private void setupProcessTracer(RunProcessInput runProcessInput, QProcessMetaData process)
+   {
+      try
+      {
+         if(process.getProcessTracerCodeReference() != null)
+         {
+            processTracer = QCodeLoader.getAdHoc(ProcessTracerInterface.class, process.getProcessTracerCodeReference());
+         }
+
+         Serializable processTracerCodeReference = runProcessInput.getValue(PROCESS_TRACER_CODE_REFERENCE_FIELD);
+         if(processTracerCodeReference != null)
+         {
+            if(processTracerCodeReference instanceof QCodeReference codeReference)
+            {
+               processTracer = QCodeLoader.getAdHoc(ProcessTracerInterface.class, codeReference);
+            }
+         }
+      }
+      catch(Exception e)
+      {
+         LOG.warn("Error setting up processTracer", e, logPair("processName", runProcessInput.getProcessName()));
+      }
+   }
+
+
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   private void traceStartOrResume(RunProcessInput runProcessInput, QProcessMetaData process)
+   {
+      setupProcessTracer(runProcessInput, process);
+
+      try
+      {
+         if(processTracer != null)
+         {
+            if(StringUtils.hasContent(runProcessInput.getStartAfterStep()) || StringUtils.hasContent(runProcessInput.getStartAtStep()))
+            {
+               processTracer.handleProcessResume(runProcessInput);
+            }
+            else
+            {
+               processTracer.handleProcessStart(runProcessInput);
+            }
+         }
+      }
+      catch(Exception e)
+      {
+         LOG.info("Error in traceStart", e, logPair("processName", runProcessInput.getProcessName()));
+      }
+   }
+
+
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   private void traceBreakOrFinish(RunProcessInput runProcessInput, RunProcessOutput runProcessOutput, Exception processException)
+   {
+      try
+      {
+         if(processTracer != null)
+         {
+            ProcessState processState = runProcessOutput.getProcessState();
+            boolean      isBreak      = true;
+
+            /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // if there's no next step, that means the process is done //
+            /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            if(processState.getNextStepName().isEmpty())
+            {
+               isBreak = false;
+            }
+            else
+            {
+               /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+               // or if the next step is the last index, then we're also done //
+               /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+               String nextStepName  = processState.getNextStepName().get();
+               int    nextStepIndex = processState.getStepList().indexOf(nextStepName);
+               if(nextStepIndex == processState.getStepList().size() - 1)
+               {
+                  isBreak = false;
+               }
+            }
+
+            if(isBreak)
+            {
+               processTracer.handleProcessBreak(runProcessInput, runProcessOutput, processException);
+            }
+            else
+            {
+               processTracer.handleProcessFinish(runProcessInput, runProcessOutput, processException);
+            }
+         }
+      }
+      catch(Exception e)
+      {
+         LOG.info("Error in traceProcessFinish", e, logPair("processName", runProcessInput.getProcessName()));
+      }
+   }
+
+
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   private void traceStepStart(RunBackendStepInput runBackendStepInput)
+   {
+      try
+      {
+         if(processTracer != null)
+         {
+            processTracer.handleStepStart(runBackendStepInput);
+         }
+      }
+      catch(Exception e)
+      {
+         LOG.info("Error in traceStepFinish", e, logPair("processName", runBackendStepInput.getProcessName()), logPair("stepName", runBackendStepInput.getStepName()));
+      }
+   }
+
+
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   private void traceStepFinish(RunBackendStepInput runBackendStepInput, RunBackendStepOutput runBackendStepOutput)
+   {
+      try
+      {
+         if(processTracer != null)
+         {
+            processTracer.handleStepFinish(runBackendStepInput, runBackendStepOutput);
+         }
+      }
+      catch(Exception e)
+      {
+         LOG.info("Error in traceStepFinish", e, logPair("processName", runBackendStepInput.getProcessName()), logPair("stepName", runBackendStepInput.getStepName()));
+      }
+   }
+
 }

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/queues/SQSQueuePoller.java

@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.queues;
 
 import java.util.ArrayList;
 import java.util.List;
+import java.util.Objects;
 import java.util.function.Supplier;
 import com.amazonaws.auth.AWSStaticCredentialsProvider;
 import com.amazonaws.auth.BasicAWSCredentials;
@@ -41,6 +42,8 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.processes.RunProcessInput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.processes.RunProcessOutput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.QInstance;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.queues.QQueueMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.queues.SQSPollerSettings;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.queues.SQSQueueMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.queues.SQSQueueProviderMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.session.QSession;
 
@@ -90,15 +93,17 @@ public class SQSQueuePoller implements Runnable
          }
          queueUrl += queueMetaData.getQueueName();
 
-         while(true)
+         SQSPollerSettings sqsPollerSettings = getSqsPollerSettings(queueProviderMetaData, queueMetaData);
+
+         for(int loop = 0; loop < sqsPollerSettings.getMaxLoops(); loop++)
          {
             ///////////////////////////////
             // fetch a batch of messages //
             ///////////////////////////////
             ReceiveMessageRequest receiveMessageRequest = new ReceiveMessageRequest();
             receiveMessageRequest.setQueueUrl(queueUrl);
-            receiveMessageRequest.setMaxNumberOfMessages(10);
-            receiveMessageRequest.setWaitTimeSeconds(20); // help urge SQS to query multiple servers and find more messages
+            receiveMessageRequest.setMaxNumberOfMessages(sqsPollerSettings.getMaxNumberOfMessages());
+            receiveMessageRequest.setWaitTimeSeconds(sqsPollerSettings.getWaitTimeSeconds()); // larger value (e.g., 20) can help urge SQS to query multiple servers and find more messages
             ReceiveMessageResult receiveMessageResult = sqs.receiveMessage(receiveMessageRequest);
             if(receiveMessageResult.getMessages().isEmpty())
             {
@@ -177,6 +182,47 @@ public class SQSQueuePoller implements Runnable
 
 
 
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** For a given queueProvider and queue, get the poller settings to use (using
+    ** default values if none are set at either level).
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   static SQSPollerSettings getSqsPollerSettings(SQSQueueProviderMetaData queueProviderMetaData, QQueueMetaData queueMetaData)
+   {
+      /////////////////////////////////
+      // start with default settings //
+      /////////////////////////////////
+      SQSPollerSettings sqsPollerSettings = new SQSPollerSettings()
+         .withMaxLoops(Integer.MAX_VALUE)
+         .withMaxNumberOfMessages(10)
+         .withWaitTimeSeconds(20);
+
+      /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      // if the queue provider has settings, let them overwrite defaults //
+      /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      if(queueProviderMetaData != null && queueProviderMetaData.getPollerSettings() != null)
+      {
+         SQSPollerSettings providerSettings = queueProviderMetaData.getPollerSettings();
+         sqsPollerSettings.setMaxLoops(Objects.requireNonNullElse(providerSettings.getMaxLoops(), sqsPollerSettings.getMaxLoops()));
+         sqsPollerSettings.setMaxNumberOfMessages(Objects.requireNonNullElse(providerSettings.getMaxNumberOfMessages(), sqsPollerSettings.getMaxNumberOfMessages()));
+         sqsPollerSettings.setWaitTimeSeconds(Objects.requireNonNullElse(providerSettings.getWaitTimeSeconds(), sqsPollerSettings.getWaitTimeSeconds()));
+      }
+
+      ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      // if the queue has settings, let them overwrite defaults //
+      ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      if(queueMetaData instanceof SQSQueueMetaData sqsQueueMetaData && sqsQueueMetaData.getPollerSettings() != null)
+      {
+         SQSPollerSettings providerSettings = sqsQueueMetaData.getPollerSettings();
+         sqsPollerSettings.setMaxLoops(Objects.requireNonNullElse(providerSettings.getMaxLoops(), sqsPollerSettings.getMaxLoops()));
+         sqsPollerSettings.setMaxNumberOfMessages(Objects.requireNonNullElse(providerSettings.getMaxNumberOfMessages(), sqsPollerSettings.getMaxNumberOfMessages()));
+         sqsPollerSettings.setWaitTimeSeconds(Objects.requireNonNullElse(providerSettings.getWaitTimeSeconds(), sqsPollerSettings.getWaitTimeSeconds()));
+      }
+
+      return sqsPollerSettings;
+   }
+
+
+
    /*******************************************************************************
     ** Setter for queueProviderMetaData
     **

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/reporting/CsvExportStreamer.java

@@ -31,6 +31,7 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.QLogger;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.reporting.ExportInput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.data.QRecord;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.fields.QFieldMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.reporting.QReportView;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.tables.QTableMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.StringUtils;
 
@@ -65,12 +66,12 @@ public class CsvExportStreamer implements ExportStreamerInterface
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
    @Override
-   public void start(ExportInput exportInput, List<QFieldMetaData> fields, String label) throws QReportingException
+   public void start(ExportInput exportInput, List<QFieldMetaData> fields, String label, QReportView view) throws QReportingException
    {
       this.exportInput = exportInput;
       this.fields = fields;
       table = exportInput.getTable();
-      outputStream = this.exportInput.getReportOutputStream();
+      outputStream = this.exportInput.getReportDestination().getReportOutputStream();
 
       writeTitleAndHeader();
    }
@@ -107,7 +108,7 @@ public class CsvExportStreamer implements ExportStreamerInterface
       }
       catch(Exception e)
       {
-         throw (new QReportingException("Error starting CSV report"));
+         throw (new QReportingException("Error starting CSV report", e));
       }
    }
 

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/reporting/DistinctFilteringRecordPipe.java

@@ -0,0 +1,146 @@
+/*
+ * QQQ - Low-code Application Framework for Engineers.
+ * Copyright (C) 2021-2023.  Kingsrook, LLC
+ * 651 N Broad St Ste 205 # 6917 | Middletown DE 19709 | United States
+ * contact@kingsrook.com
+ * https://github.com/Kingsrook/
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU Affero General Public License as
+ * published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the
+ * License, or (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU Affero General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU Affero General Public License
+ * along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.reporting;
+
+
+import java.io.Serializable;
+import java.util.ArrayList;
+import java.util.HashSet;
+import java.util.List;
+import java.util.Set;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.data.QRecord;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.tables.UniqueKey;
+
+
+/*******************************************************************************
+ ** Subclass of record pipe that ony allows through distinct records, based on
+ ** the set of fields specified in the constructor as a uniqueKey.
+ *******************************************************************************/
+public class DistinctFilteringRecordPipe extends RecordPipe
+{
+   private UniqueKey         uniqueKey;
+   private Set<Serializable> seenValues = new HashSet<>();
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Constructor
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public DistinctFilteringRecordPipe(UniqueKey uniqueKey)
+   {
+      this.uniqueKey = uniqueKey;
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Constructor that accepts pipe's overrideCapacity (allowed to be null)
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public DistinctFilteringRecordPipe(UniqueKey uniqueKey, Integer overrideCapacity)
+   {
+      super(overrideCapacity);
+      this.uniqueKey = uniqueKey;
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public void addRecords(List<QRecord> records) throws QException
+   {
+      List<QRecord> recordsToAdd = new ArrayList<>();
+      for(QRecord record : records)
+      {
+         if(!seenBefore(record))
+         {
+            recordsToAdd.add(record);
+         }
+      }
+
+      if(recordsToAdd.isEmpty())
+      {
+         return;
+      }
+
+      super.addRecords(recordsToAdd);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public void addRecord(QRecord record) throws QException
+   {
+      if(seenBefore(record))
+      {
+         return;
+      }
+
+      super.addRecord(record);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** return true if we've seen this record before (based on the unique key) -
+    ** also - update the set of seen values!
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   private boolean seenBefore(QRecord record)
+   {
+      Serializable ukValues = extractUKValues(record);
+      if(seenValues.contains(ukValues))
+      {
+         return true;
+      }
+      seenValues.add(ukValues);
+      return false;
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   private Serializable extractUKValues(QRecord record)
+   {
+      if(uniqueKey.getFieldNames().size() == 1)
+      {
+         return (record.getValue(uniqueKey.getFieldNames().get(0)));
+      }
+      else
+      {
+         ArrayList<Serializable> rs = new ArrayList<>();
+         for(String fieldName : uniqueKey.getFieldNames())
+         {
+            rs.add(record.getValue(fieldName));
+         }
+         return (rs);
+      }
+   }
+}

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/reporting/ExportAction.java

@@ -44,6 +44,7 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.QLogger;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.reporting.ExportInput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.reporting.ExportOutput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.reporting.ReportFormat;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.QueryHint;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.count.CountInput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.count.CountOutput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QQueryFilter;
@@ -52,6 +53,7 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QueryJoin;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.data.QRecord;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.fields.QFieldMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.fields.QFieldType;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.reporting.QReportView;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.tables.ExposedJoin;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.tables.QTableMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.modules.backend.QBackendModuleDispatcher;
@@ -138,7 +140,7 @@ public class ExportAction
       ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
       // check if this report format has a max-rows limit -- if so, do a count to verify we're under the limit //
       ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-      ReportFormat reportFormat = exportInput.getReportFormat();
+      ReportFormat reportFormat = exportInput.getReportDestination().getReportFormat();
       verifyCountUnderMax(exportInput, backendModule, reportFormat);
 
       preExecuteRan = true;
@@ -189,6 +191,9 @@ public class ExportAction
       Set<String>     addedJoinNames = new HashSet<>();
       if(CollectionUtils.nullSafeHasContents(exportInput.getFieldNames()))
       {
+         /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // make sure that any tables being selected from are included as (LEFT) joins in the query //
+         /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
          for(String fieldName : exportInput.getFieldNames())
          {
             if(fieldName.contains("."))
@@ -197,27 +202,7 @@ public class ExportAction
                String   joinTableName = parts[0];
                if(!addedJoinNames.contains(joinTableName))
                {
-                  QueryJoin queryJoin = new QueryJoin(joinTableName).withType(QueryJoin.Type.LEFT).withSelect(true);
-                  queryJoins.add(queryJoin);
-
-                  /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-                  // in at least some cases, we need to let the queryJoin know what join-meta-data to use... //
-                  // This code basically mirrors what QFMD is doing right now, so it's better -              //
-                  // but shouldn't all of this just be in JoinsContext?  it does some of this...             //
-                  /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-                  QTableMetaData        table               = exportInput.getTable();
-                  Optional<ExposedJoin> exposedJoinOptional = CollectionUtils.nonNullList(table.getExposedJoins()).stream().filter(ej -> ej.getJoinTable().equals(joinTableName)).findFirst();
-                  if(exposedJoinOptional.isEmpty())
-                  {
-                     throw (new QException("Could not find exposed join between base table " + table.getName() + " and requested join table " + joinTableName));
-                  }
-                  ExposedJoin exposedJoin = exposedJoinOptional.get();
-
-                  if(exposedJoin.getJoinPath().size() == 1)
-                  {
-                     queryJoin.setJoinMetaData(QContext.getQInstance().getJoin(exposedJoin.getJoinPath().get(exposedJoin.getJoinPath().size() - 1)));
-                  }
-
+                  queryJoins.add(new QueryJoin(joinTableName).withType(QueryJoin.Type.LEFT).withSelect(true));
                   addedJoinNames.add(joinTableName);
                }
             }
@@ -232,6 +217,8 @@ public class ExportAction
       }
       queryInput.getFilter().setLimit(exportInput.getLimit());
       queryInput.setShouldTranslatePossibleValues(true);
+      queryInput.withQueryHint(QueryHint.POTENTIALLY_LARGE_NUMBER_OF_RESULTS);
+      queryInput.withQueryHint(QueryHint.MAY_USE_READ_ONLY_BACKEND);
 
       /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
       // tell this query that it needs to put its output into a pipe //
@@ -242,10 +229,19 @@ public class ExportAction
       ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
       // set up a report streamer, which will read rows from the pipe, and write formatted report rows to the output stream //
       ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-      ReportFormat            reportFormat   = exportInput.getReportFormat();
+      ReportFormat            reportFormat   = exportInput.getReportDestination().getReportFormat();
       ExportStreamerInterface reportStreamer = reportFormat.newReportStreamer();
       List<QFieldMetaData>    fields         = getFields(exportInput);
-      reportStreamer.start(exportInput, fields, "Sheet 1");
+
+      //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      // it seems we can pass a view with just a name in here //
+      //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      List<QReportView> views = new ArrayList<>();
+      views.add(new QReportView()
+         .withName("export"));
+
+      reportStreamer.preRun(exportInput.getReportDestination(), views);
+      reportStreamer.start(exportInput, fields, "Sheet 1", views.get(0));
 
       //////////////////////////////////////////
       // run the query action as an async job //
@@ -334,7 +330,7 @@ public class ExportAction
 
       try
       {
-         exportInput.getReportOutputStream().close();
+         exportInput.getReportDestination().getReportOutputStream().close();
       }
       catch(Exception e)
       {

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/reporting/ExportStreamerInterface.java

@@ -26,8 +26,10 @@ import java.util.List;
 import java.util.Map;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QReportingException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.reporting.ExportInput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.reporting.ReportDestination;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.data.QRecord;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.fields.QFieldMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.reporting.QReportView;
 
 
 /*******************************************************************************
@@ -35,20 +37,14 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.fields.QFieldMetaData;
  *******************************************************************************/
 public interface ExportStreamerInterface
 {
-   /*******************************************************************************
-    ** Called once, before any rows are available.  Meant to write a header, for example.
-    *******************************************************************************/
-   void start(ExportInput exportInput, List<QFieldMetaData> fields, String label) throws QReportingException;
 
    /*******************************************************************************
-    ** Called as records flow into the pipe.
-    ******************************************************************************/
-   void addRecords(List<QRecord> recordList) throws QReportingException;
-
-   /*******************************************************************************
-    ** Called once, after all rows are available.  Meant to write a footer, or close resources, for example.
+    ** Called once, before any sheets are actually being produced.
     *******************************************************************************/
-   void finish() throws QReportingException;
+   default void preRun(ReportDestination reportDestination, List<QReportView> views) throws QReportingException
+   {
+      // noop in base class
+   }
 
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
@@ -58,6 +54,28 @@ public interface ExportStreamerInterface
       // noop in base class
    }
 
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   default void setExportStyleCustomizer(ExportStyleCustomizerInterface exportStyleCustomizer)
+   {
+      // noop in base class
+   }
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Called once per sheet, before any rows are available.  Meant to write a
+    ** header, for example.
+    **
+    ** If multiple sheets are being created, there is no separate end-sheet call.
+    ** Rather, a new one will just get started...
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   void start(ExportInput exportInput, List<QFieldMetaData> fields, String label, QReportView view) throws QReportingException;
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Called as records flow into the pipe.
+    ******************************************************************************/
+   void addRecords(List<QRecord> recordList) throws QReportingException;
+
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
@@ -65,4 +83,11 @@ public interface ExportStreamerInterface
    {
       addRecords(List.of(record));
    }
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Called after all sheets are complete.  Meant to do a final write, or close
+    ** resources, for example.
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   void finish() throws QReportingException;
+
 }

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/reporting/ExportStyleCustomizerInterface.java

@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+/*
+ * QQQ - Low-code Application Framework for Engineers.
+ * Copyright (C) 2021-2025.  Kingsrook, LLC
+ * 651 N Broad St Ste 205 # 6917 | Middletown DE 19709 | United States
+ * contact@kingsrook.com
+ * https://github.com/Kingsrook/
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU Affero General Public License as
+ * published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the
+ * License, or (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU Affero General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU Affero General Public License
+ * along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.reporting;
+
+
+/*******************************************************************************
+ ** interface for classes that can be used to customize visual style aspects of
+ ** exports/reports.
+ **
+ ** Anticipates very different sub-interfaces based on the file type being generated,
+ ** and the capabilities of each.  e.g., excel (bolds, fonts, cell merging) vs
+ ** json (different structure of objects).
+ *******************************************************************************/
+public interface ExportStyleCustomizerInterface
+{
+}

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/reporting/ExportsFullInstanceVerifier.java

@@ -0,0 +1,202 @@
+/*
+ * QQQ - Low-code Application Framework for Engineers.
+ * Copyright (C) 2021-2024.  Kingsrook, LLC
+ * 651 N Broad St Ste 205 # 6917 | Middletown DE 19709 | United States
+ * contact@kingsrook.com
+ * https://github.com/Kingsrook/
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU Affero General Public License as
+ * published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the
+ * License, or (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU Affero General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU Affero General Public License
+ * along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.reporting;
+
+
+import java.io.ByteArrayOutputStream;
+import java.util.ArrayList;
+import java.util.Collection;
+import java.util.Collections;
+import java.util.LinkedHashMap;
+import java.util.List;
+import java.util.Map;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.context.QContext;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.QLogger;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.reporting.ExportInput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.reporting.ReportDestination;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.reporting.ReportFormat;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QCriteriaOperator;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QQueryFilter;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.fields.QFieldMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.tables.Capability;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.tables.ExposedJoin;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.tables.QTableMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.CollectionUtils;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.Pair;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.StringUtils;
+import static com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.LogUtils.logPair;
+
+
+/*******************************************************************************
+ ** Utility for verifying that the ExportAction works for all tables, and all
+ ** exposed joins.
+ **
+ ** Meant for use within a unit test, or maybe as part of an instance's boot-up/
+ ** validation.
+ *******************************************************************************/
+public class ExportsFullInstanceVerifier
+{
+   private static final QLogger LOG = QLogger.getLogger(ExportsFullInstanceVerifier.class);
+
+   private boolean filterForAtMostOneRowPerExport = true;
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public void verify(Collection<QTableMetaData> tables) throws QException
+   {
+      Map<Pair<String, String>, Exception> caughtExceptions = new LinkedHashMap<>();
+      for(QTableMetaData table : tables)
+      {
+         if(table.isCapabilityEnabled(QContext.getQInstance().getBackendForTable(table.getName()), Capability.TABLE_QUERY))
+         {
+            LOG.info("Verifying Exports on table", logPair("tableName", table.getName()));
+
+            //////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // run the table by itself (no join fields) //
+            //////////////////////////////////////////////
+            runExport(table.getName(), Collections.emptyList(), "main-table-only", caughtExceptions);
+
+            ///////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // run once w/ the fields from each exposed join //
+            ///////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            for(ExposedJoin exposedJoin : CollectionUtils.nonNullList(table.getExposedJoins()))
+            {
+               runExport(table.getName(), List.of(exposedJoin), "join-" + exposedJoin.getLabel(), caughtExceptions);
+            }
+
+            /////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // run w/ all exposed joins (if there are any) //
+            /////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            if(CollectionUtils.nullSafeHasContents(table.getExposedJoins()))
+            {
+               runExport(table.getName(), table.getExposedJoins(), "all-joins", caughtExceptions);
+            }
+         }
+      }
+
+      //////////////////////////////////
+      // log out an exceptions caught //
+      //////////////////////////////////
+      if(!caughtExceptions.isEmpty())
+      {
+         for(Map.Entry<Pair<String, String>, Exception> entry : caughtExceptions.entrySet())
+         {
+            LOG.info("Caught an exception verifying reports", entry.getValue(), logPair("tableName", entry.getKey().getA()), logPair("fieldName", entry.getKey().getB()));
+         }
+         throw (new QException("Reports Verification failed with " + caughtExceptions.size() + " exception" + StringUtils.plural(caughtExceptions.size())));
+      }
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   private void runExport(String tableName, List<ExposedJoin> exposedJoinList, String description, Map<Pair<String, String>, Exception> caughtExceptions)
+   {
+      try
+      {
+         ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // build the list of fieldNames to export - starting with all fields in the table //
+         ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         List<String> fieldNames = new ArrayList<>();
+         for(QFieldMetaData field : QContext.getQInstance().getTable(tableName).getFields().values())
+         {
+            fieldNames.add(field.getName());
+         }
+
+         ///////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // add all fields from all exposed joins as well //
+         ///////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         for(ExposedJoin exposedJoin : CollectionUtils.nonNullList(exposedJoinList))
+         {
+            QTableMetaData joinTable = QContext.getQInstance().getTable(exposedJoin.getJoinTable());
+            for(QFieldMetaData field : joinTable.getFields().values())
+            {
+               fieldNames.add(joinTable.getName() + "." + field.getName());
+            }
+         }
+
+         LOG.info("Verifying export", logPair("description", description), logPair("fieldCount", fieldNames.size()));
+
+         QQueryFilter queryFilter = new QQueryFilter();
+
+         /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // if caller is okay with a filter that should limit the report to a small number of rows (could be more than 1 for to-many joins), then do so //
+         /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         if(filterForAtMostOneRowPerExport)
+         {
+            queryFilter.withCriteria(QContext.getQInstance().getTable(tableName).getPrimaryKeyField(), QCriteriaOperator.EQUALS, 1);
+         }
+
+         ExportInput exportInput = new ExportInput();
+         exportInput.setTableName(tableName);
+         exportInput.setFieldNames(fieldNames);
+         exportInput.setReportDestination(new ReportDestination()
+            .withReportOutputStream(new ByteArrayOutputStream())
+            .withReportFormat(ReportFormat.CSV));
+         exportInput.setQueryFilter(queryFilter);
+         new ExportAction().execute(exportInput);
+      }
+      catch(QException e)
+      {
+         caughtExceptions.put(Pair.of(tableName, description), e);
+      }
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Getter for filterForAtMostOneRowPerExport
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public boolean getFilterForAtMostOneRowPerExport()
+   {
+      return (this.filterForAtMostOneRowPerExport);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Setter for filterForAtMostOneRowPerExport
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public void setFilterForAtMostOneRowPerExport(boolean filterForAtMostOneRowPerExport)
+   {
+      this.filterForAtMostOneRowPerExport = filterForAtMostOneRowPerExport;
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Fluent setter for filterForAtMostOneRowPerExport
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public ExportsFullInstanceVerifier withFilterForAtMostOneRowPerExport(boolean filterForAtMostOneRowPerExport)
+   {
+      this.filterForAtMostOneRowPerExport = filterForAtMostOneRowPerExport;
+      return (this);
+   }
+
+
+}

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/reporting/GenerateReportAction.java

@@ -24,6 +24,8 @@ package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.reporting;
 
 import java.io.Serializable;
 import java.math.BigDecimal;
+import java.time.Instant;
+import java.time.LocalDate;
 import java.util.ArrayList;
 import java.util.Collections;
 import java.util.HashMap;
@@ -32,18 +34,24 @@ import java.util.List;
 import java.util.Map;
 import java.util.Objects;
 import java.util.Set;
+import java.util.concurrent.atomic.AtomicInteger;
 import java.util.function.Function;
 import java.util.function.Supplier;
 import java.util.stream.Collectors;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.AbstractQActionFunction;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.async.AsyncRecordPipeLoop;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.customizers.QCodeLoader;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.reporting.customizers.DataSourceQueryInputCustomizer;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.reporting.customizers.ReportCustomRecordSourceInterface;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.reporting.customizers.ReportViewCustomizer;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.tables.CountAction;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.tables.QueryAction;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.values.QValueFormatter;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.context.QContext;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QFormulaException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QReportingException;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QUserFacingException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.instances.QMetaDataVariableInterpreter;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.QLogger;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.processes.RunBackendStepInput;
@@ -51,11 +59,19 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.processes.RunBackendStepOutp
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.reporting.ExportInput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.reporting.ReportFormat;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.reporting.ReportInput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.reporting.ReportOutput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.QueryHint;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.count.CountInput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.count.CountOutput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.CriteriaMissingInputValueBehavior;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.FilterUseCase;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.JoinsContext;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QFilterOrderBy;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QQueryFilter;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QueryInput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QueryJoin;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.data.QRecord;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.fields.FieldAndJoinTable;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.fields.QFieldMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.fields.QFieldType;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.reporting.QReportDataSource;
@@ -68,11 +84,17 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.processes.implementations.etl.streamedwith
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.processes.implementations.etl.streamedwithfrontend.BackendStepPostRunInput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.processes.implementations.etl.streamedwithfrontend.BackendStepPostRunOutput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.CollectionUtils;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.ObjectUtils;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.Pair;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.StringUtils;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.aggregates.AggregatesInterface;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.aggregates.BigDecimalAggregates;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.aggregates.InstantAggregates;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.aggregates.IntegerAggregates;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.aggregates.LocalDateAggregates;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.aggregates.LongAggregates;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.aggregates.StringAggregates;
+import static com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.LogUtils.logPair;
 
 
 /*******************************************************************************
@@ -87,7 +109,7 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.aggregates.IntegerAggregates;
  ** - summaries (like pivot tables, but called summary to avoid confusion with "native" pivot tables),
  ** - native pivot tables (not initially supported, due to lack of support in fastexcel...).
  *******************************************************************************/
-public class GenerateReportAction
+public class GenerateReportAction extends AbstractQActionFunction<ReportInput, ReportOutput>
 {
    private static final QLogger LOG = QLogger.getLogger(GenerateReportAction.class);
 
@@ -101,50 +123,78 @@ public class GenerateReportAction
    // Aggregates: (count:47;sum:10,000;max:2,000;min:15)                                                      //
    // salesSummaryReport > [(state:MO),(city:St.Louis)] > salePrice  > (count:47;sum:10,000;max:2,000;min:15) //
    /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-   Map<String, Map<SummaryKey, Map<String, AggregatesInterface<?>>>> summaryAggregates  = new HashMap<>();
-   Map<String, Map<SummaryKey, Map<String, AggregatesInterface<?>>>> varianceAggregates = new HashMap<>();
+   Map<String, Map<SummaryKey, Map<String, AggregatesInterface<?, ?>>>> summaryAggregates  = new HashMap<>();
+   Map<String, Map<SummaryKey, Map<String, AggregatesInterface<?, ?>>>> varianceAggregates = new HashMap<>();
 
-   Map<String, AggregatesInterface<?>> totalAggregates         = new HashMap<>();
-   Map<String, AggregatesInterface<?>> varianceTotalAggregates = new HashMap<>();
+   Map<String, AggregatesInterface<?, ?>> totalAggregates         = new HashMap<>();
+   Map<String, AggregatesInterface<?, ?>> varianceTotalAggregates = new HashMap<>();
 
-   private QReportMetaData         report;
-   private ReportFormat            reportFormat;
    private ExportStreamerInterface reportStreamer;
+   private List<QReportDataSource> dataSources;
+   private List<QReportView>       views;
+
+   private Map<String, Integer> countByDataSource = new HashMap<>();
 
 
 
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   public void execute(ReportInput reportInput) throws QException
+   public ReportOutput execute(ReportInput reportInput) throws QException
    {
-      report = reportInput.getInstance().getReport(reportInput.getReportName());
-      reportFormat = reportInput.getReportFormat();
+      ReportOutput    reportOutput = new ReportOutput();
+      QReportMetaData report       = getReportMetaData(reportInput);
+
+      this.views = report.getViews();
+      this.dataSources = report.getDataSources();
+
+      ReportFormat reportFormat = reportInput.getReportDestination().getReportFormat();
       if(reportFormat == null)
       {
          throw new QException("Report format was not specified.");
       }
-      reportStreamer = reportFormat.newReportStreamer();
+
+      if(reportInput.getOverrideExportStreamerSupplier() != null)
+      {
+         reportStreamer = reportInput.getOverrideExportStreamerSupplier().get();
+      }
+      else
+      {
+         reportStreamer = reportFormat.newReportStreamer();
+      }
+
+      if(reportInput.getExportStyleCustomizer() != null)
+      {
+         ExportStyleCustomizerInterface styleCustomizer = QCodeLoader.getAdHoc(ExportStyleCustomizerInterface.class, reportInput.getExportStyleCustomizer());
+         reportStreamer.setExportStyleCustomizer(styleCustomizer);
+      }
+      else if(report.getExportStyleCustomizer() != null)
+      {
+         ExportStyleCustomizerInterface styleCustomizer = QCodeLoader.getAdHoc(ExportStyleCustomizerInterface.class, report.getExportStyleCustomizer());
+         reportStreamer.setExportStyleCustomizer(styleCustomizer);
+      }
+
+      reportStreamer.preRun(reportInput.getReportDestination(), views);
 
       ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
       // foreach data source, do a query (possibly more than 1, if it goes to multiple table views) //
       ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-      for(QReportDataSource dataSource : report.getDataSources())
+      for(QReportDataSource dataSource : dataSources)
       {
          //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
          // make a list of the views that use this data source for various purposes. //
          //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-         List<QReportView> dataSourceTableViews = report.getViews().stream()
+         List<QReportView> dataSourceTableViews = views.stream()
             .filter(v -> v.getType().equals(ReportType.TABLE))
             .filter(v -> v.getDataSourceName().equals(dataSource.getName()))
             .toList();
 
-         List<QReportView> dataSourceSummaryViews = report.getViews().stream()
+         List<QReportView> dataSourceSummaryViews = views.stream()
             .filter(v -> v.getType().equals(ReportType.SUMMARY))
             .filter(v -> v.getDataSourceName().equals(dataSource.getName()))
             .toList();
 
-         List<QReportView> dataSourceVariantViews = report.getViews().stream()
+         List<QReportView> dataSourceVariantViews = views.stream()
             .filter(v -> v.getType().equals(ReportType.SUMMARY))
             .filter(v -> v.getVarianceDataSourceName() != null && v.getVarianceDataSourceName().equals(dataSource.getName()))
             .toList();
@@ -172,7 +222,8 @@ public class GenerateReportAction
                /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
                if(dataSourceTableView.getViewCustomizer() != null)
                {
-                  Function<QReportView, QReportView> viewCustomizerFunction = QCodeLoader.getFunction(dataSourceTableView.getViewCustomizer());
+                  @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
+                  Function<QReportView, QReportView> viewCustomizerFunction = QCodeLoader.getAdHoc(Function.class, dataSourceTableView.getViewCustomizer());
                   if(viewCustomizerFunction instanceof ReportViewCustomizer reportViewCustomizer)
                   {
                      reportViewCustomizer.setReportInput(reportInput);
@@ -183,24 +234,50 @@ public class GenerateReportAction
                ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
                // start the table-view (e.g., open this tab in xlsx) and then run the query-loop //
                ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-               startTableView(reportInput, dataSource, dataSourceTableView);
+               startTableView(reportInput, dataSource, dataSourceTableView, reportFormat);
                gatherData(reportInput, dataSource, dataSourceTableView, dataSourceSummaryViews, dataSourceVariantViews);
             }
          }
       }
 
+      //////////////////////
+      // add pivot sheets //
+      //////////////////////
+      for(QReportView view : views)
+      {
+         if(view.getType().equals(ReportType.PIVOT))
+         {
+            if(reportFormat.getSupportsNativePivotTables())
+            {
+               startTableView(reportInput, null, view, reportFormat);
+            }
+            else
+            {
+               LOG.warn("Request to render a report with a PIVOT type view, for a format that does not support native pivot tables", logPair("reportFormat", reportFormat));
+            }
+
+            //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // there's no data to add to a pivot table, so nothing else to do here. //
+            //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         }
+      }
+
       outputSummaries(reportInput);
 
+      reportOutput.setTotalRecordCount(countByDataSource.values().stream().mapToInt(Integer::intValue).sum());
+
       reportStreamer.finish();
 
       try
       {
-         reportInput.getReportOutputStream().close();
+         reportInput.getReportDestination().getReportOutputStream().close();
       }
       catch(Exception e)
       {
          throw (new QReportingException("Error completing report", e));
       }
+
+      return (reportOutput);
    }
 
 
@@ -208,28 +285,57 @@ public class GenerateReportAction
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   private void startTableView(ReportInput reportInput, QReportDataSource dataSource, QReportView reportView) throws QException
+   private QReportMetaData getReportMetaData(ReportInput reportInput) throws QException
    {
-      QTableMetaData table = reportInput.getInstance().getTable(dataSource.getSourceTable());
+      if(reportInput.getReportMetaData() != null)
+      {
+         return reportInput.getReportMetaData();
+      }
 
+      if(StringUtils.hasContent(reportInput.getReportName()))
+      {
+         return QContext.getQInstance().getReport(reportInput.getReportName());
+      }
+
+      throw (new QReportingException("ReportInput did not contain required parameters to identify the report being generated"));
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   private void startTableView(ReportInput reportInput, QReportDataSource dataSource, QReportView reportView, ReportFormat reportFormat) throws QException
+   {
       QMetaDataVariableInterpreter variableInterpreter = new QMetaDataVariableInterpreter();
       variableInterpreter.addValueMap("input", reportInput.getInputValues());
 
       ExportInput exportInput = new ExportInput();
-      exportInput.setReportFormat(reportFormat);
-      exportInput.setFilename(reportInput.getFilename());
+      exportInput.setReportDestination(reportInput.getReportDestination());
       exportInput.setTitleRow(getTitle(reportView, variableInterpreter));
       exportInput.setIncludeHeaderRow(reportView.getIncludeHeaderRow());
-      exportInput.setReportOutputStream(reportInput.getReportOutputStream());
 
       JoinsContext joinsContext = null;
-      if(StringUtils.hasContent(dataSource.getSourceTable()))
+      if(dataSource != null)
       {
-         joinsContext = new JoinsContext(exportInput.getInstance(), dataSource.getSourceTable(), dataSource.getQueryJoins(), dataSource.getQueryFilter());
+         ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // count records, if applicable, from the data source - for populating into the      //
+         // countByDataSource map, as well as for checking if too many rows (e.g., for excel) //
+         ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         countDataSourceRecords(reportInput, dataSource, reportFormat);
+
+         ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // if there's a source table, set up a joins context, to use below for looking up fields //
+         ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         if(StringUtils.hasContent(dataSource.getSourceTable()))
+         {
+            QQueryFilter queryFilter = dataSource.getQueryFilter() == null ? new QQueryFilter() : dataSource.getQueryFilter().clone();
+            joinsContext = new JoinsContext(QContext.getQInstance(), dataSource.getSourceTable(), dataSource.getQueryJoins(), queryFilter);
+         }
       }
 
       List<QFieldMetaData> fields = new ArrayList<>();
-      for(QReportField column : reportView.getColumns())
+      for(QReportField column : CollectionUtils.nonNullList(reportView.getColumns()))
       {
          if(column.getIsVirtual())
          {
@@ -241,13 +347,14 @@ public class GenerateReportAction
             JoinsContext.FieldAndTableNameOrAlias fieldAndTableNameOrAlias = joinsContext == null ? null : joinsContext.getFieldAndTableNameOrAlias(effectiveFieldName);
             if(fieldAndTableNameOrAlias == null || fieldAndTableNameOrAlias.field() == null)
             {
-               throw new QReportingException("Could not find field named [" + effectiveFieldName + "] in dataSource [" + dataSource.getName() + "]");
+               throw new QReportingException("Could not find field named [" + effectiveFieldName + "] in dataSource [" + (dataSource == null ? null : dataSource.getName()) + "]");
             }
 
             QFieldMetaData field = fieldAndTableNameOrAlias.field().clone();
             field.setName(column.getName());
             if(StringUtils.hasContent(column.getLabel()))
             {
+
                field.setLabel(column.getLabel());
             }
             fields.add(field);
@@ -255,7 +362,7 @@ public class GenerateReportAction
       }
 
       reportStreamer.setDisplayFormats(getDisplayFormatMap(fields));
-      reportStreamer.start(exportInput, fields, reportView.getLabel());
+      reportStreamer.start(exportInput, fields, reportView.getLabel(), reportView);
    }
 
 
@@ -263,7 +370,66 @@ public class GenerateReportAction
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   private void gatherData(ReportInput reportInput, QReportDataSource dataSource, QReportView tableView, List<QReportView> summaryViews, List<QReportView> variantViews) throws QException
+   private void countDataSourceRecords(ReportInput reportInput, QReportDataSource dataSource, ReportFormat reportFormat) throws QException
+   {
+      Integer count = null;
+      if(dataSource.getCustomRecordSource() != null)
+      {
+         // todo - add `count` method to interface?
+      }
+      else if(StringUtils.hasContent(dataSource.getSourceTable()))
+      {
+         QQueryFilter queryFilter = dataSource.getQueryFilter() == null ? new QQueryFilter() : dataSource.getQueryFilter().clone();
+         setInputValuesInQueryFilter(reportInput, queryFilter);
+
+         CountInput countInput = new CountInput();
+         countInput.setTableName(dataSource.getSourceTable());
+         countInput.setFilter(queryFilter);
+         countInput.setQueryJoins(cloneDataSourceQueryJoins(dataSource));
+         CountOutput countOutput = new CountAction().execute(countInput);
+
+         count = countOutput.getCount();
+      }
+
+      if(count != null)
+      {
+         countByDataSource.put(dataSource.getName(), count);
+
+         if(reportFormat.getMaxRows() != null && count > reportFormat.getMaxRows())
+         {
+            throw (new QUserFacingException("The requested report would include more rows ("
+               + String.format("%,d", count) + ") than the maximum allowed ("
+               + String.format("%,d", reportFormat.getMaxRows()) + ") for the selected file format (" + reportFormat + ")."));
+         }
+      }
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   private static List<QueryJoin> cloneDataSourceQueryJoins(QReportDataSource dataSource)
+   {
+      if(dataSource == null || dataSource.getQueryJoins() == null)
+      {
+         return (null);
+      }
+
+      List<QueryJoin> rs = new ArrayList<>();
+      for(QueryJoin queryJoin : dataSource.getQueryJoins())
+      {
+         rs.add(queryJoin.clone());
+      }
+      return (rs);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   private Integer gatherData(ReportInput reportInput, QReportDataSource dataSource, QReportView tableView, List<QReportView> summaryViews, List<QReportView> variantViews) throws QException
    {
       ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
       // check if this view has a transform step - if so, set it up now and run its pre-run //
@@ -290,13 +456,22 @@ public class GenerateReportAction
       RunBackendStepInput   finalTransformStepInput  = transformStepInput;
       RunBackendStepOutput  finalTransformStepOutput = transformStepOutput;
 
-      /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-      // run a record pipe loop, over the query for this data source //
-      /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      String        tableLabel    = ObjectUtils.tryElse(() -> QContext.getQInstance().getTable(dataSource.getSourceTable()).getLabel(), Objects.requireNonNullElse(dataSource.getSourceTable(), ""));
+      AtomicInteger consumedCount = new AtomicInteger(0);
+
+      /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      // run a record pipe loop, over the query (or other data-supplier/source) for this data source //
+      /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
       RecordPipe recordPipe = new BufferedRecordPipe(1000);
       new AsyncRecordPipeLoop().run("Report[" + reportInput.getReportName() + "]", null, recordPipe, (callback) ->
       {
-         if(dataSource.getSourceTable() != null)
+         if(dataSource.getCustomRecordSource() != null)
+         {
+            ReportCustomRecordSourceInterface recordSource = QCodeLoader.getAdHoc(ReportCustomRecordSourceInterface.class, dataSource.getCustomRecordSource());
+            recordSource.execute(reportInput, dataSource, recordPipe);
+            return (true);
+         }
+         else if(dataSource.getSourceTable() != null)
          {
             QQueryFilter queryFilter = dataSource.getQueryFilter() == null ? new QQueryFilter() : dataSource.getQueryFilter().clone();
             setInputValuesInQueryFilter(reportInput, queryFilter);
@@ -305,10 +480,12 @@ public class GenerateReportAction
             queryInput.setRecordPipe(recordPipe);
             queryInput.setTableName(dataSource.getSourceTable());
             queryInput.setFilter(queryFilter);
-            queryInput.setQueryJoins(dataSource.getQueryJoins());
+            queryInput.setQueryJoins(cloneDataSourceQueryJoins(dataSource));
+            queryInput.withQueryHint(QueryHint.POTENTIALLY_LARGE_NUMBER_OF_RESULTS);
+            queryInput.withQueryHint(QueryHint.MAY_USE_READ_ONLY_BACKEND);
 
             queryInput.setShouldTranslatePossibleValues(true);
-            queryInput.setFieldsToTranslatePossibleValues(setupFieldsToTranslatePossibleValues(reportInput, dataSource, new JoinsContext(reportInput.getInstance(), dataSource.getSourceTable(), dataSource.getQueryJoins(), queryInput.getFilter())));
+            queryInput.setFieldsToTranslatePossibleValues(setupFieldsToTranslatePossibleValues(reportInput, dataSource));
 
             if(dataSource.getQueryInputCustomizer() != null)
             {
@@ -345,11 +522,22 @@ public class GenerateReportAction
          if(finalTransformStep != null)
          {
             finalTransformStepInput.setRecords(records);
-            finalTransformStep.run(finalTransformStepInput, finalTransformStepOutput);
+            finalTransformStep.runOnePage(finalTransformStepInput, finalTransformStepOutput);
             records = finalTransformStepOutput.getRecords();
          }
 
-         return (consumeRecords(reportInput, dataSource, records, tableView, summaryViews, variantViews));
+         Integer total = countByDataSource.get(dataSource.getName());
+         if(total != null)
+         {
+            reportInput.getAsyncJobCallback().updateStatus("Processing " + tableLabel + " records", consumedCount.get() + 1, total);
+         }
+         else
+         {
+            reportInput.getAsyncJobCallback().updateStatus("Processing " + tableLabel + " records (" + String.format("%,d", consumedCount.get() + 1) + ")");
+         }
+         consumedCount.getAndAdd(records.size());
+
+         return (consumeRecords(dataSource, records, tableView, summaryViews, variantViews));
       });
 
       ////////////////////////////////////////////////
@@ -359,6 +547,8 @@ public class GenerateReportAction
       {
          transformStep.postRun(new BackendStepPostRunInput(transformStepInput), new BackendStepPostRunOutput(transformStepOutput));
       }
+
+      return consumedCount.get();
    }
 
 
@@ -366,11 +556,11 @@ public class GenerateReportAction
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   private Set<String> setupFieldsToTranslatePossibleValues(ReportInput reportInput, QReportDataSource dataSource, JoinsContext joinsContext)
+   private Set<String> setupFieldsToTranslatePossibleValues(ReportInput reportInput, QReportDataSource dataSource) throws QException
    {
       Set<String> fieldsToTranslatePossibleValues = new HashSet<>();
 
-      for(QReportView view : report.getViews())
+      for(QReportView view : views)
       {
          for(QReportField column : CollectionUtils.nonNullList(view.getColumns()))
          {
@@ -384,15 +574,16 @@ public class GenerateReportAction
             }
          }
 
-         for(String summaryField : CollectionUtils.nonNullList(view.getPivotFields()))
+         for(String summaryFieldName : CollectionUtils.nonNullList(view.getSummaryFields()))
          {
             ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
             // all pivotFields that are possible value sources are implicitly translated //
             ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-            QTableMetaData table = reportInput.getInstance().getTable(dataSource.getSourceTable());
-            if(table.getField(summaryField).getPossibleValueSourceName() != null)
+            QTableMetaData    mainTable         = QContext.getQInstance().getTable(dataSource.getSourceTable());
+            FieldAndJoinTable fieldAndJoinTable = FieldAndJoinTable.get(mainTable, summaryFieldName);
+            if(fieldAndJoinTable.field().getPossibleValueSourceName() != null)
             {
-               fieldsToTranslatePossibleValues.add(summaryField);
+               fieldsToTranslatePossibleValues.add(summaryFieldName);
             }
          }
       }
@@ -405,14 +596,63 @@ public class GenerateReportAction
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   private void setInputValuesInQueryFilter(ReportInput reportInput, QQueryFilter queryFilter)
+   private void setInputValuesInQueryFilter(ReportInput reportInput, QQueryFilter queryFilter) throws QException
    {
       if(queryFilter == null || queryFilter.getCriteria() == null)
       {
          return;
       }
 
-      queryFilter.interpretValues(reportInput.getInputValues());
+      //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      // for reports defined in meta-data, the established rule is, that missing input variable values are discarded. //
+      // but for non-meta-data reports (e.g., user-saved), we expect an exception for missing values.                 //
+      // so, set those use-cases up.                                                                                  //
+      //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      FilterUseCase filterUseCase;
+      if(StringUtils.hasContent(reportInput.getReportName()) && QContext.getQInstance().getReport(reportInput.getReportName()) != null)
+      {
+         filterUseCase = new ReportFromMetaDataFilterUseCase();
+      }
+      else
+      {
+         filterUseCase = new ReportNotFromMetaDataFilterUseCase();
+      }
+
+      queryFilter.interpretValues(reportInput.getInputValues(), filterUseCase);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   private static class ReportFromMetaDataFilterUseCase implements FilterUseCase
+   {
+      /***************************************************************************
+       **
+       ***************************************************************************/
+      @Override
+      public CriteriaMissingInputValueBehavior getDefaultCriteriaMissingInputValueBehavior()
+      {
+         return CriteriaMissingInputValueBehavior.REMOVE_FROM_FILTER;
+      }
+   }
+
+
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   private static class ReportNotFromMetaDataFilterUseCase implements FilterUseCase
+   {
+      /***************************************************************************
+       **
+       ***************************************************************************/
+      @Override
+      public CriteriaMissingInputValueBehavior getDefaultCriteriaMissingInputValueBehavior()
+      {
+         return CriteriaMissingInputValueBehavior.THROW_EXCEPTION;
+      }
    }
 
 
@@ -420,9 +660,9 @@ public class GenerateReportAction
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   private Integer consumeRecords(ReportInput reportInput, QReportDataSource dataSource, List<QRecord> records, QReportView tableView, List<QReportView> summaryViews, List<QReportView> variantViews) throws QException
+   private Integer consumeRecords(QReportDataSource dataSource, List<QRecord> records, QReportView tableView, List<QReportView> summaryViews, List<QReportView> variantViews) throws QException
    {
-      QTableMetaData table = reportInput.getInstance().getTable(dataSource.getSourceTable());
+      QTableMetaData table = QContext.getQInstance().getTable(dataSource.getSourceTable());
 
       ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
       // if this record goes on a table view, add it to the report streamer now //
@@ -432,7 +672,7 @@ public class GenerateReportAction
          ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
          // if any fields are 'showPossibleValueLabel', then move display values for them into the record's values map //
          ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-         for(QReportField column : tableView.getColumns())
+         for(QReportField column : CollectionUtils.nonNullList(tableView.getColumns()))
          {
             if(column.getShowPossibleValueLabel())
             {
@@ -494,26 +734,27 @@ public class GenerateReportAction
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   private void addRecordsToSummaryAggregates(QReportView view, QTableMetaData table, List<QRecord> records, Map<String, Map<SummaryKey, Map<String, AggregatesInterface<?>>>> aggregatesMap)
+   private void addRecordsToSummaryAggregates(QReportView view, QTableMetaData table, List<QRecord> records, Map<String, Map<SummaryKey, Map<String, AggregatesInterface<?, ?>>>> aggregatesMap) throws QException
    {
-      Map<SummaryKey, Map<String, AggregatesInterface<?>>> viewAggregates = aggregatesMap.computeIfAbsent(view.getName(), (name) -> new HashMap<>());
+      Map<SummaryKey, Map<String, AggregatesInterface<?, ?>>> viewAggregates = aggregatesMap.computeIfAbsent(view.getName(), (name) -> new HashMap<>());
 
       for(QRecord record : records)
       {
          SummaryKey key = new SummaryKey();
-         for(String summaryField : view.getPivotFields())
+         for(String summaryFieldName : view.getSummaryFields())
          {
-            Serializable summaryValue = record.getValue(summaryField);
-            if(table.getField(summaryField).getPossibleValueSourceName() != null)
+            FieldAndJoinTable fieldAndJoinTable = FieldAndJoinTable.get(table, summaryFieldName);
+            Serializable      summaryValue      = record.getValue(summaryFieldName);
+            if(fieldAndJoinTable.field().getPossibleValueSourceName() != null)
             {
                //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
                // so, this is kinda a thing - where we implicitly use possible-value labels (e.g., display values) for pivot fields... //
                //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-               summaryValue = record.getDisplayValue(summaryField);
+               summaryValue = record.getDisplayValue(summaryFieldName);
             }
-            key.add(summaryField, summaryValue);
+            key.add(summaryFieldName, summaryValue);
 
-            if(view.getIncludePivotSubTotals() && key.getKeys().size() < view.getPivotFields().size())
+            if(view.getIncludeSummarySubTotals() && key.getKeys().size() < view.getSummaryFields().size())
             {
                /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
                // be careful here, with these key objects, and their identity, being used as map keys //
@@ -532,9 +773,9 @@ public class GenerateReportAction
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   private void addRecordToSummaryKeyAggregates(QTableMetaData table, QRecord record, Map<SummaryKey, Map<String, AggregatesInterface<?>>> viewAggregates, SummaryKey key)
+   private void addRecordToSummaryKeyAggregates(QTableMetaData table, QRecord record, Map<SummaryKey, Map<String, AggregatesInterface<?, ?>>> viewAggregates, SummaryKey key)
    {
-      Map<String, AggregatesInterface<?>> keyAggregates = viewAggregates.computeIfAbsent(key, (name) -> new HashMap<>());
+      Map<String, AggregatesInterface<?, ?>> keyAggregates = viewAggregates.computeIfAbsent(key, (name) -> new HashMap<>());
       addRecordToAggregatesMap(table, record, keyAggregates);
    }
 
@@ -543,23 +784,74 @@ public class GenerateReportAction
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   private void addRecordToAggregatesMap(QTableMetaData table, QRecord record, Map<String, AggregatesInterface<?>> aggregatesMap)
+   private void addRecordToAggregatesMap(QTableMetaData table, QRecord record, Map<String, AggregatesInterface<?, ?>> aggregatesMap)
    {
-      for(QFieldMetaData field : table.getFields().values())
+      //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      // todo - an optimization could be, to only compute aggregates that we'll need...   //
+      // Only if we measure and see this to be slow - it may be, lots of BigDecimal math? //
+      //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      for(String fieldName : record.getValues().keySet())
       {
-         if(field.getType().equals(QFieldType.INTEGER))
+         QFieldMetaData field;
+         try
+         {
+            //////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // todo - memoize this, if we ever need to optimize //
+            //////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            FieldAndJoinTable fieldAndJoinTable = FieldAndJoinTable.get(table, fieldName);
+            field = fieldAndJoinTable.field();
+         }
+         catch(Exception e)
+         {
+            //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // for non-real-fields... let's skip for now - but maybe treat as string in future? //
+            //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            LOG.debug("Couldn't find field in table qInstance - won't compute aggregates for it", logPair("fieldName", fieldName));
+            continue;
+         }
+
+         if(StringUtils.hasContent(field.getPossibleValueSourceName()))
          {
             @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
-            AggregatesInterface<Integer> fieldAggregates = (AggregatesInterface<Integer>) aggregatesMap.computeIfAbsent(field.getName(), (name) -> new IntegerAggregates());
-            fieldAggregates.add(record.getValueInteger(field.getName()));
+            AggregatesInterface<String, ?> fieldAggregates = (AggregatesInterface<String, ?>) aggregatesMap.computeIfAbsent(fieldName, (name) -> new StringAggregates());
+            fieldAggregates.add(record.getDisplayValue(fieldName));
+         }
+         else if(field.getType().equals(QFieldType.INTEGER))
+         {
+            @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
+            AggregatesInterface<Integer, ?> fieldAggregates = (AggregatesInterface<Integer, ?>) aggregatesMap.computeIfAbsent(fieldName, (name) -> new IntegerAggregates());
+            fieldAggregates.add(record.getValueInteger(fieldName));
+         }
+         else if(field.getType().equals(QFieldType.LONG))
+         {
+            @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
+            AggregatesInterface<Long, ?> fieldAggregates = (AggregatesInterface<Long, ?>) aggregatesMap.computeIfAbsent(fieldName, (name) -> new LongAggregates());
+            fieldAggregates.add(record.getValueLong(fieldName));
          }
          else if(field.getType().equals(QFieldType.DECIMAL))
          {
             @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
-            AggregatesInterface<BigDecimal> fieldAggregates = (AggregatesInterface<BigDecimal>) aggregatesMap.computeIfAbsent(field.getName(), (name) -> new BigDecimalAggregates());
-            fieldAggregates.add(record.getValueBigDecimal(field.getName()));
+            AggregatesInterface<BigDecimal, ?> fieldAggregates = (AggregatesInterface<BigDecimal, ?>) aggregatesMap.computeIfAbsent(fieldName, (name) -> new BigDecimalAggregates());
+            fieldAggregates.add(record.getValueBigDecimal(fieldName));
+         }
+         else if(field.getType().equals(QFieldType.DATE_TIME))
+         {
+            @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
+            AggregatesInterface<Instant, ?> fieldAggregates = (AggregatesInterface<Instant, ?>) aggregatesMap.computeIfAbsent(fieldName, (name) -> new InstantAggregates());
+            fieldAggregates.add(record.getValueInstant(fieldName));
+         }
+         else if(field.getType().equals(QFieldType.DATE))
+         {
+            @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
+            AggregatesInterface<LocalDate, ?> fieldAggregates = (AggregatesInterface<LocalDate, ?>) aggregatesMap.computeIfAbsent(fieldName, (name) -> new LocalDateAggregates());
+            fieldAggregates.add(record.getValueLocalDate(fieldName));
+         }
+         if(field.getType().isStringLike())
+         {
+            @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
+            AggregatesInterface<String, ?> fieldAggregates = (AggregatesInterface<String, ?>) aggregatesMap.computeIfAbsent(fieldName, (name) -> new StringAggregates());
+            fieldAggregates.add(record.getValueString(fieldName));
          }
-         // todo - more types (dates, at least?)
       }
    }
 
@@ -568,24 +860,27 @@ public class GenerateReportAction
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   private void outputSummaries(ReportInput reportInput) throws QReportingException, QFormulaException
+   private void outputSummaries(ReportInput reportInput) throws QException
    {
-      List<QReportView> reportViews = report.getViews().stream().filter(v -> v.getType().equals(ReportType.SUMMARY)).toList();
+      List<QReportView> reportViews = views.stream().filter(v -> v.getType().equals(ReportType.SUMMARY)).toList();
       for(QReportView view : reportViews)
       {
-         QReportDataSource dataSource    = report.getDataSource(view.getDataSourceName());
-         QTableMetaData    table         = reportInput.getInstance().getTable(dataSource.getSourceTable());
-         SummaryOutput     summaryOutput = computeSummaryRowsForView(reportInput, view, table);
+         QReportDataSource dataSource = getDataSource(view.getDataSourceName());
+         if(dataSource == null)
+         {
+            throw new QReportingException("Data source for summary view was not found (viewName=" + view.getName() + ", dataSourceName=" + view.getDataSourceName() + ").");
+         }
+
+         QTableMetaData table         = QContext.getQInstance().getTable(dataSource.getSourceTable());
+         SummaryOutput  summaryOutput = computeSummaryRowsForView(reportInput, view, table);
 
          ExportInput exportInput = new ExportInput();
-         exportInput.setReportFormat(reportFormat);
-         exportInput.setFilename(reportInput.getFilename());
+         exportInput.setReportDestination(reportInput.getReportDestination());
          exportInput.setTitleRow(summaryOutput.titleRow);
          exportInput.setIncludeHeaderRow(view.getIncludeHeaderRow());
-         exportInput.setReportOutputStream(reportInput.getReportOutputStream());
 
          reportStreamer.setDisplayFormats(getDisplayFormatMap(view));
-         reportStreamer.start(exportInput, getFields(table, view), view.getLabel());
+         reportStreamer.start(exportInput, getFields(table, view), view.getLabel(), view);
 
          reportStreamer.addRecords(summaryOutput.summaryRows); // todo - what if this set is huge?
 
@@ -598,6 +893,24 @@ public class GenerateReportAction
 
 
 
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   private QReportDataSource getDataSource(String dataSourceName)
+   {
+      for(QReportDataSource dataSource : CollectionUtils.nonNullList(dataSources))
+      {
+         if(dataSource.getName().equals(dataSourceName))
+         {
+            return (dataSource);
+         }
+      }
+
+      return (null);
+   }
+
+
+
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
@@ -625,13 +938,13 @@ public class GenerateReportAction
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   private List<QFieldMetaData> getFields(QTableMetaData table, QReportView view)
+   private List<QFieldMetaData> getFields(QTableMetaData table, QReportView view) throws QException
    {
       List<QFieldMetaData> fields = new ArrayList<>();
-      for(String pivotField : view.getPivotFields())
+      for(String summaryFieldName : view.getSummaryFields())
       {
-         QFieldMetaData field = table.getField(pivotField);
-         fields.add(new QFieldMetaData(pivotField, field.getType()).withLabel(field.getLabel())); // todo do we need the type?  if so need table as input here
+         FieldAndJoinTable fieldAndJoinTable = FieldAndJoinTable.get(table, summaryFieldName);
+         fields.add(new QFieldMetaData(summaryFieldName, fieldAndJoinTable.field().getType()).withLabel(fieldAndJoinTable.field().getLabel())); // todo do we need the type?  if so need table as input here
       }
       for(QReportField column : view.getColumns())
       {
@@ -645,9 +958,8 @@ public class GenerateReportAction
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   private SummaryOutput computeSummaryRowsForView(ReportInput reportInput, QReportView view, QTableMetaData table) throws QReportingException, QFormulaException
+   private SummaryOutput computeSummaryRowsForView(ReportInput reportInput, QReportView view, QTableMetaData table) throws QFormulaException
    {
-      QValueFormatter              valueFormatter      = new QValueFormatter();
       QMetaDataVariableInterpreter variableInterpreter = new QMetaDataVariableInterpreter();
       variableInterpreter.addValueMap("input", reportInput.getInputValues());
       variableInterpreter.addValueMap("total", getSummaryValuesForInterpreter(totalAggregates));
@@ -661,11 +973,11 @@ public class GenerateReportAction
       // create summary rows //
       /////////////////////////
       List<QRecord> summaryRows = new ArrayList<>();
-      for(Map.Entry<SummaryKey, Map<String, AggregatesInterface<?>>> entry : summaryAggregates.getOrDefault(view.getName(), Collections.emptyMap()).entrySet())
+      for(Map.Entry<SummaryKey, Map<String, AggregatesInterface<?, ?>>> entry : summaryAggregates.getOrDefault(view.getName(), Collections.emptyMap()).entrySet())
       {
-         SummaryKey                          summaryKey      = entry.getKey();
-         Map<String, AggregatesInterface<?>> fieldAggregates = entry.getValue();
-         Map<String, Serializable>           summaryValues   = getSummaryValuesForInterpreter(fieldAggregates);
+         SummaryKey                             summaryKey      = entry.getKey();
+         Map<String, AggregatesInterface<?, ?>> fieldAggregates = entry.getValue();
+         Map<String, Serializable>              summaryValues   = getSummaryValuesForInterpreter(fieldAggregates);
          variableInterpreter.addValueMap("pivot", summaryValues);
          variableInterpreter.addValueMap("summary", summaryValues);
 
@@ -674,9 +986,9 @@ public class GenerateReportAction
 
          if(!varianceAggregates.isEmpty())
          {
-            Map<SummaryKey, Map<String, AggregatesInterface<?>>> varianceMap    = varianceAggregates.getOrDefault(view.getName(), Collections.emptyMap());
-            Map<String, AggregatesInterface<?>>                  varianceSubMap = varianceMap.getOrDefault(summaryKey, Collections.emptyMap());
-            Map<String, Serializable>                            varianceValues = getSummaryValuesForInterpreter(varianceSubMap);
+            Map<SummaryKey, Map<String, AggregatesInterface<?, ?>>> varianceMap    = varianceAggregates.getOrDefault(view.getName(), Collections.emptyMap());
+            Map<String, AggregatesInterface<?, ?>>                  varianceSubMap = varianceMap.getOrDefault(summaryKey, Collections.emptyMap());
+            Map<String, Serializable>                               varianceValues = getSummaryValuesForInterpreter(varianceSubMap);
             variableInterpreter.addValueMap("variancePivot", varianceValues);
             variableInterpreter.addValueMap("variance", varianceValues);
          }
@@ -695,7 +1007,7 @@ public class GenerateReportAction
          ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
          // for summary subtotals, add the text "Total" to the last field in this key //
          ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-         if(summaryKey.getKeys().size() < view.getPivotFields().size())
+         if(summaryKey.getKeys().size() < view.getSummaryFields().size())
          {
             String fieldName = summaryKey.getKeys().get(summaryKey.getKeys().size() - 1).getA();
             summaryRow.setValue(fieldName, summaryRow.getValueString(fieldName) + " Total");
@@ -719,10 +1031,7 @@ public class GenerateReportAction
       //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
       if(CollectionUtils.nullSafeHasContents(view.getOrderByFields()))
       {
-         summaryRows.sort((o1, o2) ->
-         {
-            return summaryRowComparator(view, o1, o2);
-         });
+         summaryRows.sort((o1, o2) -> summaryRowComparator(view, o1, o2));
       }
 
       ////////////////
@@ -733,11 +1042,11 @@ public class GenerateReportAction
       {
          totalRow = new QRecord();
 
-         for(String pivotField : view.getPivotFields())
+         for(String summaryField : view.getSummaryFields())
          {
             if(totalRow.getValues().isEmpty())
             {
-               totalRow.setValue(pivotField, "Totals");
+               totalRow.setValue(summaryField, "Totals");
             }
          }
 
@@ -757,8 +1066,6 @@ public class GenerateReportAction
             Serializable serializable = getValueForColumn(variableInterpreter, column);
             totalRow.setValue(column.getName(), serializable);
             thisRowValues.put(column.getName(), serializable);
-
-            String formatted = valueFormatter.formatValue(column.getDisplayFormat(), serializable);
          }
       }
 
@@ -781,7 +1088,7 @@ public class GenerateReportAction
             titleValues.add(variableInterpreter.interpret(titleField));
          }
 
-         title = new QValueFormatter().formatStringWithValues(view.getTitleFormat(), titleValues);
+         title = QValueFormatter.formatStringWithValues(view.getTitleFormat(), titleValues);
       }
       else if(StringUtils.hasContent(view.getTitleFormat()))
       {
@@ -857,18 +1164,24 @@ public class GenerateReportAction
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   private Map<String, Serializable> getSummaryValuesForInterpreter(Map<String, AggregatesInterface<?>> fieldAggregates)
+   private Map<String, Serializable> getSummaryValuesForInterpreter(Map<String, AggregatesInterface<?, ?>> fieldAggregates)
    {
       Map<String, Serializable> summaryValuesForInterpreter = new HashMap<>();
-      for(Map.Entry<String, AggregatesInterface<?>> subEntry : fieldAggregates.entrySet())
+      for(Map.Entry<String, AggregatesInterface<?, ?>> subEntry : fieldAggregates.entrySet())
       {
-         String                 fieldName  = subEntry.getKey();
-         AggregatesInterface<?> aggregates = subEntry.getValue();
+         String                    fieldName  = subEntry.getKey();
+         AggregatesInterface<?, ?> aggregates = subEntry.getValue();
          summaryValuesForInterpreter.put("sum." + fieldName, aggregates.getSum());
          summaryValuesForInterpreter.put("count." + fieldName, aggregates.getCount());
+         summaryValuesForInterpreter.put("count_nums." + fieldName, aggregates.getCount());
          summaryValuesForInterpreter.put("min." + fieldName, aggregates.getMin());
          summaryValuesForInterpreter.put("max." + fieldName, aggregates.getMax());
          summaryValuesForInterpreter.put("average." + fieldName, aggregates.getAverage());
+         summaryValuesForInterpreter.put("product." + fieldName, aggregates.getProduct());
+         summaryValuesForInterpreter.put("var." + fieldName, aggregates.getVariance());
+         summaryValuesForInterpreter.put("varp." + fieldName, aggregates.getVarP());
+         summaryValuesForInterpreter.put("std_dev." + fieldName, aggregates.getStandardDeviation());
+         summaryValuesForInterpreter.put("std_devp." + fieldName, aggregates.getStdDevP());
       }
       return summaryValuesForInterpreter;
    }

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/reporting/JsonExportStreamer.java

@@ -26,17 +26,23 @@ import java.io.IOException;
 import java.io.OutputStream;
 import java.io.Serializable;
 import java.nio.charset.StandardCharsets;
+import java.util.Arrays;
 import java.util.LinkedHashMap;
 import java.util.List;
 import java.util.Map;
+import java.util.Optional;
+import java.util.regex.Matcher;
+import java.util.regex.Pattern;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QReportingException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.QLogger;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.reporting.ExportInput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.reporting.ReportDestination;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.data.QRecord;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.fields.QFieldMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.reporting.QReportView;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.tables.QTableMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.JsonUtils;
-import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.StringUtils;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.memoization.Memoization;
 
 
 /*******************************************************************************
@@ -46,13 +52,23 @@ public class JsonExportStreamer implements ExportStreamerInterface
 {
    private static final QLogger LOG = QLogger.getLogger(JsonExportStreamer.class);
 
+   private boolean prettyPrint = true;
+
    private ExportInput          exportInput;
    private QTableMetaData       table;
    private List<QFieldMetaData> fields;
    private OutputStream         outputStream;
 
-   private boolean needComma   = false;
-   private boolean prettyPrint = true;
+   private boolean multipleViews       = false;
+   private boolean haveStartedAnyViews = false;
+
+   private boolean needCommaBeforeRecord = false;
+
+   private byte[] indent       = new byte[0];
+   private String indentString = "";
+
+   private Pattern                     colonLetterPattern    = Pattern.compile(":([A-Z]+)($|[A-Z][a-z])");
+   private Memoization<String, String> fieldLabelMemoization = new Memoization<>();
 
 
 
@@ -69,21 +85,124 @@ public class JsonExportStreamer implements ExportStreamerInterface
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
    @Override
-   public void start(ExportInput exportInput, List<QFieldMetaData> fields, String label) throws QReportingException
+   public void preRun(ReportDestination reportDestination, List<QReportView> views) throws QReportingException
+   {
+      outputStream = reportDestination.getReportOutputStream();
+
+      if(views.size() > 1)
+      {
+         multipleViews = true;
+      }
+
+      if(multipleViews)
+      {
+         try
+         {
+            indentIfPretty(outputStream);
+            outputStream.write('[');
+            newlineIfPretty(outputStream);
+            increaseIndent();
+         }
+         catch(IOException e)
+         {
+            throw (new QReportingException("Error starting report output", e));
+         }
+      }
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public void start(ExportInput exportInput, List<QFieldMetaData> fields, String label, QReportView view) throws QReportingException
    {
       this.exportInput = exportInput;
       this.fields = fields;
       table = exportInput.getTable();
-      outputStream = this.exportInput.getReportOutputStream();
+
+      needCommaBeforeRecord = false;
 
       try
       {
+         if(multipleViews)
+         {
+            if(haveStartedAnyViews)
+            {
+               /////////////////////////
+               // close the last view //
+               /////////////////////////
+               newlineIfPretty(outputStream);
+
+               decreaseIndent();
+               indentIfPretty(outputStream);
+               outputStream.write(']');
+               newlineIfPretty(outputStream);
+
+               decreaseIndent();
+               indentIfPretty(outputStream);
+               outputStream.write('}');
+               outputStream.write(',');
+               newlineIfPretty(outputStream);
+            }
+
+            /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // open a new view, as an object, with a name & data entry //
+            /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            indentIfPretty(outputStream);
+            outputStream.write('{');
+            newlineIfPretty(outputStream);
+            increaseIndent();
+
+            indentIfPretty(outputStream);
+            outputStream.write(String.format("""
+               "name":"%s",""", label).getBytes(StandardCharsets.UTF_8));
+            newlineIfPretty(outputStream);
+
+            indentIfPretty(outputStream);
+            outputStream.write("""
+               "data":""".getBytes(StandardCharsets.UTF_8));
+            newlineIfPretty(outputStream);
+         }
+
+         //////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // start the array of entries for this view //
+         //////////////////////////////////////////////
+         indentIfPretty(outputStream);
          outputStream.write('[');
+         increaseIndent();
       }
       catch(IOException e)
       {
          throw (new QReportingException("Error starting report output", e));
       }
+
+      haveStartedAnyViews = true;
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   private void increaseIndent()
+   {
+      indent = new byte[indent.length + 3];
+      Arrays.fill(indent, (byte) ' ');
+      indentString = new String(indent);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   private void decreaseIndent()
+   {
+      indent = new byte[Math.max(0, indent.length - 3)];
+      Arrays.fill(indent, (byte) ' ');
+      indentString = new String(indent);
    }
 
 
@@ -111,7 +230,7 @@ public class JsonExportStreamer implements ExportStreamerInterface
    {
       try
       {
-         if(needComma)
+         if(needCommaBeforeRecord)
          {
             outputStream.write(',');
          }
@@ -119,21 +238,25 @@ public class JsonExportStreamer implements ExportStreamerInterface
          Map<String, Serializable> mapForJson = new LinkedHashMap<>();
          for(QFieldMetaData field : fields)
          {
-            String labelForJson = StringUtils.lcFirst(field.getLabel().replace(" ", ""));
-            mapForJson.put(labelForJson, qRecord.getValue(field.getName()));
+            mapForJson.put(getLabelForJson(field), qRecord.getValue(field.getName()));
          }
 
          String json = prettyPrint ? JsonUtils.toPrettyJson(mapForJson) : JsonUtils.toJson(mapForJson);
+         if(prettyPrint)
+         {
+            json = json.replaceAll("(?s)\n", "\n" + indentString);
+         }
 
          if(prettyPrint)
          {
             outputStream.write('\n');
          }
 
+         indentIfPretty(outputStream);
          outputStream.write(json.getBytes(StandardCharsets.UTF_8));
 
          outputStream.flush(); // todo - less often?
-         needComma = true;
+         needCommaBeforeRecord = true;
       }
       catch(Exception e)
       {
@@ -143,6 +266,73 @@ public class JsonExportStreamer implements ExportStreamerInterface
 
 
 
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   String getLabelForJson(QFieldMetaData field)
+   {
+      //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      // memoize, to avoid running these regex/replacements millions of times //
+      //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      Optional<String> result = fieldLabelMemoization.getResult(field.getName(), fieldName ->
+      {
+         String labelForJson = field.getLabel().replace(" ", "");
+
+         /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // now fix up any field-name-parts after the table: portion of a join name //
+         // lineItem:SKU to become lineItem:sku                                     //
+         // parcel:SLAStatus to become parcel:slaStatus                             //
+         // order:Client to become order:client                                     //
+         /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         Matcher allCaps                          = Pattern.compile("^[A-Z]+$").matcher(labelForJson);
+         Matcher startsAllCapsThenNextWordMatcher = Pattern.compile("([A-Z]+)([A-Z][a-z].*)").matcher(labelForJson);
+         Matcher startsOneCapMatcher              = Pattern.compile("([A-Z])(.*)").matcher(labelForJson);
+
+         if(allCaps.matches())
+         {
+            labelForJson = allCaps.replaceAll(m -> m.group().toLowerCase());
+         }
+         else if(startsAllCapsThenNextWordMatcher.matches())
+         {
+            labelForJson = startsAllCapsThenNextWordMatcher.replaceAll(m -> m.group(1).toLowerCase() + m.group(2));
+         }
+         else if(startsOneCapMatcher.matches())
+         {
+            labelForJson = startsOneCapMatcher.replaceAll(m -> m.group(1).toLowerCase() + m.group(2));
+         }
+
+         /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // now fix up any field-name-parts after the table: portion of a join name //
+         // lineItem:SKU to become lineItem:sku                                     //
+         // parcel:SLAStatus to become parcel:slaStatus                             //
+         // order:Client to become order:client                                     //
+         /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         Matcher colonThenAllCapsThenEndMatcher      = Pattern.compile("(.*:)([A-Z]+)$").matcher(labelForJson);
+         Matcher colonThenAllCapsThenNextWordMatcher = Pattern.compile("(.*:)([A-Z]+)([A-Z][a-z].*)").matcher(labelForJson);
+         Matcher colonThenOneCapMatcher              = Pattern.compile("(.*:)([A-Z])(.*)").matcher(labelForJson);
+
+         if(colonThenAllCapsThenEndMatcher.matches())
+         {
+            labelForJson = colonThenAllCapsThenEndMatcher.replaceAll(m -> m.group(1) + m.group(2).toLowerCase());
+         }
+         else if(colonThenAllCapsThenNextWordMatcher.matches())
+         {
+            labelForJson = colonThenAllCapsThenNextWordMatcher.replaceAll(m -> m.group(1) + m.group(2).toLowerCase() + m.group(3));
+         }
+         else if(colonThenOneCapMatcher.matches())
+         {
+            labelForJson = colonThenOneCapMatcher.replaceAll(m -> m.group(1) + m.group(2).toLowerCase() + m.group(3));
+         }
+
+         System.out.println("Label: " + labelForJson);
+         return (labelForJson);
+      });
+
+      return result.orElse(field.getName());
+   }
+
+
+
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
@@ -162,11 +352,34 @@ public class JsonExportStreamer implements ExportStreamerInterface
    {
       try
       {
-         if(prettyPrint)
-         {
-            outputStream.write('\n');
-         }
+         //////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // close the array of entries for this view //
+         //////////////////////////////////////////////
+         newlineIfPretty(outputStream);
+
+         decreaseIndent();
+         indentIfPretty(outputStream);
          outputStream.write(']');
+         newlineIfPretty(outputStream);
+
+         if(multipleViews)
+         {
+            ////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // close this view, if there are multiple //
+            ////////////////////////////////////////////
+            decreaseIndent();
+            indentIfPretty(outputStream);
+            outputStream.write('}');
+            newlineIfPretty(outputStream);
+
+            /////////////////////////////
+            // close the list of views //
+            /////////////////////////////
+            decreaseIndent();
+            indentIfPretty(outputStream);
+            outputStream.write(']');
+            newlineIfPretty(outputStream);
+         }
       }
       catch(IOException e)
       {
@@ -174,4 +387,30 @@ public class JsonExportStreamer implements ExportStreamerInterface
       }
    }
 
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   private void newlineIfPretty(OutputStream outputStream) throws IOException
+   {
+      if(prettyPrint)
+      {
+         outputStream.write('\n');
+      }
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   private void indentIfPretty(OutputStream outputStream) throws IOException
+   {
+      if(prettyPrint)
+      {
+         outputStream.write(indent);
+      }
+   }
+
 }

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/reporting/ListOfMapsExportStreamer.java

@@ -31,6 +31,7 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.QLogger;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.reporting.ExportInput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.data.QRecord;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.fields.QFieldMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.reporting.QReportView;
 
 
 /*******************************************************************************
@@ -87,7 +88,7 @@ public class ListOfMapsExportStreamer implements ExportStreamerInterface
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
    @Override
-   public void start(ExportInput exportInput, List<QFieldMetaData> fields, String label) throws QReportingException
+   public void start(ExportInput exportInput, List<QFieldMetaData> fields, String label, QReportView view) throws QReportingException
    {
       this.exportInput = exportInput;
       this.fields = fields;

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/reporting/RecordPipe.java

@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.reporting;
 
 import java.util.ArrayList;
 import java.util.List;
+import java.util.Objects;
 import java.util.concurrent.ArrayBlockingQueue;
 import java.util.concurrent.TimeUnit;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
@@ -43,8 +44,9 @@ public class RecordPipe
 
    private static final long BLOCKING_SLEEP_MILLIS = 100;
    private static final long MAX_SLEEP_LOOP_MILLIS = 300_000; // 5 minutes
+   private static final int  DEFAULT_CAPACITY      = 1_000;
 
-   private int capacity = 1_000;
+   private int capacity = DEFAULT_CAPACITY;
    private ArrayBlockingQueue<QRecord> queue = new ArrayBlockingQueue<>(capacity);
 
    private boolean isTerminated = false;
@@ -70,11 +72,13 @@ public class RecordPipe
 
    /*******************************************************************************
     ** Construct a record pipe, with an alternative capacity for the internal queue.
+    **
+    ** overrideCapacity is allowed to be null - in which case, DEFAULT_CAPACITY is used.
     *******************************************************************************/
    public RecordPipe(Integer overrideCapacity)
    {
-      this.capacity = overrideCapacity;
-      queue = new ArrayBlockingQueue<>(overrideCapacity);
+      this.capacity = Objects.requireNonNullElse(overrideCapacity, DEFAULT_CAPACITY);
+      queue = new ArrayBlockingQueue<>(this.capacity);
    }
 
 
@@ -138,7 +142,7 @@ public class RecordPipe
          {
             if(now - sleepLoopStartTime > MAX_SLEEP_LOOP_MILLIS)
             {
-               LOG.warn("Giving up adding record to pipe, due to pipe being full for more than {} millis", MAX_SLEEP_LOOP_MILLIS);
+               LOG.warn("Giving up adding record to pipe, due to pipe being full for more than " + MAX_SLEEP_LOOP_MILLIS + " millis");
                throw (new IllegalStateException("Giving up adding record to pipe, due to pipe staying full too long."));
             }
             LOG.trace("Record pipe.add failed (due to full pipe).  Blocking.");

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/reporting/ReportUtils.java

@@ -0,0 +1,51 @@
+/*
+ * QQQ - Low-code Application Framework for Engineers.
+ * Copyright (C) 2021-2024.  Kingsrook, LLC
+ * 651 N Broad St Ste 205 # 6917 | Middletown DE 19709 | United States
+ * contact@kingsrook.com
+ * https://github.com/Kingsrook/
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU Affero General Public License as
+ * published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the
+ * License, or (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU Affero General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU Affero General Public License
+ * along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.reporting;
+
+
+import java.util.List;
+import java.util.Optional;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QReportingException;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.reporting.QReportView;
+
+
+/*******************************************************************************
+ **
+ *******************************************************************************/
+public class ReportUtils
+{
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public static QReportView getSourceViewForPivotTableView(List<QReportView> views, QReportView pivotTableView) throws QReportingException
+   {
+      Optional<QReportView> sourceView = views.stream().filter(v -> v.getName().equals(pivotTableView.getPivotTableSourceViewName())).findFirst();
+      if(sourceView.isEmpty())
+      {
+         throw (new QReportingException("Could not find data view [" + pivotTableView.getPivotTableSourceViewName() + "] for pivot table view [" + pivotTableView.getName() + "]"));
+      }
+
+      return sourceView.get();
+   }
+
+}

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/reporting/customizers/ReportCustomRecordSourceInterface.java

@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+/*
+ * QQQ - Low-code Application Framework for Engineers.
+ * Copyright (C) 2021-2024.  Kingsrook, LLC
+ * 651 N Broad St Ste 205 # 6917 | Middletown DE 19709 | United States
+ * contact@kingsrook.com
+ * https://github.com/Kingsrook/
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU Affero General Public License as
+ * published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the
+ * License, or (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU Affero General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU Affero General Public License
+ * along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.reporting.customizers;
+
+
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.reporting.RecordPipe;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.reporting.ReportInput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.reporting.QReportDataSource;
+
+
+/*******************************************************************************
+ ** Interface to be implemented to do a custom source of data for a report
+ ** (instead of just a query against a table).
+ *******************************************************************************/
+public interface ReportCustomRecordSourceInterface
+{
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    ** Given the report input, put records into the pipe, for the report.
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   void execute(ReportInput reportInput, QReportDataSource reportDataSource, RecordPipe recordPipe) throws QException;
+
+}

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/reporting/excel/fastexcel/BoldHeaderAndFooterFastExcelStyler.java

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 /*
  * QQQ - Low-code Application Framework for Engineers.
- * Copyright (C) 2021-2022.  Kingsrook, LLC
+ * Copyright (C) 2021-2024.  Kingsrook, LLC
  * 651 N Broad St Ste 205 # 6917 | Middletown DE 19709 | United States
  * contact@kingsrook.com
  * https://github.com/Kingsrook/
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@
  * along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
  */
 
-package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.reporting.excelformatting;
+package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.reporting.excel.fastexcel;
 
 
 import org.dhatim.fastexcel.BorderSide;
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ import org.dhatim.fastexcel.StyleSetter;
 /*******************************************************************************
  ** Version of excel styler that does bold headers and footers, with basic borders.
  *******************************************************************************/
-public class BoldHeaderAndFooterExcelStyler implements ExcelStylerInterface
+public class BoldHeaderAndFooterFastExcelStyler implements FastExcelStylerInterface
 {
 
    /*******************************************************************************
@@ -60,6 +60,9 @@ public class BoldHeaderAndFooterExcelStyler implements ExcelStylerInterface
 
 
 
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
    @Override
    public void styleTotalsRow(StyleSetter totalsRowStyle)
    {

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/reporting/excel/fastexcel/ExcelFastexcelExportStreamer.java

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 /*
  * QQQ - Low-code Application Framework for Engineers.
- * Copyright (C) 2021-2022.  Kingsrook, LLC
+ * Copyright (C) 2021-2024.  Kingsrook, LLC
  * 651 N Broad St Ste 205 # 6917 | Middletown DE 19709 | United States
  * contact@kingsrook.com
  * https://github.com/Kingsrook/
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@
  * along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
  */
 
-package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.reporting;
+package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.reporting.excel.fastexcel;
 
 
 import java.io.OutputStream;
@@ -34,8 +34,8 @@ import java.util.HashMap;
 import java.util.List;
 import java.util.Map;
 import java.util.Objects;
-import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.reporting.excelformatting.ExcelStylerInterface;
-import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.reporting.excelformatting.PlainExcelStyler;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.reporting.ExportStreamerInterface;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.context.QContext;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QReportingException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.QLogger;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.reporting.ExportInput;
@@ -43,7 +43,9 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.data.QRecord;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.QInstance;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.fields.DisplayFormat;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.fields.QFieldMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.reporting.QReportView;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.tables.QTableMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.ObjectUtils;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.StringUtils;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.ValueUtils;
 import org.dhatim.fastexcel.StyleSetter;
@@ -52,19 +54,19 @@ import org.dhatim.fastexcel.Worksheet;
 
 
 /*******************************************************************************
- ** Excel export format implementation
+ ** Excel export format implementation - built using fastexcel library
  *******************************************************************************/
-public class ExcelExportStreamer implements ExportStreamerInterface
+public class ExcelFastexcelExportStreamer implements ExportStreamerInterface
 {
-   private static final QLogger LOG = QLogger.getLogger(ExcelExportStreamer.class);
+   private static final QLogger LOG = QLogger.getLogger(ExcelFastexcelExportStreamer.class);
 
    private ExportInput          exportInput;
    private QTableMetaData       table;
    private List<QFieldMetaData> fields;
    private OutputStream         outputStream;
 
-   private ExcelStylerInterface excelStylerInterface = new PlainExcelStyler();
-   private Map<String, String>  excelCellFormats;
+   private FastExcelStylerInterface fastExcelStylerInterface = new PlainFastExcelStyler();
+   private Map<String, String>      excelCellFormats;
 
    private Workbook  workbook;
    private Worksheet worksheet;
@@ -76,7 +78,7 @@ public class ExcelExportStreamer implements ExportStreamerInterface
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   public ExcelExportStreamer()
+   public ExcelFastexcelExportStreamer()
    {
    }
 
@@ -105,14 +107,14 @@ public class ExcelExportStreamer implements ExportStreamerInterface
     ** Starts a new worksheet in the current workbook.  Can be called multiple times.
     *******************************************************************************/
    @Override
-   public void start(ExportInput exportInput, List<QFieldMetaData> fields, String label) throws QReportingException
+   public void start(ExportInput exportInput, List<QFieldMetaData> fields, String label, QReportView view) throws QReportingException
    {
       try
       {
          this.exportInput = exportInput;
          this.fields = fields;
          table = exportInput.getTable();
-         outputStream = this.exportInput.getReportOutputStream();
+         outputStream = this.exportInput.getReportDestination().getReportOutputStream();
          this.row = 0;
          this.sheetCount++;
 
@@ -121,8 +123,8 @@ public class ExcelExportStreamer implements ExportStreamerInterface
          /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
          if(workbook == null)
          {
-            String    appName  = "QQQ";
-            QInstance instance = exportInput.getInstance();
+            String    appName = ObjectUtils.tryAndRequireNonNullElse(() -> QContext.getQInstance().getBranding().getAppName(), "QQQ");
+            QInstance instance = QContext.getQInstance();
             if(instance != null && instance.getBranding() != null && instance.getBranding().getCompanyName() != null)
             {
                appName = instance.getBranding().getCompanyName();
@@ -167,7 +169,7 @@ public class ExcelExportStreamer implements ExportStreamerInterface
             worksheet.range(row, 0, row, fields.size() - 1).merge();
 
             StyleSetter titleStyle = worksheet.range(row, 0, row, fields.size() - 1).style();
-            excelStylerInterface.styleTitleRow(titleStyle);
+            fastExcelStylerInterface.styleTitleRow(titleStyle);
             titleStyle.set();
 
             row++;
@@ -187,7 +189,7 @@ public class ExcelExportStreamer implements ExportStreamerInterface
             }
 
             StyleSetter headerStyle = worksheet.range(row, 0, row, fields.size() - 1).style();
-            excelStylerInterface.styleHeaderRow(headerStyle);
+            fastExcelStylerInterface.styleHeaderRow(headerStyle);
             headerStyle.set();
 
             row++;
@@ -315,7 +317,7 @@ public class ExcelExportStreamer implements ExportStreamerInterface
       writeRecord(record);
 
       StyleSetter totalsRowStyle = worksheet.range(row, 0, row, fields.size() - 1).style();
-      excelStylerInterface.styleTotalsRow(totalsRowStyle);
+      fastExcelStylerInterface.styleTotalsRow(totalsRowStyle);
       totalsRowStyle.set();
    }
 

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/reporting/excel/fastexcel/FastExcelStylerInterface.java

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 /*
  * QQQ - Low-code Application Framework for Engineers.
- * Copyright (C) 2021-2022.  Kingsrook, LLC
+ * Copyright (C) 2021-2024.  Kingsrook, LLC
  * 651 N Broad St Ste 205 # 6917 | Middletown DE 19709 | United States
  * contact@kingsrook.com
  * https://github.com/Kingsrook/
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@
  * along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
  */
 
-package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.reporting.excelformatting;
+package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.reporting.excel.fastexcel;
 
 
 import org.dhatim.fastexcel.StyleSetter;
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ import org.dhatim.fastexcel.StyleSetter;
  ** Interface for classes that know how to apply styles to an Excel stream being
  ** built by fastexcel.
  *******************************************************************************/
-public interface ExcelStylerInterface
+public interface FastExcelStylerInterface
 {
 
    /*******************************************************************************

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/reporting/excel/fastexcel/PlainFastExcelStyler.java

@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+/*
+ * QQQ - Low-code Application Framework for Engineers.
+ * Copyright (C) 2021-2024.  Kingsrook, LLC
+ * 651 N Broad St Ste 205 # 6917 | Middletown DE 19709 | United States
+ * contact@kingsrook.com
+ * https://github.com/Kingsrook/
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU Affero General Public License as
+ * published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the
+ * License, or (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU Affero General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU Affero General Public License
+ * along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.reporting.excel.fastexcel;
+
+
+import org.dhatim.fastexcel.StyleSetter;
+
+
+/*******************************************************************************
+ ** Excel styler that does nothing - just takes defaults (which are all no-op) from the interface.
+ *******************************************************************************/
+public class PlainFastExcelStyler implements FastExcelStylerInterface
+{
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** ... sorry, but adding this gives us test coverage on this class, even though
+    ** we're just deferring to super...
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public void styleHeaderRow(StyleSetter headerRowStyle)
+   {
+      FastExcelStylerInterface.super.styleHeaderRow(headerRowStyle);
+   }
+}

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/reporting/excel/poi/BoldHeaderAndFooterPoiExcelStyler.java

@@ -0,0 +1,93 @@
+/*
+ * QQQ - Low-code Application Framework for Engineers.
+ * Copyright (C) 2021-2024.  Kingsrook, LLC
+ * 651 N Broad St Ste 205 # 6917 | Middletown DE 19709 | United States
+ * contact@kingsrook.com
+ * https://github.com/Kingsrook/
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU Affero General Public License as
+ * published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the
+ * License, or (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU Affero General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU Affero General Public License
+ * along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.reporting.excel.poi;
+
+
+import org.apache.poi.ss.usermodel.BorderStyle;
+import org.apache.poi.ss.usermodel.CreationHelper;
+import org.apache.poi.ss.usermodel.Font;
+import org.apache.poi.ss.usermodel.HorizontalAlignment;
+import org.apache.poi.xssf.usermodel.XSSFCellStyle;
+import org.apache.poi.xssf.usermodel.XSSFWorkbook;
+
+
+/*******************************************************************************
+ ** Version of POI excel styler that does bold headers and footers, with basic borders.
+ *******************************************************************************/
+public class BoldHeaderAndFooterPoiExcelStyler implements PoiExcelStylerInterface
+{
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public XSSFCellStyle createStyleForTitle(XSSFWorkbook workbook, CreationHelper createHelper)
+   {
+      Font font = workbook.createFont();
+      font.setFontHeightInPoints((short) 14);
+      font.setBold(true);
+
+      XSSFCellStyle cellStyle = workbook.createCellStyle();
+      cellStyle.setFont(font);
+      cellStyle.setAlignment(HorizontalAlignment.CENTER);
+
+      return (cellStyle);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public XSSFCellStyle createStyleForHeader(XSSFWorkbook workbook, CreationHelper createHelper)
+   {
+      Font font = workbook.createFont();
+      font.setBold(true);
+
+      XSSFCellStyle cellStyle = workbook.createCellStyle();
+      cellStyle.setFont(font);
+      cellStyle.setBorderBottom(BorderStyle.THIN);
+
+      return (cellStyle);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public XSSFCellStyle createStyleForFooter(XSSFWorkbook workbook, CreationHelper createHelper)
+   {
+      Font font = workbook.createFont();
+      font.setBold(true);
+
+      XSSFCellStyle cellStyle = workbook.createCellStyle();
+      cellStyle.setFont(font);
+      cellStyle.setBorderTop(BorderStyle.THIN);
+      cellStyle.setBorderBottom(BorderStyle.DOUBLE);
+
+      return (cellStyle);
+   }
+
+}

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/reporting/excel/poi/ExcelPoiBasedStreamingExportStreamer.java

@@ -0,0 +1,869 @@
+/*
+ * QQQ - Low-code Application Framework for Engineers.
+ * Copyright (C) 2021-2024.  Kingsrook, LLC
+ * 651 N Broad St Ste 205 # 6917 | Middletown DE 19709 | United States
+ * contact@kingsrook.com
+ * https://github.com/Kingsrook/
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU Affero General Public License as
+ * published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the
+ * License, or (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU Affero General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU Affero General Public License
+ * along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.reporting.excel.poi;
+
+
+import java.io.ByteArrayInputStream;
+import java.io.ByteArrayOutputStream;
+import java.io.IOException;
+import java.io.OutputStream;
+import java.io.OutputStreamWriter;
+import java.io.Serializable;
+import java.io.Writer;
+import java.time.Instant;
+import java.time.LocalDate;
+import java.time.LocalDateTime;
+import java.time.ZoneId;
+import java.time.ZonedDateTime;
+import java.util.ArrayList;
+import java.util.Date;
+import java.util.HashMap;
+import java.util.Iterator;
+import java.util.List;
+import java.util.Map;
+import java.util.Objects;
+import java.util.Optional;
+import java.util.zip.ZipEntry;
+import java.util.zip.ZipInputStream;
+import java.util.zip.ZipOutputStream;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.reporting.ExportStreamerInterface;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.reporting.ExportStyleCustomizerInterface;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.reporting.ReportUtils;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QReportingException;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.instances.QInstanceEnricher;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.QLogger;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.reporting.ExportInput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.reporting.ReportDestination;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.reporting.pivottable.PivotTableGroupBy;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.reporting.pivottable.PivotTableValue;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.data.QRecord;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.fields.DisplayFormat;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.fields.QFieldMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.fields.QFieldType;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.reporting.QReportField;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.reporting.QReportView;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.reporting.ReportType;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.CollectionUtils;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.StringUtils;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.ValueUtils;
+import org.apache.poi.ss.SpreadsheetVersion;
+import org.apache.poi.ss.usermodel.CreationHelper;
+import org.apache.poi.ss.usermodel.DataConsolidateFunction;
+import org.apache.poi.ss.usermodel.DateUtil;
+import org.apache.poi.ss.util.AreaReference;
+import org.apache.poi.ss.util.CellReference;
+import org.apache.poi.ss.util.WorkbookUtil;
+import org.apache.poi.xssf.usermodel.XSSFCell;
+import org.apache.poi.xssf.usermodel.XSSFCellStyle;
+import org.apache.poi.xssf.usermodel.XSSFPivotTable;
+import org.apache.poi.xssf.usermodel.XSSFRow;
+import org.apache.poi.xssf.usermodel.XSSFSheet;
+import org.apache.poi.xssf.usermodel.XSSFWorkbook;
+import static com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.LogUtils.logPair;
+
+
+/*******************************************************************************
+ ** Excel export format implementation using POI library, but with modifications
+ ** to actually stream output rather than use any temp files.
+ **
+ ** For a rough outline:
+ ** - create a basically empty Excel workbook using POI - empty meaning, without
+ ** data rows.
+ ** - have POI write that workbook out into a byte[] - which will be a zip full
+ ** of xml (e.g., xlsx).
+ ** - then open a new ZipOutputStream wrapper around the OutputStream we took in
+ ** as the report destination (e.g., streamed into storage or http output)
+ ** - Copy over all entries from the xlsx into our new zip-output-stream, other than
+ ** ones that are the actual sheets that we want to put data into.
+ ** - For the sheet entries, use the StreamedPoiSheetWriter class to write the
+ ** report's data directly out as Excel XML (not using POI).
+ ** - Pivot tables require a bit of an additional hack - to write a "pivot cache
+ ** definition", which, while we won't put all the data in it (because we'll tell
+ ** it refreshOnLoad="true"), we will at least need to know how many cols & rows
+ ** are in the data-sheet (which we wouldn't know until we streamed that sheet!)
+ *******************************************************************************/
+public class ExcelPoiBasedStreamingExportStreamer implements ExportStreamerInterface
+{
+   private static final QLogger LOG = QLogger.getLogger(ExcelPoiBasedStreamingExportStreamer.class);
+
+   private List<QReportView>    views;
+   private ExportInput          exportInput;
+   private List<QFieldMetaData> fields;
+   private OutputStream         outputStream;
+   private ZipOutputStream      zipOutputStream;
+
+   public static final String EXCEL_DATE_FORMAT      = "yyyy-MM-dd";
+   public static final String EXCEL_DATE_TIME_FORMAT = "yyyy-MM-dd H:mm:ss";
+
+   private ExcelPoiBasedStreamingStyleCustomizerInterface styleCustomizerInterface;
+
+   private Map<String, String>        excelCellFormats;
+   private Map<String, XSSFCellStyle> styles = new HashMap<>();
+
+   private int rowNo      = 0;
+   private int sheetIndex = 1;
+
+   private Map<String, String> pivotViewToCacheDefinitionReferenceMap = new HashMap<>();
+
+   private Writer              activeSheetWriter = null;
+   private StreamedSheetWriter sheetWriter       = null;
+
+   private QReportView                       currentView              = null;
+   private Map<String, List<QFieldMetaData>> fieldsPerView            = new HashMap<>();
+   private Map<String, Integer>              rowsPerView              = new HashMap<>();
+   private Map<String, String>               labelViewsByName         = new HashMap<>();
+   private Map<String, String>               sheetReferenceByViewName = new HashMap<>();
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public ExcelPoiBasedStreamingExportStreamer()
+   {
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public void preRun(ReportDestination reportDestination, List<QReportView> views) throws QReportingException
+   {
+      try
+      {
+         this.outputStream = reportDestination.getReportOutputStream();
+         this.views = views;
+
+         ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // create 'template' workbook through poi - with sheets corresponding to our //
+         // actual file this will be a zip file (stream), with entries for all of the //
+         // files in the final xlsx but without any data, so it'll be small           //
+         ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         XSSFWorkbook workbook = new XSSFWorkbook();
+         createStyles(workbook);
+
+         //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // for each of the sheets, create it in the workbook, and put a reference to it in the sheetMap //
+         //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         Map<String, XSSFSheet> sheetMapByExcelReference = new HashMap<>();
+         Map<String, XSSFSheet> sheetMapByViewName       = new HashMap<>();
+
+         int sheetCounter = 1;
+         for(QReportView view : views)
+         {
+            String label = Objects.requireNonNullElse(view.getLabel(), "Sheet " + sheetCounter);
+            label = WorkbookUtil.createSafeSheetName(label);
+
+            /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // track the actually-used sheet labels (needed for referencing in pivot table generation) //
+            /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            labelViewsByName.put(view.getName(), label);
+
+            XSSFSheet sheet          = workbook.createSheet(label);
+            String    sheetReference = sheet.getPackagePart().getPartName().getName().substring(1);
+            sheetMapByExcelReference.put(sheetReference, sheet);
+            sheetMapByViewName.put(view.getName(), sheet);
+            sheetReferenceByViewName.put(view.getName(), sheetReference);
+            sheetCounter++;
+         }
+
+         ////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // if any views are pivot tables, create them now //
+         ////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         List<String> pivotViewNames = new ArrayList<>();
+         for(QReportView view : views)
+         {
+            if(ReportType.PIVOT.equals(view.getType()))
+            {
+               pivotViewNames.add(view.getName());
+
+               XSSFSheet   pivotTableSheet = Objects.requireNonNull(sheetMapByViewName.get(view.getName()), "Could not get pivot table sheet view by name: " + view.getName());
+               XSSFSheet   dataSheet       = Objects.requireNonNull(sheetMapByViewName.get(view.getPivotTableSourceViewName()), "Could not get pivot table source sheet by view name: " + view.getPivotTableSourceViewName());
+               QReportView dataView        = ReportUtils.getSourceViewForPivotTableView(views, view);
+               createPivotTableTemplate(pivotTableSheet, view, dataSheet, dataView);
+            }
+         }
+         Iterator<String> pivotViewNameIterator = pivotViewNames.iterator();
+
+         /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // write that template worksheet zip out to byte array //
+         /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         ByteArrayOutputStream templateBAOS = new ByteArrayOutputStream();
+         workbook.write(templateBAOS);
+         templateBAOS.close();
+         byte[] templateBytes = templateBAOS.toByteArray();
+
+         /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // open up a zipOutputStream around the output stream that the report is to be written to. //
+         // note:  this stream is closed in the finish method - see more comments there.            //
+         /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         this.zipOutputStream = new ZipOutputStream(this.outputStream);
+
+         /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // copy over all the entries in the template zip that aren't the sheets into the output stream //
+         /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         ZipInputStream zipInputStream   = new ZipInputStream(new ByteArrayInputStream(templateBytes));
+         ZipEntry       zipTemplateEntry = null;
+         byte[]         buffer           = new byte[2048];
+         while((zipTemplateEntry = zipInputStream.getNextEntry()) != null)
+         {
+            if(zipTemplateEntry.getName().matches(".*/pivotCacheDefinition.*.xml"))
+            {
+               //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+               // if this zip entry is a pivotCacheDefinition, then don't write it to the output stream right now. //
+               // instead, just map the pivot view's name to the zipTemplateEntry name                             //
+               //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+               if(!pivotViewNameIterator.hasNext())
+               {
+                  throw new QReportingException("Found a pivot cache definition [" + zipTemplateEntry.getName() + "] in the template ZIP, but no (more) corresponding pivot view names");
+               }
+
+               String pivotViewName = pivotViewNameIterator.next();
+               LOG.info("Holding on a pivot cache definition zip template entry [" + pivotViewName + "] [" + zipTemplateEntry.getName() + "]...");
+               pivotViewToCacheDefinitionReferenceMap.put(pivotViewName, zipTemplateEntry.getName());
+            }
+            else if(!sheetMapByExcelReference.containsKey(zipTemplateEntry.getName()))
+            {
+               ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+               // else, if we don't have this zipTemplateEntry name in our map of sheets, then this is a kinda "meta"    //
+               // file that we don't really care about (e.g., not our sheet data), so just copy it to the output stream. //
+               ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+               LOG.info("Copying zip template entry [" + zipTemplateEntry.getName() + "] to output stream");
+               zipOutputStream.putNextEntry(new ZipEntry(zipTemplateEntry.getName()));
+
+               int length;
+               while((length = zipInputStream.read(buffer)) > 0)
+               {
+                  zipOutputStream.write(buffer, 0, length);
+               }
+
+               zipInputStream.closeEntry();
+            }
+            else
+            {
+               ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+               // else - this is a sheet - so again, don't write it yet - stream its data below. //
+               ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+               LOG.info("Skipping presumed sheet zip template entry [" + zipTemplateEntry.getName() + "] to output stream");
+            }
+         }
+
+         zipInputStream.close();
+      }
+      catch(Exception e)
+      {
+         throw (new QReportingException("Error preparing to generate spreadsheet", e));
+      }
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   private void createPivotTableTemplate(XSSFSheet pivotTableSheet, QReportView pivotView, XSSFSheet dataSheet, QReportView dataView) throws QReportingException
+   {
+      /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      // write just enough data to the dataView's sheet so that we can refer to it for creating the pivot table. //
+      // we need to do this, because POI will try to create the pivotCache referring to the data sheet, and if   //
+      // there isn't any data there, it'll crash.                                                                //
+      /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      XSSFRow headerRow = dataSheet.createRow(0);
+      int     columnNo  = 0;
+      for(QReportField column : dataView.getColumns())
+      {
+         XSSFCell cell = headerRow.createCell(columnNo++);
+         cell.setCellValue(QInstanceEnricher.nameToLabel(column.getName()));
+      }
+
+      XSSFRow valuesRow = dataSheet.createRow(1);
+      columnNo = 0;
+      for(QReportField column : dataView.getColumns())
+      {
+         XSSFCell cell = valuesRow.createCell(columnNo++);
+         cell.setCellValue("Value " + columnNo);
+      }
+
+      /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      // for this template version of the pivot table, tell it there are only 2 rows in the source sheet //
+      // as that's all that we wrote above (a header and 1 fake value row)                               //
+      /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      int           rows       = 2;
+      String        colsLetter = CellReference.convertNumToColString(dataView.getColumns().size() - 1);
+      AreaReference source     = new AreaReference("A1:" + colsLetter + rows, SpreadsheetVersion.EXCEL2007);
+      CellReference position   = new CellReference("A1");
+
+      //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      // tell poi all about our pivot table - rows, cols, and columns //
+      //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      XSSFPivotTable pivotTable = pivotTableSheet.createPivotTable(source, position, dataSheet);
+
+      for(PivotTableGroupBy row : CollectionUtils.nonNullList(pivotView.getPivotTableDefinition().getRows()))
+      {
+         int rowLabelColumnIndex = getColumnIndex(dataView.getColumns(), row.getFieldName());
+         pivotTable.addRowLabel(rowLabelColumnIndex);
+      }
+
+      for(PivotTableGroupBy column : CollectionUtils.nonNullList(pivotView.getPivotTableDefinition().getColumns()))
+      {
+         int colLabelColumnIndex = getColumnIndex(dataView.getColumns(), column.getFieldName());
+         pivotTable.addColLabel(colLabelColumnIndex);
+      }
+
+      for(PivotTableValue value : CollectionUtils.nonNullList(pivotView.getPivotTableDefinition().getValues()))
+      {
+         int columnLabelColumnIndex = getColumnIndex(dataView.getColumns(), value.getFieldName());
+
+         String labelPrefix = value.getFunction().name() + " of ";
+         String label       = labelPrefix + QInstanceEnricher.nameToLabel(value.getFieldName());
+         String valueFormat = null;
+
+         Optional<QReportField> optSourceField = dataView.getColumns().stream().filter(c -> c.getName().equals(value.getFieldName())).findFirst();
+         if(optSourceField.isPresent())
+         {
+            QReportField sourceField = optSourceField.get();
+
+            if(StringUtils.hasContent(sourceField.getLabel()))
+            {
+               label = labelPrefix + sourceField.getLabel();
+            }
+
+            if(StringUtils.hasContent(sourceField.getDisplayFormat()))
+            {
+               valueFormat = DisplayFormat.getExcelFormat(sourceField.getDisplayFormat());
+            }
+            else
+            {
+               if(QFieldType.DATE.equals(sourceField.getType()))
+               {
+                  valueFormat = EXCEL_DATE_FORMAT;
+               }
+               else if(QFieldType.DATE_TIME.equals(sourceField.getType()))
+               {
+                  valueFormat = EXCEL_DATE_TIME_FORMAT;
+               }
+            }
+         }
+
+         pivotTable.addColumnLabel(DataConsolidateFunction.valueOf(value.getFunction().name()), columnLabelColumnIndex, label, valueFormat);
+      }
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   private int getColumnIndex(List<QReportField> columns, String fieldName) throws QReportingException
+   {
+      for(int i = 0; i < columns.size(); i++)
+      {
+         if(columns.get(i).getName().equals(fieldName))
+         {
+            return (i);
+         }
+      }
+
+      throw (new QReportingException("Could not find column by name [" + fieldName + "]"));
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   private void createStyles(XSSFWorkbook workbook)
+   {
+      CreationHelper createHelper = workbook.getCreationHelper();
+
+      XSSFCellStyle dateStyle = workbook.createCellStyle();
+      dateStyle.setDataFormat(createHelper.createDataFormat().getFormat(EXCEL_DATE_FORMAT));
+      styles.put("date", dateStyle);
+
+      XSSFCellStyle dateTimeStyle = workbook.createCellStyle();
+      dateTimeStyle.setDataFormat(createHelper.createDataFormat().getFormat(EXCEL_DATE_TIME_FORMAT));
+      styles.put("datetime", dateTimeStyle);
+
+      PoiExcelStylerInterface poiExcelStylerInterface = getStylerInterface();
+      styles.put("title", poiExcelStylerInterface.createStyleForTitle(workbook, createHelper));
+      styles.put("header", poiExcelStylerInterface.createStyleForHeader(workbook, createHelper));
+      styles.put("footer", poiExcelStylerInterface.createStyleForFooter(workbook, createHelper));
+
+      XSSFCellStyle footerDateStyle = poiExcelStylerInterface.createStyleForFooter(workbook, createHelper);
+      footerDateStyle.setDataFormat(createHelper.createDataFormat().getFormat(EXCEL_DATE_FORMAT));
+      styles.put("footer-date", footerDateStyle);
+
+      XSSFCellStyle footerDateTimeStyle = poiExcelStylerInterface.createStyleForFooter(workbook, createHelper);
+      footerDateTimeStyle.setDataFormat(createHelper.createDataFormat().getFormat(EXCEL_DATE_TIME_FORMAT));
+      styles.put("footer-datetime", footerDateTimeStyle);
+
+      if(styleCustomizerInterface != null)
+      {
+         styleCustomizerInterface.customizeStyles(styles, workbook, createHelper);
+      }
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Starts a new worksheet in the current workbook.  Can be called multiple times.
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public void start(ExportInput exportInput, List<QFieldMetaData> fields, String label, QReportView view) throws QReportingException
+   {
+      try
+      {
+         /////////////////////////////////////////
+         // close previous sheet if one is open //
+         /////////////////////////////////////////
+         closeLastSheetIfOpen();
+
+         if(currentView != null)
+         {
+            this.rowsPerView.put(currentView.getName(), rowNo);
+         }
+
+         this.currentView = view;
+         this.exportInput = exportInput;
+         this.fields = fields;
+         this.rowNo = 0;
+
+         this.fieldsPerView.put(view.getName(), fields);
+
+         //////////////////////////////////////////
+         // start the new sheet as:              //
+         // - a new entry in the zipOutputStream //
+         // - with a new output stream writer    //
+         // - and with a SpreadsheetWriter       //
+         //////////////////////////////////////////
+         zipOutputStream.putNextEntry(new ZipEntry(sheetReferenceByViewName.get(view.getName())));
+         activeSheetWriter = new OutputStreamWriter(zipOutputStream);
+         sheetWriter = new StreamedSheetWriter(activeSheetWriter);
+
+         if(ReportType.PIVOT.equals(view.getType()))
+         {
+            writePivotTable(view, ReportUtils.getSourceViewForPivotTableView(views, view));
+         }
+         else
+         {
+            sheetWriter.beginSheet(view, styleCustomizerInterface);
+
+            ////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // put the title and header rows in the sheet //
+            ////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            writeTitleAndHeader();
+         }
+      }
+      catch(Exception e)
+      {
+         throw (new QReportingException("Error starting worksheet", e));
+      }
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   private void writeTitleAndHeader() throws QReportingException
+   {
+      try
+      {
+         ///////////////
+         // title row //
+         ///////////////
+         if(StringUtils.hasContent(exportInput.getTitleRow()))
+         {
+            sheetWriter.insertRow(rowNo++);
+            sheetWriter.createCell(0, exportInput.getTitleRow(), styles.get("title").getIndex());
+            sheetWriter.endRow();
+         }
+
+         ////////////////
+         // header row //
+         ////////////////
+         if(exportInput.getIncludeHeaderRow())
+         {
+            sheetWriter.insertRow(rowNo++);
+            XSSFCellStyle headerStyle = styles.get("header");
+
+            int col = 0;
+            for(QFieldMetaData column : fields)
+            {
+               sheetWriter.createCell(col, column.getLabel(), headerStyle.getIndex());
+               col++;
+            }
+
+            sheetWriter.endRow();
+         }
+      }
+      catch(Exception e)
+      {
+         throw (new QReportingException("Error starting Excel report"));
+      }
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public void addRecords(List<QRecord> qRecords) throws QReportingException
+   {
+      LOG.info("Consuming [" + qRecords.size() + "] records from the pipe");
+
+      try
+      {
+         for(QRecord qRecord : qRecords)
+         {
+            writeRecord(qRecord);
+         }
+      }
+      catch(Exception e)
+      {
+         LOG.error("Exception generating excel file", e);
+         try
+         {
+            outputStream.close();
+         }
+         catch(IOException ex)
+         {
+            LOG.warn("Secondary error closing excel output stream", e);
+         }
+
+         throw (new QReportingException("Error generating Excel report", e));
+      }
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   private void writeRecord(QRecord qRecord) throws IOException
+   {
+      writeRecord(qRecord, false);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   public static void setStyleForField(QRecord record, String fieldName, String styleName)
+   {
+      record.setDisplayValue(fieldName + ":excelStyle", styleName);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   private void writeRecord(QRecord qRecord, boolean isFooter) throws IOException
+   {
+      sheetWriter.insertRow(rowNo++);
+
+      int baseStyleIndex     = -1;
+      int dateStyleIndex     = styles.get("date").getIndex();
+      int dateTimeStyleIndex = styles.get("datetime").getIndex();
+      if(isFooter)
+      {
+         baseStyleIndex = styles.get("footer").getIndex();
+         dateStyleIndex = styles.get("footer-date").getIndex();
+         dateTimeStyleIndex = styles.get("footer-datetime").getIndex();
+      }
+
+      int col = 0;
+      for(QFieldMetaData field : fields)
+      {
+         Serializable value = qRecord.getValue(field.getName());
+
+         String overrideStyleName = qRecord.getDisplayValue(field.getName() + ":excelStyle");
+         int    styleIndex        = baseStyleIndex;
+         if(overrideStyleName != null)
+         {
+            styleIndex = styles.get(overrideStyleName).getIndex();
+         }
+
+         if(value != null)
+         {
+            if(value instanceof String s)
+            {
+               sheetWriter.createCell(col, s, styleIndex);
+            }
+            else if(value instanceof Number n)
+            {
+               sheetWriter.createCell(col, n.doubleValue(), styleIndex);
+
+               if(excelCellFormats != null)
+               {
+                  String format = excelCellFormats.get(field.getName());
+                  if(format != null)
+                  {
+                     ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+                     // todo - so - for this streamed/zip approach, we need to know all styles before we start //
+                     // any sheets.  but, right now Report action only calls us with per-sheet styles when     //
+                     // it's starting individual sheets.  so, we can't quite support this at this time.        //
+                     // "just" need to change GenerateReportAction to look up all cell formats for all sheets  //
+                     // before preRun is called... and change all existing streamer classes to handle that too //
+                     ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+                     // worksheet.style(rowNo, col).format(format).set();
+                  }
+               }
+            }
+            else if(value instanceof Boolean b)
+            {
+               sheetWriter.createCell(col, b, styleIndex);
+            }
+            else if(value instanceof Date d)
+            {
+               sheetWriter.createCell(col, DateUtil.getExcelDate(d), dateStyleIndex);
+            }
+            else if(value instanceof LocalDate d)
+            {
+               sheetWriter.createCell(col, DateUtil.getExcelDate(d), dateStyleIndex);
+            }
+            else if(value instanceof LocalDateTime d)
+            {
+               sheetWriter.createCell(col, DateUtil.getExcelDate(d), dateStyleIndex);
+            }
+            else if(value instanceof ZonedDateTime d)
+            {
+               sheetWriter.createCell(col, DateUtil.getExcelDate(d.toLocalDateTime()), dateTimeStyleIndex);
+            }
+            else if(value instanceof Instant i)
+            {
+               sheetWriter.createCell(col, DateUtil.getExcelDate(i.atZone(ZoneId.systemDefault()).toLocalDateTime()), dateTimeStyleIndex);
+            }
+            else
+            {
+               sheetWriter.createCell(col, ValueUtils.getValueAsString(value), styleIndex);
+            }
+         }
+
+         col++;
+      }
+
+      sheetWriter.endRow();
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public void addTotalsRow(QRecord record) throws QReportingException
+   {
+      try
+      {
+         writeRecord(record, true);
+      }
+      catch(Exception e)
+      {
+         throw (new QReportingException("Error adding totals row", e));
+      }
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public void finish() throws QReportingException
+   {
+      try
+      {
+         //////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // close the last open sheet if one is open //
+         //////////////////////////////////////////////
+         closeLastSheetIfOpen();
+
+         /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // so, we DO need a close here, on the zipOutputStream, to finish its "zippiness". //
+         // even though, doing so also closes the outputStream from the caller that this    //
+         // zipOutputStream is wrapping (and the caller will likely call close on too)...   //
+         /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         zipOutputStream.close();
+      }
+      catch(Exception e)
+      {
+         throw (new QReportingException("Error finishing Excel report", e));
+      }
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   private void closeLastSheetIfOpen() throws IOException
+   {
+      //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      // if we have an active sheet writer:                                                               //
+      // - end the current sheet in the spreadsheet writer (write some closing xml, unless it's a pivot!) //
+      // - flush the contents through the activeSheetWriter                                               //
+      // - close the zip entry in the output stream.                                                      //
+      //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      if(activeSheetWriter != null)
+      {
+         if(!ReportType.PIVOT.equals(currentView.getType()))
+         {
+            sheetWriter.endSheet(currentView, styleCustomizerInterface);
+         }
+
+         activeSheetWriter.flush();
+         zipOutputStream.closeEntry();
+      }
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** display formats is a map of field name to Excel format strings (e.g., $#,##0.00)
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public void setDisplayFormats(Map<String, String> displayFormats)
+   {
+      this.excelCellFormats = new HashMap<>();
+      for(Map.Entry<String, String> entry : displayFormats.entrySet())
+      {
+         String excelFormat = DisplayFormat.getExcelFormat(entry.getValue());
+         if(excelFormat != null)
+         {
+            excelCellFormats.put(entry.getKey(), excelFormat);
+         }
+      }
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   private void writePivotTable(QReportView pivotTableView, QReportView dataView) throws QReportingException
+   {
+      try
+      {
+         //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // write the xml file that is the pivot table sheet.                            //
+         // note that the ZipEntry here will have been started above in the start method //
+         //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         activeSheetWriter.write("""
+            <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="yes"?>
+              <worksheet xmlns="http://schemas.openxmlformats.org/spreadsheetml/2006/main" xmlns:r="http://schemas.openxmlformats.org/officeDocument/2006/relationships" xmlns:mx="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/mac/excel/2008/main" xmlns:mc="http://schemas.openxmlformats.org/markup-compatibility/2006" xmlns:mv="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:mac:vml" xmlns:x14="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/spreadsheetml/2009/9/main" xmlns:x15="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/spreadsheetml/2010/11/main" xmlns:x14ac="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/spreadsheetml/2009/9/ac" xmlns:xm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/excel/2006/main">
+                 <sheetPr>
+                   <outlinePr summaryBelow="0" summaryRight="0"/>
+                 </sheetPr>
+                 <sheetViews>
+                   <sheetView workbookViewId="0"/>
+                 </sheetViews>
+                 <sheetFormatPr customHeight="1" defaultColWidth="14.43" defaultRowHeight="15.0"/>
+                 <sheetData>
+                   <row r="1"/>
+                 </sheetData>
+              </worksheet>
+            """);
+         activeSheetWriter.flush();
+
+         ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // start a new zip entry, for this pivot view's cacheDefinition reference //
+         ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         zipOutputStream.putNextEntry(new ZipEntry(pivotViewToCacheDefinitionReferenceMap.get(pivotTableView.getName())));
+
+         /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // prepare the xml for each field (e.g., w/ its label) //
+         /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         List<String> cachedFieldElements = new ArrayList<>();
+         for(QFieldMetaData column : this.fieldsPerView.get(dataView.getName()))
+         {
+            cachedFieldElements.add(String.format("""
+               <cacheField numFmtId="0" name="%s">
+                  <sharedItems/>
+               </cacheField>
+               """, column.getLabel()));
+         }
+
+         /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // write the xml file that is the pivot cache definition (structure only, no data) //
+         /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         activeSheetWriter = new OutputStreamWriter(zipOutputStream);
+         activeSheetWriter.write(String.format("""
+               <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
+               <pivotCacheDefinition xmlns="http://schemas.openxmlformats.org/spreadsheetml/2006/main" xmlns:r="http://schemas.openxmlformats.org/officeDocument/2006/relationships" createdVersion="3" minRefreshableVersion="3" refreshedVersion="3" refreshedBy="Apache POI" refreshedDate="1.711395767702E12" refreshOnLoad="true" r:id="rId1">
+                 <cacheSource type="worksheet">
+                   <worksheetSource sheet="%s" ref="A1:%s%d"/>
+                 </cacheSource>
+                 <cacheFields count="%d">
+                   %s
+                 </cacheFields>
+               </pivotCacheDefinition>
+               """,
+            StreamedSheetWriter.cleanseValue(labelViewsByName.get(dataView.getName())),
+            CellReference.convertNumToColString(dataView.getColumns().size() - 1),
+            rowsPerView.get(dataView.getName()),
+            dataView.getColumns().size(),
+            StringUtils.join("\n", cachedFieldElements)));
+      }
+      catch(Exception e)
+      {
+         throw (new QReportingException("Error writing pivot table", e));
+      }
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   protected PoiExcelStylerInterface getStylerInterface()
+   {
+      if(styleCustomizerInterface != null)
+      {
+         return styleCustomizerInterface.getExcelStyler();
+      }
+
+      return (new PlainPoiExcelStyler());
+   }
+
+
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public void setExportStyleCustomizer(ExportStyleCustomizerInterface exportStyleCustomizer)
+   {
+      if(exportStyleCustomizer instanceof ExcelPoiBasedStreamingStyleCustomizerInterface poiExcelStylerInterface)
+      {
+         this.styleCustomizerInterface = poiExcelStylerInterface;
+      }
+      else
+      {
+         LOG.debug("Supplied export style customizer is not an instance of ExcelPoiStyleCustomizerInterface, so will not be used for an excel export", logPair("exportStyleCustomizerClass", exportStyleCustomizer.getClass().getSimpleName()));
+      }
+   }
+}

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/reporting/excel/poi/ExcelPoiBasedStreamingStyleCustomizerInterface.java

@@ -0,0 +1,81 @@
+/*
+ * QQQ - Low-code Application Framework for Engineers.
+ * Copyright (C) 2021-2025.  Kingsrook, LLC
+ * 651 N Broad St Ste 205 # 6917 | Middletown DE 19709 | United States
+ * contact@kingsrook.com
+ * https://github.com/Kingsrook/
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU Affero General Public License as
+ * published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the
+ * License, or (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU Affero General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU Affero General Public License
+ * along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.reporting.excel.poi;
+
+
+import java.util.List;
+import java.util.Map;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.reporting.ExportStyleCustomizerInterface;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.reporting.QReportView;
+import org.apache.poi.ss.usermodel.CreationHelper;
+import org.apache.poi.xssf.usermodel.XSSFCellStyle;
+import org.apache.poi.xssf.usermodel.XSSFWorkbook;
+
+
+/*******************************************************************************
+ ** style customization points for Excel files generated via our streaming POI.
+ *******************************************************************************/
+public interface ExcelPoiBasedStreamingStyleCustomizerInterface extends ExportStyleCustomizerInterface
+{
+   /***************************************************************************
+    ** slightly legacy way we did excel styles - but get an instance of object
+    ** that defaults "default" styles (header, footer, etc).
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   default PoiExcelStylerInterface getExcelStyler()
+   {
+      return (new PlainPoiExcelStyler());
+   }
+
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    ** either change "default" styles put in the styles map, or create new ones
+    ** which can then be applied to row/field values (cells) via:
+    ** ExcelPoiBasedStreamingExportStreamer.setStyleForField(row, fieldName, styleName);
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   default void customizeStyles(Map<String, XSSFCellStyle> styles, XSSFWorkbook workbook, CreationHelper createHelper)
+   {
+      //////////////////
+      // noop default //
+      //////////////////
+   }
+
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    ** for a given view (sheet), return a list of custom column widths.
+    ** any nulls in the list are ignored (so default width is used).
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   default List<Integer> getColumnWidthsForView(QReportView view)
+   {
+      return (null);
+   }
+
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    ** for a given view (sheet), return a list of any ranges which should be
+    ** merged, as in "A1:C1" (first three cells in first row).
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   default List<String> getMergedRangesForView(QReportView view)
+   {
+      return (null);
+   }
+
+}