> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.vapi.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Steps

> Building and Controlling Conversation Flow for Your Assistants

[**Steps**](https://api.vapi.ai/api#:~:text=HandoffStep) are the core building blocks that dictate how conversations progress in a bot interaction. Each Step represents a distinct point in the conversation where the bot performs an action, gathers information, or decides where to go next. Think of Steps as checkpoints in a conversation that guide the flow, manage user inputs, and determine outcomes.

<Note>
  Blocks is currently in beta. We're excited to have you try this new feature and welcome your [feedback](https://discord.com/invite/pUFNcf2WmH) as we continue to refine and improve the experience.
</Note>

#### Features

* **Output:** The data or response expected from the step, as outlined in the block's `outputSchema`.
* **Input:** The data necessary for the step to execute, defined in the block's `inputSchema`.
* [**Destinations:**](https://api.vapi.ai/api#:~:text=StepDestination) This can be determined by a simple linear progression or based on specific criteria, like conditions or rules set within the Step. This enables dynamic decision-making, allowing the assistant to choose the next Step depending on what happens during the conversation (e.g., user input, a specific value, or a condition being met).

#### Example

```json
  {
  "type": "handoff",
  "name": "get_user_order",
  "input": {
    "name": "John Doe",
    "email": "johndoe@example.com"
  },
  "destinations": [
    {
      "type": "step",
      "stepName": "confirm_order",
      "conditions": [
        {
          "type": "model-based",
          "instruction": "If the user has provided an order"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "block": {
    "name": "ask_for_order",
    "type": "conversation",
    "inputSchema": {
      "type": "object",
      "required": ["name", "email"],
      "properties": {
        "name": { "type": "string", "description": "The customer's name" },
        "email": { "type": "string", "description": "The customer's email" }
      }
    },
    "instruction": "Greet the customer and ask for their name and email. Then ask them what they'd like to order.",
    "outputSchema": {
      "type": "object",
      "required": ["orders", "name"],
      "properties": {
        "orders": {
          "type": "string",
          "description": "The customer's order, e.g., 'burger with fries'"
        },
        "name": { 
          "type": "string",
          "description": "The customer's name"
        }
      }
    }
  }
}
```