---
id: DATA-8
family: RT-DATA
level: core
profiles: [runtime]
posture: normative-target
added: "1.0"
changed: "1.0"
source: https://flowdrop.io/spec/rules/rt-data/data-8
specification: FlowDrop Workflow Specification 1.0-draft
licence: CC BY 4.0
---

# DATA-8 — Unexposed outputs are stripped where they are produced

*RT-DATA (Part II) · level: core · profiles: runtime · added in 1.0*

## The rule

> **Normative.** This is the rule.
>
> 1. A node's unexposed outputs are removed at the point the node produces them, before anything else observes the result: before the unified output port is composed, before the result is checked for serializability, before it is recorded against the node's execution, before it is written to a checkpoint, before it is published to real-time observers, and before it is returned as a tool result.
>
> 2. A hidden port's value therefore cannot reappear downstream.

## Related rules

- Names: DATA-9, EXPO-11, EXPO-12, EXPO-13, EXPO-14
- Referenced by: DATA-9, SG-3

---

Rule identifiers are permanent and are never renumbered. This specification carries
no implementation status: each implementation publishes its own standing against
these rules. Licensed CC BY 4.0.