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SPIN notebooks extend the familiar Jupyter model with specialized cell types and operational features for troubleshooting and automation. Understanding these concepts will help you create effective operational runbooks.

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Notebook Fundamentals

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Notebook Structure

A SPIN notebook consists of:
  • Sequential cells: Executed independently or as a workflow
  • Session state: Persists variables and context across cell executions
  • Output history: Captures results for collaboration and audit
  • Metadata: Defines notebook purpose, ownership, and configuration

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Cell Execution Model

Unlike scripts, notebook cells can be:
  • Executed individually for testing and development
  • Run out of order for non-linear troubleshooting
  • Re-executed to refresh data or retry failures
  • Chained together with shared variables and state
  • Linked to automatically run when the previous cell completes (see Linked Cells)

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Cell Types

SPIN supports multiple cell types for different tasks: There are also cells for specific integrations:

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Linked Cells

Linked cells allow you to chain cell executions together automatically. When a cell is linked to its previous cell, it will automatically run when the previous cell completes successfully.

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How Linking Works

  • Automatic execution: When a linked cell’s predecessor finishes running successfully, the linked cell starts automatically
  • Chain reactions: Multiple linked cells in sequence create an execution chain—each cell triggers the next upon successful completion
  • Error stops the chain: If a cell fails, subsequent linked cells will not auto-run

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Linking and Unlinking Cells

To link a cell to the previous cell:
  1. Click the dropdown menu (⋮) at the top right corner of the cell you want to link
  2. Select Link to previous cell
To unlink a cell:
  1. Click the dropdown menu (⋮) on the linked cell
  2. Select Unlink from previous cell
Markdown cells cannot be linked to other cells. Linking is only available for executable cell types (Python, Shell, REST, etc.).
Cells can be linked to a form cell above it, but form cells cannot be explicit linked previous cells because form cells are always automatically refreshed whenever any previous cell is run.

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Visual Indicator

Linked cells display a link icon (🔗) between them, making it easy to identify execution chains in your notebook. The run button also shows a link icon instead of the play button for linked cells.

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Movement Restrictions

Linked cells cannot be moved up or down in the notebook. To reposition a linked cell, you must first unlink it. This ensures that execution chains remain intact and prevents accidental ordering changes that could break workflow dependencies.

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Output Variables

Cells can store results in named variables for use by later cells:
  • Variables persist throughout the session
  • Shared across all cell types
  • Complex data structures (DataFrames, JSON) are preserved
  • Variables can be cleared or reset

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Form Inputs (Template Variables)

Enable dynamic notebook behavior using form cells.

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Output and Results

SPIN provides specialized rendering for operational data:
  • Data Tables
  • Time Series Charts
  • JSON Trees
as well as standard Jupyter outputs:
  • Images
  • HTML
  • Markdown
  • Text