What is a workflow action in Sitecore?

A workflow action in Sitecore refers to an automatic side effect of invoking a command or entering a state. In a typical workflow, certain actions are triggered automatically when specified commands are executed by users or when items transition from one state to another. These actions can include notifications, status updates, or other automated processes that help to manage and control content as it moves through various stages of approval or publication.

While other elements such as user-defined commands and manual steps in the workflow play a role in the overall process, they do not capture the essence of what a workflow action is meant to achieve. Workflow actions are often predefined responses designed to facilitate the content management process without requiring additional user input each time a specific command is employed. This is what differentiates them as integral components of a Sitecore workflow system, serving to streamline operations and ensure consistency throughout the content approval lifecycle.