How to turn off “JSS Development Workflow”?

Question

We recently switched from code-first to Sitecore-first in our JSS project.

In the Sitecore-first approach we now use Unicorn to serialize/sync Sitecore structure and content.

However the JSS Development Workflow is still in effect when creating a new item.

How can I deactivate this workflow completely?

Answer 1

To disable workflow entirely across your JSS templates and existing items, you can use the following bit of Sitecore PowerShell to clear the Default workflow on templates, and the Workflow and Workflow state on content items.

Note that this script totally removes all workflow from the referenced content and template paths, so use with care if you have other existing workflows you wish to preserve.

$contentRoot = Get-Item "master:\content\jss-react-sample"
$templatesRoot = Get-Item "master:\templates\Project\jss-react-sample"

# Disable workflow on the templates
$templatesCount = 0
$templatesRoot | Get-ChildItem -Recurse | ? { $_.Name -eq "__Standard Values" } | % {
    $_.Editing.BeginEdit()
    $_.Fields["__Default workflow"].Reset()
    $_.Editing.EndEdit() | out-null
    $templatesCount++
}
Write-Host "Updated $templatesCount templates"

# Remove workflow on existing content
$contentCount = 0
$contentRoot | Get-ChildItem -Recurse | % {
    $_.Editing.BeginEdit()
    $_.Fields["__Workflow"].Reset()
    $_.Fields["__Workflow state"].Reset()
    $_.Editing.EndEdit() | out-null
    $contentCount++
}
Write-Host "Updated $contentCount content items"

Answer 2

The simplest way will be just removing the Default workflow from the existing template's standard value and update/enable it back when needed. Also the new templates needs to be created without any default workflow and setup later when needed.

Note - If you have lot of existing templates, can try execute a power-shell command to set/revoke default workflow.

Anyways you are planning to go with Sitecore first and Unicorn for content sync, so nothing will overwrite your template changes until you revert back.

As an additional note the default workflow for jss app is set in the \Website\App_Config\Sitecore\JavaScriptServices\Sitecore.JavaScriptServices.Apps.config file,

Anyways no update required here in your case, as you are planning for Sitecore first with Unicorn.