# Tasks



In MindCloud, a “task” is a workflow step that calls an external API or service to perform a specific action or retrieve data. Unlike utility steps (e.g., loops, waits, or mappers), which handle internal logic or transformations, a task interfaces with external systems, returning new data or triggering outside processes as part of the workflow!!

For example:

Getting the channels from BigCommerce would be considered a Task:

> This IS a Task (calling a BigCommerce API)

![](https://mindcloud.imgix.net/docs/document360/c744387f0330-image-164_1778245567065.octet-stream)

Conversely, extracting data from an API response and mapping it properly in preparation for the next step would **not** be considered a Task:

> This IS NOT a Task (extracting data from a response)

![](https://mindcloud.imgix.net/docs/document360/f391ad363cee-image-166_1778245598209.octet-stream)

Organization and personal plan billing runs on tasks, so it’s important to understand what they are and build workflows efficiently!