# ▶️ Executing a Method in CCP

Running a method in the CCP platform is simple, but understanding how it works under the hood helps you make the most of it.

This guide walks you through the full execution process — from selecting a method to analyzing the output.

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## 🧭 1. Locate the Method

Go to the **Analytics Engine**, and open the ☁️ [Cloud Computing Platform (CCP) Page](/02_ccp_interface/02_engine_ccp).

![Cloud Computing Platform (CCP)](/_static/imgs/analytics_engine_ccp.png)

Select a method from the list on the left.

You can:

- Search by keyword  
- Filter by category or author  
- Sort by name or version  

When ready, click the ![run button](/_static/imgs/method_button_play.png) (Run) button next to the method.

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## 🧾 2. Fill in the Parameters

A form will appear, dynamically generated based on the method's `method.json`.

You’ll typically find:

- **Required inputs**: marked with an asterisk `*`  
- **Optional parameters**: configurable extras  
- **File inputs**: dropdowns or URL fields  
- **Runtime selection**: pre-filled and locked  

📎 _Tip_: Use files from

* **[workspace](/04_methods_development/05_input_types/04_input_workspace)**

* **[public URL](/04_methods_development/05_input_types/03_input_url)**

* **[posted files](/04_methods_development/05_input_types/02_input_file)**.

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## 🧩 3. Configure Archiving (Optional)

If you want to save the complete result of your execution (output files + logs + metadata), ensure to select the **"Automatically archive whole execution provenance"** option at the bottom of the form.

- The output will be stored and downloadable later
- The execution metadata will contain the full provenance of the run (📜 [provo.xml](/03_execution/05_metadata_provo.md))

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## 🚀 4. Submit and Monitor

Click **Run** to start execution. The execution will appear in the **Execution Monitor**, where you can:

- See real-time logs (`stdout`, `stderr`)  
- Track execution state (e.g. queued, running, finished)  
- View or download output files  

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## 📥 5. Retrieve Results

After completion, outputs are listed directly:

- **Textual outputs** (e.g., summaries, logs) are displayed inline  
- **Files** (e.g., images, CSVs) are downloadable  

If archiving was enabled, the full result is stored and accessible from the workspace

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## ✅ Summary

| Step              | Description                              |
|------------------|------------------------------------------|
| Choose method     | From the Analytics Engine list           |
| Fill parameters   | Inputs and options in the dynamic form   |
| Enable archive    | If you want full results saved           |
| Monitor execution | Logs, state transitions                  |
| Download results  | From inline output or archived data      |

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## 🔗 Related Pages

- 🚀 [Execution interface](/02_ccp_interface/03_method_execution)

- 🚦 [Execution monitor interface](/02_ccp_interface/04_execution_monitor)

- 📦 [Understanding Outputs and Metadata](./03_understanding_outputs_and_metadata)

- ⏯️ [Understanding Executions](/03_execution/01_executions)