Using the CTF on DAFNI

The Causal Testing Framework is also available to run on DAFNI, allowing you to generate causal tests and evaluate causal effects from your input data and DAGs without installing the framework locally. This lets you integrate CTF into workflows with other models or datasets easily.

Data tab

  • Upload the required input files as a dataset. Typically, this includes:

    • dag.dot – the directed acyclic graph defining causal relationships between variables.

    • runtime_data.csv – the CSV file containing runtime input data.

    • causal_tests.json – optional; if provided, the framework will run tests directly. Otherwise, tests will be generated automatically.

    Note: Input files must remain in the data/inputs structure; this is required by the workflow.

Workflow tab

  • Select the CTF workflow.

  • In the Parameter sets section, click Create.

  • In the page that opens:

    • Select the model in the workflow (typically causal-testing-framework).

    • Complete the sections at the bottom:

      • Parameters: Set or confirm environment variables from the .env file (e.g., EXECUTION_MODE, CAUSAL_TESTS, CAUSAL_TEST_RESULTS). These control whether tests are generated or executed, the filenames, estimator, effect type, and other runtime options.

      • Datasets: Click the icon and select the dataset containing your input files (dag.dot, runtime_data.csv, causal_tests.json). All input files will be placed in the required data/inputs directory when running the workflow.

  • Unselect the model if needed, click Continue, and complete any required metadata such as the name of the parameter set.

Execute the workflow

  • Click Execute workflow with parameter set.

  • If successful, the workflow will either generate causal_tests.json (if not provided) or run the tests and create causal_test_results.json in data/outputs.

  • After completion, you can view the results in the Data tab as a new output dataset.

Customisation and chaining

  • You can create additional workflows to customise input parameters, filenames, or estimators.

  • Multiple CTF workflows can also be chained to run sequential analyses or to integrate with other models and datasets, combining results for more complex causal testing scenarios.