What is a "Message" in a Mule application?

In a Mule application, a "Message" is fundamentally an object that encapsulates both data and metadata. This structure allows Mule to effectively process information as it flows through the different components of an integration application.

The data part of the message can be any payload, such as JSON, XML, or binary data, representing the core information that needs to be transferred or manipulated. The metadata includes properties that can describe aspects of the message, such as headers, content type, and other contextual information that aids in routing or processing the message correctly.

This dual aspect of messages—containing both payload and associated properties—enables MuleSoft to handle a wide variety of integration scenarios seamlessly, allowing for robust data transformation, enrichment, and routing capabilities.

Understanding this concept is crucial when working with Mule applications, as the message structure forms the backbone of data interchange within the architecture, and is critical for executing various integration tasks.