Automated runtime configuration for dataflows

Methods, systems and computer program products are provided for automated runtime configuration for dataflows to automatically select or adapt a runtime environment or resources to a dataflow plan prior to execution. Metadata generated for dataflows indicates dataflow information, such as numbers and types of sources, sinks and operations, and the amount of data being consumed, processed and written. Weighted dataflow plans are created from unweighted dataflow plans based on metadata. Weights that indicate operation complexity or resource consumption are generated for data operations. A runtime environment or resources to execute a dataflow plan is/are selected based on the weighted dataflow and/or a maximum flow. Preferences may be provided to influence weighting and runtime selections.