A variable is a place holder for a changeable value. Variables allow you to set up actions to be performed on values that will not be known until the Workflow is run. You set up variables in Workflow Builder when you create the steps of a Workflow.
The Expression Builder allows you to use EFT Server variables into Workflows. Refer to Defining Expressions for more information about using EFT Server variables in expressions.
Variables are commonly used when a Workflow involves collecting data from a source and then performing some action on it. You use the variable to contain the collected data, and then set up the actions to be performed on the data by referencing the variable. For example, you could create a variable that will be populated with the user's input in a form or message box. In another step you could perform a calculation on the data the user entered by referencing the variable. Like constants, variables can also be used to represent data in a Workflow that may be different from computer to computer.
In Workflow Builder, the Create Variable action provides the tool for naming the variable and setting other properties for it as needed. Once you have created a variable, it becomes available for use in other steps of the Workflow. It will appear on drop-down lists in places where a variable can be entered, and it can be used in expressions by placing the variable name between percent signs (%). For example, %UserInput% tells the Server to populate the expression with the current value of the UserInput variable.
Variables are created for individual Workflows and cannot be created globally.
Variable names must be alphanumeric characters and must start with a letter. When naming variables, avoid using BASIC keywords, functions, or instructions. Names such as DATE or TIME would create a conflict. One way to ensure you avoid conflicts is to include distinguishing characters in your variable names such as VAR or MY. For example, a date variable could be named MyDate or DateVar.
Variable names must be unique within a Workflow, but can be repeated from one Workflow to the next. For example, if you create a variable in one Workflow named UserInput, you can create a variable of the same name in another Workflow without any conflict occurring.
Note: You can duplicate not only variables, but also whole blocks of steps and even entire Workflows. For further information, see Copying Workflow Steps and Duplicating Workflows.