Variables

Enable the dynamic storage and manipulation of data, facilitating adaptability, decision-making, and efficient execution of automated tasks.

In the context of process and workflow automation, variables refer to dynamic placeholders that store and represent data values.

• They are used to capture, manipulate, and store information during the execution of a process or workflow.

• Variables can hold various types of data, such as text, numbers, dates, or even complex structures.

• They enable the automation system to adapt and make decisions based on changing data values, allowing for flexible and personalized process execution.

• Variables play a crucial role in automating repetitive tasks, performing calculations, making conditional decisions, and passing data between different steps or stages of a process.

How variables are used in Stackflows?

For user tasks

Variables are used to define a custom data structure for user tasks, allowing user tasks to have a specific format that requires users to resolve the tasks to provide particular data in a structured manner.

Read more about using user task's custom fields

For service tasks

Read more about using service tasks

Types of variables

Type name	Description	Use Cases
Array	A variable that can store multiple values in an ordered list.	Use arrays to store sets of related data, such as a list of items, multiple choices, or multiple file uploads.
Checkboxes	A variable that represents multiple selectable options where multiple options can be chosen.	Checkboxes are useful for capturing multiple selections, such as selecting multiple preferences or features.
Date	A variable that stores a specific date.	Date variables are handy for capturing specific dates, such as birthdays, project deadlines, or appointment dates.
Date and Time	A variable that stores both a specific date and time.	Use date and time variables to capture events that require both a specific date and a precise time, like scheduling tasks.
Dropdown	A variable that offers a predefined list of options, and only one option can be selected.	Dropdowns are ideal for presenting a set of mutually exclusive choices, such as selecting a category or status.
File Upload	A variable that allows users to upload files or documents.	File upload variables are useful when users need to provide attachments, such as resumes, images, or documents.
Integer	A variable that stores whole numbers without decimal places.	Integers are commonly used for counting, tracking quantities, or representing numerical IDs.
Long Text	A variable that can store a large amount of text or paragraphs.	Long text variables are suitable for capturing detailed descriptions, comments, or user input with extended content.
Number	A variable that stores numeric values, including integers and decimal numbers.	Numbers can be used for calculations, measurements, or any situation that involves working with numerical data.
Password	A variable that securely stores sensitive information, such as passwords, in an encrypted form.	Password variables are essential for storing and handling confidential data securely.
Radio	A variable that presents a set of options where only one option can be selected.	Use radio variables when there is a need to present a list of mutually exclusive choices, like selecting a gender.
Short Text	A variable that stores a small amount of text or a single line of input.	Short text variables are suitable for capturing names, addresses, titles, or any brief user input.
Time	A variable that represents a specific time.	Time variables are helpful for capturing specific times, such as event schedules or appointment times.