Using variables in a workflow
Types of variables
Variables are sometimes divided into different categories to facilitate selecting, finding and referencing the correct one within your workflow. These categories include:
Trigger variables
These are the primary set of variables users will interact with. They refer to the variables that contain information that accompanied the event that triggered, or initiated the execution of the workflow. For triggers relating to SMS messages for example, this may include the phone number that sent the SMS, or received the SMS, or the SMS message itself. Each trigger inserts its own set of variables into the current workflow's context.
Action output variables
These variables are not present when the workflow is first executed, but are instead added to the workflow as the result of executing an action. It can sometimes be helpful to think of these variables as an actions output.
User variables
These variables are present in every workflow and contain values associated with the user executing the workflow. This includes the user's name, phone number, and so forth. User variables include:
- My presence status
- My extension number
- My extension ID
- My account ID
- My first name
- My last name
- My email
Usage
Referencing variables
Variables can be referenced in any text field within Workflow Builder. They are ideal for use within the large text input boxes for an SMS message, or chat message.
If you do not know the exact name of the variable you are looking for, type a "#" (pound-sign) into any text box and small help popup will appear to help you select the right one.
Setting variables
Variables are often created implicitly by a node. In some circumstances a workflow designer may wish to explicitly declare/create variable on their own. The following nodes enable this.
