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Dynamic Variables

Using the Variable Picker​

The variable picker is a way to specify dynamic variables and use them in your Workflow. Blink has different types of dynamic variables and these can be used as standalone expressions, or be combined in a complex expression to create new values. The variable picker enables you to use available variables, even if you are not familiar with the expression language. The variable picker supports all input types.

Types of Dynamic Variables:​

Dynamic VariableType of Workflow Trigger
MetadataAll trigger types
Event payloadEvent-based
StepsAll trigger types
Input ParametersOn-demand
Local variableAll trigger types
FilesAll trigger types
Global variablesAll trigger types

Metadata​

  • automation_name: The name of the current Workflow.
  • automation_url: A link to the current Workflow.
  • automation_id: The ID of the Workflow.
  • workspace_id: The ID of the workspace associated with the Workflow.
  • pack_id: The ID of the pack associated with the Workflow.
  • execution_id: The ID of the current execution.
  • execution_url: A link to the current execution.
  • start_time: The time at which the execution began.
  • user_email: The email of the user who started the execution.
  • user_groups:The groups in which the current user is a member.

Event Payload​

The payload with which the Workflow was invoked.

Steps​

Variables that are related to a specific Step (status, output etc.)

Input Parameters​

All the input parameters defined for the Workflow.

Local Variables​

Variables defined within the Workflow using the set variable Action.

Files​

File path, size, and identifier for files used in the Workflow.

Global Variables​

Variables defined within a workspace. Global variables can be Raw value or Secret.

Using the Variable Picker on Date & Time Input Picker​

When using the Variable Picker on a date & time input picker, the following formats are accepted:

  1. Epoch time in seconds: 1725916800
  2. Epoch time in milliseconds: 1725916800000
  3. RFC3339: 2006-01-02T15:04:05Z07:00
  4. ISO: 2006-01-02T15:04:05Z0700
  5. RFC3339 Nano: 2006-01-02T15:04:05.999999999Z07:00

Searching for a Dynamic Variable​

  1. In the headline text bar of the variable picker, type and search for a specific variable. The results appear in the left pane.
  2. Select the variable. The selected variable appears in the headline of the variable picker dialog box. The tag that is displayed in your Step appears at the bottom of the box. When selecting a different variable this replaces the selected one.

Using Dynamic Variables in a Workflow​

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The dynamic variable appears as a tag in your Step. When the Workflow runs the system automatically replaces the tag with the current variable value. If you hover above the tag, the tooltip shows the variable as expression language.

  1. In the parameter field of your Step, click +. The variable picker is displayed. In the left pane of the variable picker, a list of available dynamic variables such as a Step (status or output) and other metadata appears. These dynamic variables depend on the current Workflow and its Steps. The right pane gives you a preview of the current value of the dynamic variable selected. If it currently has no value, the right pane remains empty.
  2. Select the desired variable. The selected variable appears in the headline of the variable picker dialog box. The tag that will be displayed in your Step, appears at the bottom of the box.
  3. Click the "Submit" button.
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Please note that in complex use cases when using the same dynamic variable twice but in two separate steps and set with two different value types, the dynamic variable will take they value type of the second value you gave to the variable.

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Referencing a Key in a JSON​

The output from a previous Step may be a JSON object. Use the variable picker to select specific keys from the JSON.

  1. In the JSON object output, click the desired key. Its value will copy to the clipboard which allows you to use the specific key-value pair in subsequent steps of your Workflow.
  2. In order to access the specific key-value pair in your subsequent step press paste from your keyboard or right click with your mouse and click paste.
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If you want to reference a key that contains a dot("."): use square brackets. (Not like other cases with a dot.)

Using Expression Language Functions​

The variable picker search bar can include functions from our expression language. Using the expression language you can create a complex expression with multiple variables.