Create Custom Variables
Here’s a step-by-step tutorial based on how to create and use variables in FlowMattic.
Step-by-Step Guide: Creating a Custom Variable in FlowMattic
Step 1: Navigating to the Variables Section
-
Login to FlowMattic and access your dashboard.
-
In the left-hand menu, click on “Variables”.
- This will take you to the Variables Management screen where you can see a list of previously created variables or create new ones.
Step 2: Creating a New Variable
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On the Variables screen, click on the “Add New Variable” button (usually located at the top of the page).
-
A form will appear, prompting you to fill in the details for the new variable.
-
Variable Name:
- Enter a unique and meaningful name for your variable (e.g.,
current_time
oruser_id
).
- Enter a unique and meaningful name for your variable (e.g.,
-
Variable Value:
-
This field accepts a plain text value, dynamic placeholders, or even a PHP function. For example:
-
Entering
PHP:time()
as the value will dynamically call thetime()
function whenever this variable is accessed in your workflow, returning the current Unix timestamp. -
Similarly, you can use other PHP functions like
PHP:date("Y-m-d")
to return a formatted date.
-
Step 3: Using PHP in Variables
-
FlowMattic supports PHP functions directly in the Variable Value field, which is extremely useful for dynamically generating data.
-
Example:
-
If you input
PHP:time()
as the variable value, FlowMattic will evaluate the PHP code when the variable is accessed in the workflow. -
This ensures that the value is always current and generated at runtime.
Step 4: Saving the Variable
- After entering the Variable Name and Variable Value, click on “Save” or “Create”.
- Your variable will now appear in the list of available variables, and its value will be updated each time it is accessed in workflows.
Step 5: Using the Variable in a Workflow
-
Navigate to the Workflows section of FlowMattic.
-
When creating or editing a workflow, locate the step where you wish to use the variable.
- Most fields that accept dynamic data (such as messages, emails, or API requests) will allow you to insert variables.
- Click the “Database” icon or in the input field to bring the dynamic data dropdown, then find the variable in the “Variables” toggle. OR type the variable name (e.g.,
{{variable_name}}
) where you want to use the variable.
- If you created a variable with a PHP function (e.g.,
PHP:time()
), this function will be called and evaluated dynamically when the workflow is triggered.
Step 6: Testing Your Variable
- Run your workflow and check the output to ensure that the variable works as expected.
- For example, if you used the
PHP:time()
function, the workflow should output the current Unix timestamp wherever you used the variable.
Example Use Case
-
Current Timestamp Variable:
-
If you create a variable
current_time
with the valuePHP:time()
, you can use this variable in an email, API request, or other workflow step to always have the exact timestamp when the workflow runs. -
Formatted Date Variable:
-
If you want the current date in
YYYY-MM-DD
format, you can create a variable with the valuePHP:date("Y-m-d")
.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can effectively create and manage custom variables in FlowMattic, using PHP functions for dynamic and real-time data processing in your workflows. This is especially useful for automating tasks that rely on up-to-date information like timestamps, dates, or other PHP-based calculations.