Set Flow Variables flow logic
Summarize
Summary of Set Flow Variables flow logic
The Set Flow Variables flow logic in ServiceNow allows you to assign values to existing flow variables, which store flow data as data pills. This functionality is essential for managing and manipulating data within flows by updating variable values based on earlier data pills or scripts.
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Key Features
- Variable Assignment: Assign values to one or more flow variables by selecting from pre-created variables within the flow.
- Data Value Input: Enter string values, scripts, or use data pills from earlier flow steps to set variable values.
- Order Sensitivity: Variable assignments must be ordered carefully when referencing other variables to avoid null values, as assignments occur top-to-bottom.
- Scripting Support: Inline scripting can be enabled to dynamically set variable values using the
fddataobject for accessing flow/action data. - No Direct Outputs: This logic does not produce outputs but modifies the stored values of flow variables, which can then be used elsewhere in the flow.
Practical Usage
Flow variables act as reusable data containers within flows, accessible from the Flow Variables section of the Data pane. For example, you can:
- Store an incident record number conditionally based on the incident’s category and reference this variable in later actions like sending emails.
- Set variable values dynamically using scripts to extract and return specific data from the triggered record.
When setting variables by script, the script must return a value and can access flow data through the fddata object, enabling flexible, context-aware data assignments.
Why It Matters
This flow logic empowers you to manage flow data effectively by updating variables as the flow progresses, enabling complex decision-making and dynamic content generation. Proper use ensures data consistency and supports advanced automation scenarios within your ServiceNow workflows.
Assign a value to one or more flow variables, which store flow data as data pills. Access flow variable values by referring to their data pill.
Inputs
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Name of the variable. Select from the list of variables available for the flow. |
| Data | Value for the variable. Enter a string value, input a script, or use a data pill. Variable values can reference any data pill from
earlier in the flow, including other variables. If you set variable values by reference to
other data pills, you must maintain the order of the variable assignments. The referenced
value must always come before the variable that uses the referenced value. Changing the
order may produce null values. To assign an empty value, leave this field empty. Note: Flow variable values are set in the order in which they're assigned from top to bottom. If you set the value of the same variable multiple times, the flow only uses the last value set. To enter a script, select the Toggle scripting on for [variable] icon. Enter your script in the script editor. For more information about inline scripting, see Inline scripts. |
Outputs
This flow logic produces no outputs but does change the value of flow variables.
Usage
Flow variables store flow data as data pills of a specific data type. You can access flow variable data pills from the Flow Variables section of the Data pane. To use a flow variable value, select the data pill from the Data pane or the pill picker just as you would any other data pill.
Set the incident number variable value to a flow data pill value
In this example, the flow checks the category of an incident record. If the category is network, a flow variable is used to store the record number.
Later in the flow, the Send Email action uses the incident number flow variable as part of the email subject and body.
Set the incident number variable value using a script
In this example, the flow checks the category of an incident record. If the category is network, a flow variable is used to store the record number. In this example, the flow variable is set from a script rather than a data pill value.
/*
**Access Flow/Action data using the fd_data object. Script must return a value.
**Order number is offset by +1 in Error Handling Section.
**Available options display upon pressing "." after fd_data
**example: var shortDesc = fd_data.trigger.current.short_description;
**return shortDesc;
*/
var incNumber = fd_data.trigger.current.number;
return incNumber;