Logic
Variable
Holds a single value that other nodes can reference as $Name.
When to use it
Use it for a number, path or setting that appears in several places, so it is edited in one node instead of in every formula, query and file path that needs it.
In a pipeline
VariableCalculated ColumnExport Excel
Settings
| Setting | Type | Required | Default or hint |
|---|---|---|---|
| Value / Expression | textarea | — | e.g. 42 or $AnotherVariable + 5 |
| Initial Value (fallback) | text | — | Fallback if self-referencing |
Example
Reuse a tax rate across the pipeline
- Value / Expression=0.2
- Initial Value (fallback)=0
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Bolt | 10 |
| Nut | 5 |
| Item | Price | With Tax |
|---|---|---|
| Bolt | 10 | 12 |
| Nut | 5 | 6 |
The Variable node itself outputs one row showing its initial and final value; the value reaches other nodes through the $Tax_Rate reference.
Worth knowing
- The reference comes from the node's label with spaces turned into underscores, so a node named Tax Rate is $Tax_Rate.
- A bare number becomes a number, plain text stays text, and anything with $ or operators is evaluated as a formula.
- Variables are resolved before the pipeline runs and cannot read row values, so per-row maths belongs in Calculated Column.
- Inside a loop body the Variable is recalculated on every iteration, so $Counter + 1 counts iterations.