Using variables

Contents > Creating a database > Using variables

Using variables

In FileMaker Pro, you can use variables in:

file paths. See Creating file paths.

scripting. See Set Variable script step.

calculations. See Let function.

Variables add flexibility and portability to your database, and can be used instead of global fields in your database schema.

Using the Set Variable script step or the Let function, you can create local and global variables. The scope of local and global variables is limited to the current file.

A local variable can only be used in script steps in the currently executing script. The value in a local variable is cleared when the script exits. Local variables are prefixed with $.

A global variable can be used in a calculation or script anywhere in a file, for example, other scripts or file path. The value of a global variable is not cleared until the file is closed. Prefix global variables with $$.

Local and global variables (or even two local variables in different scripts) can have the same name but they are treated as different variables and can store different values.

Anywhere that you specify a path to a file or folder, you can use variables separated by "/", ":", or carriage return.

Variables let you specify file or folder paths dynamically in the following script steps:

Insert Picture

Insert QuickTime

Insert File

Export Field Contents

Import Records

Export Records

Save Records as PDF

Save Records as Excel

Save a Copy as

Recover File

Convert File

Send Mail (Attach File option)

Send Event

Send DDE Execute

Examples of using variables in file paths

Assume the following variables:


$fileName = "test.xls"
$username = "JohnSmith"
$searchList = "file:old results.txt
               file:../archived/old results.txt"

To Path list entry Resolved path list

Specify one or more directories in a path

file:$username/$fileName

file:JohnSmith/test.xls

Specify one or more complete paths

$searchList

file:old results.txt file:../archived/old results.txt

Notes

Variables are only supported in script steps that use stored file paths.

Variables are not supported in file paths that are stored in container fields.

Variables are not supported in FileMaker data source references.

The data type of a variable is determined dynamically based on the assigned data. The default data type is Text.

Contents > Creating a database > Using variables