Reference > Script steps reference > Control script steps > Set Variable

Set Variable

Sets a local or global variable to a specified value.

Options

•Name is the name of the variable you want to create. Prefix the name with $ for a local variable or $$ for a global variable. If no prefix is added, $ is automatically added to the beginning of the name.

•Value is the value the variable is set to. You can enter text or specify a calculation.

•Repetition is the repetition (index) number of the variable you want to create. If no repetition is specified, the default is 1.

Compatibility

Product	Supported
FileMaker Pro Advanced	Yes
FileMaker Go	Yes
FileMaker WebDirect	Yes
FileMaker Server	Yes
FileMaker Cloud products	Yes
FileMaker Data API	Yes
Custom Web Publishing	Yes
Runtime solution	Yes

Originated in

FileMaker Pro 8.0

Description

If a variable doesn't exist, this script step will create one. See Using variables.

Example 1

Creates a related record by using a local variable to copy information into a match field.

Set Variable [$CURRENT_CUSTOMER_ID; Value: Customers::Customer ID]
Go to Layout ["Invoice Details"]
New Record/Request
Set Field [Invoices::Customer ID; $CURRENT_CUSTOMER_ID]

Example 2

Uses a local variable to save records as Excel or PDF files in the Documents folder.

Show Custom Dialog ["Save the current record as Excel or PDF?"]
If [Get ( LastMessageChoice ) = 1]
	Set Variable [$PATH; Value: Get ( DocumentsPath ) & "Invoice " & Invoice::Invoice Number & ".xlsx"]
	Save Records as Excel [Restore; With dialog: Off; "$PATH"; Current record ; Create folders: Off]
Else
	Set Variable [$PATH; Value: Get ( DocumentsPath ) & "Invoice " & Invoice::Invoice Number & ".pdf"]
	Save Records as PDF [Restore; With dialog: Off; "$PATH";
Current record ; Create folders: Off]
End If

Example 3

Uses global variable as a toggle to stop a script from being triggered.

Script: Go to Selected Invoice for iOS

Set Variable [$$SCRIPT_TRIGGER; Value: "Off"]
Go to Layout ["Invoice Details iPad"]

Script: Trigger Entering Invoice Details

If [$$SCRIPT_TRIGGER = "Off"]
	Set Variable [$$SCRIPT_TRIGGER; Value: "On"]
	Exit Script [Text Result: ]
End If
Find Matching Records [Replace; Invoices::Customer Name]
Go to Record/Request/Page [First]