Types of Variables

This topic describes the types of variables you can define and use when building automated tasks.

There are three types of variables in Automation Anywhere: User (local) Variables, System Variables, and Credential Variables.

For all Automation Anywhere commands, variables are supported in fields that have the light bulb symbol present. Use the F2 function key to open the list of variables that are applicable to that field.

User (Local) Variables

User variables are defined by an automation user, and used for a particular task or set of tasks. A user variable can hold a single value or multiple values.

For new automation tasks, two variables are pre-defined for your use:

  • my-list-variable (type: List)
  • prompt-Assignment (type: Value)

After you create a user (local) variable, you can reinitialize it or assign it when a task runs.

System Variables

System variables are pre-defined variables that are provided by Automation Anywhere. System variables are available for use in all automation tasks.

Credential Variables

Available in Enterprise edition only from version 10.2.1

Credential variables securely store sensitive information that is used when running automation tasks.

Credential variables can be used only by the Bot Creator and only in Command fields that require a credential input.

These credentials are defined by the Control Room administrator in the form of Credential Keys that comprise a set of Attribute Values and are securely stored in a centralized location - the Credential Vault.

Unlike User and System variables, you cannot view Credential variables in the Variable Manager. They are visible in the Insert Variable window when you are creating a task with commands that support Credential Variables. For a list of Commands that support Credential variables, see Credential variables.