This feature allows developers to create more dynamic and adaptable workflows that respond according to differing scenarios and inputs. Today, we will discuss how to set up and use these variable actions.
Variables in Microsoft Power Automate
Variables in Microsoft Power Automate serve as containers to store and manipulate data during the runtime of a flow. You can declare variables at the start of your flow and set or modify their values at any point throughout the process. They can be strings, integers, arrays, or complex objects. Variables can be very useful in complex or repetitive tasks, such as looping through an array of data or storing result values after performing a specific action.
Configuring Variable Actions in Cloud Flows
To configure variable actions in cloud flows, you use the “Variables” control in the flow designer. Here are the steps:
- In your flow, add a new step and search for “Variable.” Select the “Variables” control.
- Choose from the list of variable actions. Actions include Initialize variable, Set variable, Increase variable, Append to array variable.
- For each variable action, specify the name and the value (if applicable).
For instance, to initialize a variable you need to provide name, type, and initial value like so:
Action: Initialize variable
Name: Var1
Type: String
Value: "Hello, world!"
While setting or modifying a variable:
Action: Set variable
Name: Var1
Value: "Hello, again!"
Configuring Variable Actions in Desktop Flows
While the general concept remains the same, configuring variable actions in desktop flows involves a somewhat different interface and process:
- In the desktop flow editor, select “Add Action” on the screen where you want the variable action to occur.
- From the “Action Type” dropdown, select “Variable.”
- Choose your desired variable action: “Assign a value,” “Add to array,” or “Remove from array.”
- Provide necessary details for the chosen action including Variable Name and Variable Value (if applicable).
For instance, to assign a value to a variable:
Action: Assign a value
Name: Var1
Value: "Hello, desktop world!"
Comparison between Variable Actions in Cloud and Desktop Flows
| Settings | Cloud Flows | Desktop Flows |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Flow Designer | Desktop Flow Editor |
| Action Type Selection | “Variables” control | “Action Type” dropdown |
| Variable Initialization | Separate action | Implicit in other actions |
| Array Handling | Direct operations | Use “Add to array” or “Remove from array” |
But regardless of where you are configuring variable actions, the principles remain the same. Variables make your flows more dynamic, reusable, and readable. By practicing with different types of variables and actions, you can greatly enhance your efficiency as a Power Automate RPA developer.
Practice Test
True or False: In Microsoft Power Automate RPA Developer, you have to manually code the configure variable actions for both cloud and desktop flows.
- True
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: The tool provides a user-friendly interface to define and configure variable actions for both cloud and desktop flows, eliminating the need for manual coding.
In variable actions for a cloud flow, variables can be of ________ type.
- a) One specific
- b) Multiple specific
- c) Any type
Answer: c) Any type.
Explanation: Variables used in flow actions can be of any type, including text, numeric, boolean, array, or object.
Microsoft Power Automate desktop flows support which of the following types of input parameters?
- a) Text
- b) Boolean
- c) Numerical
- d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above.
Explanation: Microsoft Power Automate desktop supports all these types of input parameters.
True or False: You can use flow variables to store values temporarily during a Power Automate cloud flow.
- True
- False
Answer: True.
Explanation: Flow variables can be used within a flow to store and manipulate values during the execution of a cloud flow.
Which of the following allows you to define the type of action performed by a flow variable in Microsoft’s Power Automate RPA?
- a) Flow controls
- b) Variable actions
- c) Dynamic content
- d) None of the above
Answer: b) Variable actions.
Explanation: Variable actions are used to define what action a flow variable is supposed to execute.
True or False: You can only configure variable actions in Power Automate cloud flows but not in desktop flows.
- True
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: You can configure variable actions in both Power Automate cloud and desktop flows.
Which of the following restrictions exist in the use of variables in Microsoft Power Automate?
- a) Variables can only store numerical data.
- b) Once a variable’s value has been set, it can’t be changed.
- c) Variables names cannot be reused within the same flow.
- d) None of the above.
Answer: d) None of the above.
Explanation: Variables in Microsoft Power Automate can store any type of data, can have their values changed, and names can be reused in the same flow.
True or False: In Microsoft Power Automate Desktop, you can specify input parameters for the actions in your flow.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: In Microsoft Power Automate Desktop, you have the ability to define input parameters for your actions in a flow.
The action ‘Set variable’ in a flow allows you to __________.
- a) Change the value of the variable
- b) Define the type of variable
- c) Initialize a variable
- d) All of the above
Answer: a) Change the value of the variable
Explanation: The ‘Set variable’ action allows you to change or modify the value of an existing variable.
True or False: Flow variables in Power Automate can be used globally across multiple flows.
- True
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: Flow variables have a “scope” which is limited to the particular flow in which they are created. They cannot be used across different flows.
True or False: After you define an output for a desktop flow, you cannot edit or delete it.
- True
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: You have the flexibility to edit or delete an output after being defined, as per the requirements of your specific workflow.
In Microsoft Power Automate, cloud flows require the use of _______________ to manage data within the flow.
- a) Flow Controls
- b) Switch Case
- c) Variables
- d) JSON object
Answer: c) Variables
Explanation: Variables are used within a cloud flow to store, manipulate, and manage data during the flow’s execution.
Interview Questions
What is the purpose of using variable actions in Power Automate?
Variable actions in Power Automate are used to store and manipulate data. They can be used in both cloud and desktop flows to handle operations such as assigning values, incrementing or decrementing values, and initializing and modifying variables.
How can you configure a variable in a cloud flow?
In a cloud flow, variable configuration can be done using various actions under the “Variables” category, such as Initialize variable, Set variable, and Increment variable.
How can you modify the value of a variable in a desktop flow?
In a desktop flow, the “Set Variable” action is used to change the value of a variable. You select the action, choose the variable you want to modify, and enter the new value.
What are different types of variables available in Power Automate?
The different types of variables available in Power Automate are String, Integer, Boolean, Array, Float, and Object.
How do you initialize a variable in Power Automate?
To initialize a variable in Power Automate, you need to use the “Initialize variable” action. You provide a name and data type for the variable, and can also optionally specify an initial value.
Is it possible to use a variable defined in one flow in another flow?
No, each flow in Power Automate has its own scope, so a variable defined in one flow cannot be used in another flow.
What is the purpose of the “Increment variable” action in Power Automate?
The “Increment variable” action allows to increase the value of a numeric variable by a specified number.
How do you use variables in conditions in Power Automate?
To use variables in conditions, you can refer to them directly by their names in the condition formula. For example, if you have a variable named “MyVariable”, you can create a condition like “MyVariable is equal to 10”.
Can you initialize a variable without assigning it a value?
Yes, you can initialize a variable without assigning it a value in Power Automate. The variable will have a default value based on its data type.
Can you change the data type of a variable after it has been initialized?
No, once a variable has been initialized in Power Automate, its data type cannot be changed.
What is the purpose of “Apply to each” in Power Automate?
“Apply to each” is an action in Power Automate that allows operations to be performed on each item in an array, such as assigning values to array element or processing array data.
Can you define a variable within a “Do Until” loop in Power Automate?
Yes. You can define a variable anywhere in the Power Automate flow including within a “Do until” loop.
Can variables be used within on-premises data gateways in Power Automate?
Yes, variables can be used within on-premises data gateways. It helps in manipulating and using the data within the scope of the flow.
Can the “Set variable” action be used to change the value of an existing variable to the value of another variable?
Yes, the “Set variable” action can be used to assign the value of one variable to another variable.
How can you change the value of a variable in the middle of a flow?
You can use the “Set variable” or “Increment variable” actions to change the value of a variable in the middle of a flow in Power Automate.
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