Specifications

16. Metadata reference
16.1 Variables
Using variables
Switch allows the use of variables in the values of many text properties and for defining file
filters. A variable is a special, well-recognizable text string that gets replaced by a dynamic value
when the flow is being executed. The dynamic value is recalculated each time in the context of
the job being processed.
Variables provide access to run-time information about the flow environment and about a job,
including embedded metadata fields (and external metadata fields), without the need for
scripting. This lowers the barrier for accessing dynamic information in a flow definition since
most users will find it is much easier to use a variable than to create a script expression.
Furthermore, variables are available in all Switch product flavors, while scripting is available
only in PowerSwitch.
Entering Variables
Text properties
Variables in text properties are simply mixed-in with static text. Users can insert a variable in
two distinct ways:
Directly type the variable with the appropriate syntax when entering the text; this requires
understanding variable syntax.
Use the define text with variables property editor for locating the variable and entering its
arguments; the formatted variable is automatically inserted in the text.
Most users will prefer the second method; however in both cases the final result is regular text
(with variables). When the value of a text property that supports variables is needed while
executing a flow, Switch scans the text for variables and replaces them by their dynamic value
in the context of the current job. All text outside variables remains unchanged.
Conditional properties
A conditional property has a Boolean result (true or false). For example, the file filtering properties
on connections are conditional properties.
A variable-based conditional property is entered through a special property editor that offers a
user interface to create basic comparison expressions with support for locating a variable and
entering its arguments. See defining a condition with variables.
When the value of a condition with variables is needed while executing a flow, Switch replaces
the variables by their dynamic value in the context of the current job and evaluates the expression.
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