Variables

Below are the most frequent asked questions related to variables.

What is a "Variable"?

A Variable is a small piece of data intended for critical information that your products need to function. They are designed to be downloaded very quickly by your application.

How are Variables different from Files?

The main difference is availability. Variables are globally available and can be downloaded by any of your products without restriction. Files, however, must be specifically paired to a product before that product's Start App can download them.

When should I use a Variable instead of a File?

You should use a Variable for small, critical data that needs to be accessed very quickly (e.g., status flags, configuration values). Use a File for larger, dynamic content or big chunks of data (like executables or assets) where a download time of a few seconds is acceptable.

Do I need to pair a Variable to my app before I can download it?

No. Unlike Files, Variables do not need to be paired. They are globally accessible, and any of your running applications can download any variable you have created.

Are there restrictions on Variables?

Yes. In order to ensure they remain small and can be downloaded extremely fast, Variables have certain restrictions. They are not intended for large amounts of data.