Creating Local Variables
What are variables?
Variables are placeholders that store user input, data from external systems, or other important information that needs to be saved and reused later in the bot conversation.
They help maintain the context of the conversation, allowing the chatbot to retrieve data and respond appropriately based on previous interactions.
For example, collect the customer’s name, email address, and phone number, then have the bot automatically use these details in future interactions by storing them as variables.
These are categorized based on their scope, which determines where the variable is to be used. Variables are only accessible within their defined scope. There are four types used here: block variables, local variables, global variables, and session variables.
By using variables, you can personalize and tailor conversations within your GC chatbot, allowing for flexible and customized interactions.
Why use variables?
- Helps maintain the context of the conversation, allowing the bot to refer to previous user inputs and respond accurately.
- Allows the bot to retrieve and use data dynamically, making conversations more flexible and responsive to user needs.
- Retrieves crucial information, such as user preferences or data from external systems, which can be used later in the conversation or across multiple interactions.
- Variables help streamline conversation flows by reducing redundancy and ensuring that relevant data is easily accessible when needed.
- By categorizing variables based on their scope (block variables, local variables, global variables, and session variables), they ensure that data is used appropriately within the intended parts of the conversation.
What are local variables and why use them?
To store predefined values, you can create a local variable and assign them wherever necessary in the flow. These variables are accessible anywhere within the same flow, but are not available outside of it.
For example, if you have a local variable named Coupon in a flow called Bookings, you can use this variable in any block within the Bookings flow. However, the Coupon variable cannot be accessed in a different flow called Grievances.
These variables are useful when you need to work with a predefined value rather than relying on user input as you would with Block variables.How to create local variables
1. Select the Flow in which you want to add the local variable.
2. Select the @ icon on the left side. The Add Variable dialog box will open.
3. In the dialog box, select the Variable Type as Local Variable.
4. Select Add Local Variable.
5. Provide the Variable Name, Data Type, and Variable Value.
6. Click Save.
Choosing the data type enables the entered local variable is validated as the selected type, ensuring they are correctly formatted.
Points to be noted when creating a local variable:
1. The following data types are available in GC-
- String
- Number
- Image
- Audio
- Video
- Object
- Date
- Date and Time
- File
2. The maximum size of Image, Audio, Video, and File that can be added as a local variable is 14 MB. If the channel set is WhatsApp, then this limit would be 10 MB.
Using created local variable in the flow
1. Create a block, then click the @ icon.
2. Select the local variable to be displayed.
Output in GC:
How can you use local variables in your flow
- Consistency: Local variables allow you to store and reuse predefined values consistently across different blocks within the same flow. This ensures that the chatbot can use these values accurately throughout the conversation.
- Efficiency: By using local variables, you can avoid redundant data entry and streamline the flow. Instead of repeatedly inputting the same values or configuring them multiple times, you can assign them once and use them as needed.
- Customization: Local variables enable the chatbot to handle specific scenarios and conditions within the flow. For example, if you have a predefined discount rate or a special offer, you can store it in a local variable and apply it wherever required in the flow.
- Modularity: They help maintain modularity in the flow design. Each flow can manage its own set of local variables, ensuring that the values are used appropriately within that flow and do not interfere with other flows.
- Simplified Management: By isolating predefined values within local variables, you can simplify the management of the chatbot’s logic and make updates or adjustments more easily without affecting other parts of the system.
- If the block variable is being edited, it will automatically be reflected in wherever it has been used.
- The block variables can be re-used used multiple times according to the requirement.
Access your files securely from anywhere
Zoho CRM Training Programs
Learn how to use the best tools for sales force automation and better customer engagement from Zoho's implementation specialists.
Zoho DataPrep Personalized Demo
If you'd like a personalized walk-through of our data preparation tool, please request a demo and we'll be happy to show you how to get the best out of Zoho DataPrep.
- Zoho Workerly Home
- Forums
- Connect With Us:
- Zoho Recruit Home
- Forums
- Connect With Us:
New to Zoho CRM Plus?
Deliver unforgettable customer experiences
New to Zoho CRM Plus?
Deliver unforgettable customer experiences
New to Zoho Marketing Plus?
Everything you need to run your marketing
New to Zoho Marketing Plus?
Everything you need to run your marketing
You are currently viewing the help pages of Qntrl’s earlier version. Click here to view our latest version—Qntrl 3.0's help articles.
New to Zoho Survey?
Zoho Sheet Resources
Zoho Forms Resources
New to Zoho Sign?
Zoho Sign Resources
Sign, Paperless!
New to Zoho TeamInbox?
Zoho TeamInbox Resources
New to Zoho ZeptoMail?
Zoho DataPrep Resources
Design. Discuss. Deliver.
New to Zoho Workerly?
New to Zoho Recruit?
New to Zoho CRM?
New to Zoho Projects?
New to Zoho Sprints?
New to Zoho Assist?
New to Bigin?
Related Articles
Creating Global Variables
What are variables? Variables are placeholders that store user input, data from external systems, or other important information that needs to be saved and reused later in the bot conversation. They help maintain the context of the conversation, ...Creating Block Variables
What are variables? Variables are placeholders that store user input, data from external systems, or other important information that needs to be saved and reused later in the bot conversation. They help maintain the context of the conversation, ...Creating Session Variables
What are variables? Variables are placeholders that store user input, data from external systems, or other important information that needs to be saved and reused later in the bot conversation. They help maintain the context of the conversation, ...Components of the GC Flow Builder
The GC flow builder comprises three components: Blocks Paths Variables Blocks Blocks are the fundamental units of the flow builder. A text message that you want to display, a set of options that you want the customer to choose, the step where you ...Creating a GC flow
Users who have the create permission can build the guided conversations flows. Similarly, users who have view and edit permission can perform relevant actions. What are GC flows? Flows are a series of constructed blocks that define the GC bot's ...
New to Zoho LandingPage?
Zoho LandingPage Resources