What are variables and why are they needed?
Variables are a special tool that allows you to store client text messages or assign specific values to clients, enabling the use of this data in automations.
They act as "cells" for information where you can "record" a client’s response or capture their choice. The values of variables change depending on the client’s actions and as they progress through the automation scenario.
This guide covers examples of creating variables, modifying their values, and using the "Set variable" action in a chatbot scenario.
There are reserved system variables whose values cannot be changed. These include variables that extract data from a client’s profile or gamification leaderboard.
Variable values can be modified, different data can be overwritten into the same variable, with the previous value being permanently erased. This makes it possible to use a single variable across different parts of an automation.
Variables in text are enclosed in curly brackets: {{ variable }}. Instead of the variable name, the client will receive the text stored as its value.
Why Are Variables Important in ChatPlace?
Store and use client data (e.g., name, age, interests, etc.).
Transfer this data to other systems (e.g., CRM or Telegram notifications).
Personalize interactions in automations, adapting scenarios based on client data and behavior.
Important! Variables can only store text. Audio, images, videos, and documents cannot be saved as variables.
Also, the value of the same variable will always be overwritten when assigning or updating its value, since it's not possible to store two values simultaneously in one variable. The variable holds only the most recently recorded data.
Action Parameters: "Set variable"
Set a variable: Choose the variable to be assigned to the client for the first time or the one whose value needs to be updated.
Set new value: Assigns a new value to the variable. This can be used to reset a numerical variable or to set a new text value.
Increase variable value by: Increases the value of the variable by a specific number. This parameter is used for numerical values (e.g., point tracking) when it is necessary to increase an already existing number by a certain amount. For example, awarding points for a correct answer by adding 1 to the current value.
Decrease variable value by: Decreases the value of the variable by a specific number. This parameter is also used for numerical values, such as deducting points when necessary (e.g., subtracting 1 for an incorrect answer).
Value for the variable: The value that will be assigned to the variable for the first time or that will replace the previous value.
How to configure the "Set variable" action in a scenario
Add the "Set variable" action at the required point in the automation scenario.
Select the variable you want to use (if it is not in the list, create a new one).
Choose the appropriate operation: "Set," "Increase," or "Decrease."
Click on an empty space in the workspace to save the changes.
Important! Created variables cannot be renamed or deleted, so keep this in mind when working with variables.
In some cases, it may be more efficient to use an existing variable and update its value instead of creating too many different variables, which can become difficult to manage.
Example of assigning a new variable value
By selecting one variable to store the client’s choice, you can assign different values to it, which can later be displayed in a message or used elsewhere in automation.
You can set it up like this:
A scenario presents the client with multiple-choice questions using buttons.
Each button is linked to a "Set variable" action, where the same variable is updated based on the selected answer.
A new variable is used for each new question, with different values assigned.
If necessary, all responses can be displayed to the client in messages or sent to a CRM or a Telegram operator.
Example of increasing and decreasing a variable's value
For example, this can be applied in a quiz that tracks points for correct answers:
First, at the beginning of the quiz, set a new variable with a value of "0" so that a client retaking the quiz doesn't accumulate their points from previous attempts. Let's use the variable "Points" for this example.
In the scenario, ask several questions. For each correct answer, increase the "Points" variable by 1 (if necessary, decrease the variable for incorrect answers).
At the end, you can summarize the results by using the "Value for variable" condition to check the "Points" variable and provide the client with an appropriate response.
Now you know more about working with variables. Use this powerful and useful tool in your automations.