Variables

Variables are used to prevent the same computation being performed several times as the variable allows you to store the values so that they can be used later. A variable represents specific data or a value, and acts as a placeholder for that value. Unlike a constant value, which is fixed and unchanging, a variable can be repeatedly assigned different values. You assign a value to a variable and the variable maintains the value until you later assign a new value. Because of this flexibility, it is necessary for you to declare variables before you use them. Variables can be a source or target of a transform.

There are three variable types:

• Simple data
• Business object
• Java™ class