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Workflows · Lesson

Variables & arguments

Quick answer

Workflow variables hold state for the life of the process. They can be initialised from a script, marked input/output/required, and read or written by any step. Steps and calls pass arguments in and return results out. Argument values are usually scripts or references to variables, letting you shape data as it moves.

Key takeaways

  • Variables persist process state; arguments move data per call
  • Variables can be input, output or required
  • workflowcontext exposes engine services to scripts
  • Know the common LCM variables: plan, project, approvalSet, flow

Variables

Workflow variables hold state for the life of the process. They can be initialised from a script, marked input/output/required, and read or written by any step.

Arguments

Steps and calls pass arguments in and return results out. Argument values are usually scripts or references to variables, letting you shape data as it moves.

The workflow context

Inside scripts, the workflow, step and workflowcontext objects give you access to variables and engine services such as launching subprocesses or adding messages.

Common variables

identityName, plan, project, approvalSet and flow are variables you will meet constantly in Lifecycle Manager workflows.

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Check your understanding

  1. What persists state for the whole process?

    • A. Arguments
    • B. Variables
    • C. Transitions
    • D. Handlers
    Show answer

    B. Variables

    Variables hold state for the life of the workflow; arguments are per-call.

Frequently asked questions

What does the term Workflow Variables & Arguments refer to in SailPoint?

Workflow variables hold state for the life of the process. They can be initialised from a script, marked input/output/required, and read or written by any step.

What is worth remembering about Workflow Variables & Arguments in practice?

Argument values are usually scripts or references to variables, letting you shape data as it moves.

What is another point to note about Workflow Variables & Arguments?

Inside scripts, the workflow, step and workflowcontext objects give you access to variables and engine services such as launching subprocesses or adding messages.
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