How to use global variables in Retool?

 

Using Global Variables in Retool

 

Global variables in Retool are a powerful way to manage and share data across your application. This guide provides a detailed step-by-step approach to utilize global variables effectively.

 

Understanding Global Variables

 

• Global variables in Retool allow you to store data that can be accessed from any component within your app.
• They are useful for maintaining state or storing information that needs to be globally available throughout your Retool application.

 

Setting Up Global Variables

 

• To set up a global variable, you need to use the "State" tab in Retool's left panel.
• Click on the "State" tab, which lists all states including global variables, temporary states, and table states.
• Under the "Global Variables" section, click "Create a Global Variable" to add a new variable.

 

Creating a New Global Variable

 

• When creating a global variable, provide a name that will be used to reference this variable throughout your app.
• Select the variable type from options such as string, number, or JSON based on the data it will hold.
• Set an initial value for the variable if necessary.

 

Accessing Global Variables

 

• Once a global variable is created, it can be accessed in any component, script, or query using {{global.variableName}} syntax.
• This allows you to bind component properties, set default values, or perform calculations using the global variable.

 

Updating Global Variables

 

• To update a global variable, use a Retool JavaScript query or a transformer.
• Within the query, you can set a new value to the global variable using the syntax: global.setValue('variableName', newValue);
• This updates the value stored in the global variable across your app.

 

Using Global Variables in Queries

 

• Global variables can be used within queries to fetch data based on changing conditions.
• Reference a global variable within a query with {{global.variableName}}, and Retool will replace it with the variable's value before executing the query.
• This is helpful for dynamic queries where the endpoint or parameters may depend on global state.

 

Managing Global Variables' Scope

 

• Global variables persist for the duration of your app session and are available to every page and component.
• If you wish to clear or reset a global variable's value, consider adding logic to handle resetting either via a button or an initialization script.

 

Testing and Debugging Global Variables

 

• To test the value stored in a global variable, access the Retool Debugger while in preview mode and log the variable's value using console logs in queries.
• Ensure that all dependencies on global variables update correctly when their values change.
• Use browser developer tools to inspect network calls and console logs for issues in variable utilization.

 

By following these steps, you can effectively leverage global variables in Retool to enhance the functionality and interactivity of your applications. Always test thoroughly to ensure that your app behaves as expected across different scenarios and states.