Function

load( localVar1, localVarN, expression )

Lets you define local variables within an expression for an interface and evaluate the expression with the new variables, then re-evaluate the function with the local variables' values from the previous evaluation.

See also: Grid Tutorial

Parameters

Keyword	Type	Description
localVar1	Any Type	The local variable to use when evaluating the given expression and defined using load(local!a,..., expression) or load(local!a:10, ..., expression).
localVarN	Any Type	Any additional local variables, as needed.
expression	Any Type	The expression to evaluate using the local variables' values.

Returns

Any Type

Usage considerations

This function is used in expressions for interfaces to allow for user interaction on the interface, such as sorting or paging through a grid.

A local variable's value is only calculated the first time the expression is evaluated and is then loaded back into the expression each time the expression is evaluated again within the same context. For interfaces, the context ends once the user navigates away from the interface.

Defining values and domains

A local variable may be defined with or without a value, and the value may be simple or complex. When a value is not defined, it's assigned a null value.

When you don't specify the local! domain, the system first matches your variables with rules or constants with the same name, then looks for local variables with the name. Appian recommends that you always use the local! domain when referring to local variables.

Understanding types

Local variables are not assigned a type. At runtime, the type of the variable will be based on the assigned value. For example, in load(local!myvar:2, ...), myvar is of type Integer.

The type returned by the load() function will be that of the given expression.

Evaluating local variables

A local variable may reference a previously defined local variable. They are evaluated in the given order.

The local variables are only available in the evaluation of the expression.

The expression can include other variables available in its context, such as process variables and rule inputs. For example, load(local!myvar: 1, local!myvar + ri!myruleinput).

Formatting

When a local variable uses the dot notation or brackets, a runtime error message will display. If the field name must contain special characters, enclose the name in single quotes.