Variables

Lobster_data has a number of pre-defined system variables, such as VAR_FILENAME or VAR_MAILSUBJECT, which are initialised by the system. However, as you will see in the next chapter on functions, it is very often useful or necessary to define your own variables.

To ensure that these are always easily distinguishable from the predefined variables, you should start their names with a lower case var__. The two underscores will also make your self-defined variables appear at the very top of any list so that you have them at your fingertips. Unfortunately, there are also a few functions that rely on “their” variables beginning with an uppercase VAR_. However, this is stated in their descriptions.

Calculation Fields

Calculation fields are not used to output data, but as the name suggests, purely for calculating values - usually variables. They have a value, too, so you can use them as parameters in functions. To ensure that you can find your calculated fields quickly using the search box, we recommend always starting their names with calc_. Examples of this can be found in the chapter on functions.

Constants

Constants are a really convenient feature. Here, you can store a constant value with a description, which you can then simply select, just like with a variable name. They are very practical if, for example, you want to use the same list in multiple functions. You can store the name of the list as a constant, and then there is no need for you to constantly remember the name and exact spelling.