Flow variables, collections and the Assignment element
Key Takeaway
The Assignment element changes values in a flow's variables, but it doesn't save anything to Salesforce records. A data element such as Update Records or Create Records does that.
In Flow Builder, a variable is a container that holds a value your flow can change while it runs, and a collection variable holds a list of values or records. The Assignment element sets or changes those values. For example, you can use it to copy field values, build a list of records, or keep a running count.
Where variables fit in a flow
A flow is built from these parts:
- Elements are the actions the flow runs.
- Connectors are the paths between elements.
- Resources are values you can reference anywhere in the flow.
A variable is a resource whose value the flow can change as it runs. A constant is different: its value is set once and can't change.
Every time a flow runs, each variable starts at its default value. A blank default means the variable starts blank. Values never carry over from one user to another or from one run of the flow to the next.