Variables

Make your prompts dynamic and reusable with StickyPrompts’ powerful variable system. Variables allow you to create flexible prompt templates that can be customized for different contexts, users, and use cases.

Variable Basics

Variables in StickyPrompts are placeholders that you can replace with different values each time you use a prompt. They make your prompts flexible and reusable.

Variable Syntax

Variables in StickyPrompts use a simple syntax:

{{VARIABLE_NAME}}

Common Uses

Variables are particularly useful in these scenarios:

Hello {{USER_NAME}}, welcome to {{COMPANY_NAME}}!

Please analyze the following {{CONTENT_TYPE}}: {{CONTENT}}

Generate a {{STYLE}} email for {{AUDIENCE}} about {{TOPIC}}.

Variable Types

StickyPrompts supports various variable types to handle different kinds of data.

Text Variables

For simple text replacement:

**Variable:** {{PRODUCT_NAME}}
**Example Value:** "StickyPrompts Pro"
**Usage:** Write a review for {{PRODUCT_NAME}}

Numeric Variables

For numbers and quantities:

**Variable:** {{WORD_COUNT}}
**Example Value:** 500
**Usage:** Write a {{WORD_COUNT}}-word article about {{TOPIC}}

Boolean Variables

For conditional logic:

**Variable:** {{INCLUDE_EXAMPLES}}
**Example Value:** true
**Usage:** Explain {{CONCEPT}}. {{INCLUDE_EXAMPLES ? "Include practical examples." : "Keep it theoretical."}}

List Variables

For collections of items:

**Variable:** {{FEATURES}}
**Example Value:** "Speed, Accuracy, Ease of use"
**Usage:** Highlight these key features: {{FEATURES}}

Object Variables

For complex, structured data:

**Variable:** {{USER_PROFILE}}
**Example Value:**
{
  "name": "Sarah Johnson",
  "role": "Marketing Manager",
  "experience": "5 years",
  "industry": "SaaS"
}
**Usage:** Create a personalized message for {{USER_PROFILE.name}}, a {{USER_PROFILE.role}}

Variable Management

Defining Variables

In the StickyPrompts Interface:

Prompt Editor
- Add variables directly in your prompt text
- Use the variable panel to define types and defaults
- Set validation rules and constraints
Variable Library
- Create reusable variable definitions
- Set global defaults and descriptions
- Organize by categories and use cases
Template Configuration
- Define required vs. optional variables
- Set variable dependencies and relationships
- Configure validation and error handling

Variable Defaults

Set default values to make prompts work out-of-the-box:

{
  "variables": {
    "TONE": {
      "default": "professional",
      "type": "text",
      "description": "The tone of voice for the response"
    },
    "WORD_COUNT": {
      "default": 300,
      "type": "number",
      "min": 50,
      "max": 2000
    },
    "INCLUDE_CONCLUSION": {
      "default": true,
      "type": "boolean",
      "description": "Whether to include a conclusion section"
    }
  }
}

Variable Validation

Ensure data quality with validation rules:

{
  "variables": {
    "EMAIL": {
      "type": "text",
      "validation": {
        "pattern": "^[\\w-\\.]+@([\\w-]+\\.)+[\\w-]{2,4}$",
        "error": "Please enter a valid email address"
      }
    },
    "PRIORITY": {
      "type": "text",
      "validation": {
        "enum": ["low", "medium", "high", "urgent"],
        "error": "Priority must be: low, medium, high, or urgent"
      }
    },
    "BUDGET": {
      "type": "number",
      "validation": {
        "min": 1000,
        "max": 1000000,
        "error": "Budget must be between $1,000 and $1,000,000"
      }
    }
  }
}

Practical Examples

Content Creation Template

Create a {{CONTENT_TYPE}} about {{TOPIC}} for {{TARGET_AUDIENCE}}.

## Requirements:
- Length: approximately {{WORD_COUNT}} words
- Tone: {{TONE}}
- Style: {{WRITING_STYLE}}
- Include SEO keywords: {{SEO_KEYWORDS}}

## Structure:
1. Engaging introduction
2. {{MAIN_POINTS}} main sections
3. {{INCLUDE_EXAMPLES ? "Practical examples throughout" : "Theoretical focus"}}
4. {{INCLUDE_CTA ? "Call-to-action at the end" : "Informational conclusion"}}

## Additional Context:
{{ADDITIONAL_CONTEXT}}

Please ensure the content is {{QUALITY_LEVEL}} and suitable for {{PLATFORM}}.

Variable Configuration:

{
  "CONTENT_TYPE": "blog post",
  "TOPIC": "sustainable energy",
  "TARGET_AUDIENCE": "homeowners",
  "WORD_COUNT": 800,
  "TONE": "informative yet approachable",
  "WRITING_STYLE": "conversational",
  "SEO_KEYWORDS": ["solar panels", "energy efficiency", "green technology"],
  "MAIN_POINTS": 3,
  "INCLUDE_EXAMPLES": true,
  "INCLUDE_CTA": true,
  "QUALITY_LEVEL": "high-quality",
  "PLATFORM": "company blog",
  "ADDITIONAL_CONTEXT": "Focus on cost savings and environmental benefits"
}

Customer Service Template

You are a customer service representative for {{COMPANY_NAME}}.

## Customer Context:
- Name: {{CUSTOMER_NAME}}
- Account Type: {{ACCOUNT_TYPE}}
- Issue: {{ISSUE_DESCRIPTION}}
- Priority: {{PRIORITY_LEVEL}}
- Previous Interactions: {{PREVIOUS_INTERACTIONS}}

## Response Guidelines:
- Tone: {{RESPONSE_TONE}}
- Max Response Length: {{MAX_WORDS}} words
- {{ESCALATION_REQUIRED ? "Prepare for escalation to supervisor" : "Resolve at first contact level"}}
- {{OFFER_COMPENSATION ? "Consider appropriate compensation if needed" : "Focus on solution without compensation"}}

## Company Policies:
{{RELEVANT_POLICIES}}

## Available Actions:
{{AVAILABLE_ACTIONS}}

Please provide a helpful, professional response that addresses {{CUSTOMER_NAME}}'s concern about {{ISSUE_DESCRIPTION}}.

Email Marketing Template

Create an email for {{CAMPAIGN_TYPE}} targeting {{AUDIENCE_SEGMENT}}.

## Email Details:
- Subject Line: Should mention {{KEY_BENEFIT}}
- Preheader: {{PREHEADER_TEXT}}
- Sender: {{SENDER_NAME}} from {{COMPANY_NAME}}

## Content Structure:
1. **Opening:** Personalized greeting for {{RECIPIENT_NAME}}
2. **Hook:** Compelling opening about {{MAIN_OFFER}}
3. **Value Proposition:** Highlight {{VALUE_POINTS}}
4. **Social Proof:** Include {{TESTIMONIAL_TYPE}}
5. **Call-to-Action:** {{CTA_TEXT}} button
6. **Urgency:** {{URGENCY_MESSAGE}}

## Personalization:
- Industry: {{RECIPIENT_INDUSTRY}}
- Company Size: {{COMPANY_SIZE}}
- Previous Purchases: {{PURCHASE_HISTORY}}
- Engagement Level: {{ENGAGEMENT_SCORE}}

## Constraints:
- Length: {{EMAIL_LENGTH}}
- Tone: {{BRAND_TONE}}
- Compliance: {{COMPLIANCE_REQUIREMENTS}}

Create an engaging email that drives {{DESIRED_ACTION}} while maintaining {{BRAND_VOICE}}.

Advanced Variable Features

Conditional Variables

Use logic to show/hide content based on variable values:

Welcome to {{COMPANY_NAME}}!

{{if USER_TYPE === "premium"}}
As a premium member, you have access to:
- Priority support
- Advanced features
- Exclusive content
{{endif}}

{{if USER_TYPE === "basic"}}
Upgrade to premium to unlock:
- Priority support
- Advanced features
- Exclusive content
{{endif}}

{{if FIRST_TIME_USER}}
Here's a quick tutorial to get you started:
{{TUTORIAL_CONTENT}}
{{endif}}

Variable Transformations

Apply formatting and transformations:

**Uppercase:** {{PRODUCT_NAME | uppercase}}
**Lowercase:** {{EMAIL | lowercase}}
**Title Case:** {{ARTICLE_TITLE | titlecase}}
**Currency:** {{PRICE | currency}}
**Date:** {{EVENT_DATE | date("MMMM DD, YYYY")}}
**Truncate:** {{DESCRIPTION | truncate(100)}}
**Join List:** {{FEATURES | join(", ")}}

Variable Inheritance

Variables can inherit from parent templates:

{
  "parent_template": "base_email_template",
  "inherited_variables": [
    "COMPANY_NAME",
    "BRAND_COLOR",
    "CONTACT_INFO"
  ],
  "local_variables": {
    "CAMPAIGN_NAME": "Summer Sale 2024",
    "DISCOUNT_PERCENT": 25
  }
}

Dynamic Variable Generation

Generate variables programmatically:

{
  "dynamic_variables": {
    "CURRENT_DATE": "{{ new Date().toLocaleDateString() }}",
    "DAYS_UNTIL_EVENT": "{{ Math.ceil((eventDate - new Date()) / (1000 * 60 * 60 * 24)) }}",
    "PERSONALIZED_GREETING": "{{ getGreetingByTimeZone(userTimezone) }}",
    "RECOMMENDED_PRODUCTS": "{{ getRecommendations(userHistory, 3) }}"
  }
}

Variable Organization

Naming Conventions

Best Practices:

✅ GOOD NAMES:
- USER_NAME
- PRODUCT_CATEGORY
- EMAIL_SUBJECT
- RESPONSE_TONE
- INCLUDE_EXAMPLES

❌ AVOID:
- x
- temp
- data1
- thing
- variable

Naming Rules:

Use UPPERCASE with underscores
Be descriptive and specific
Avoid abbreviations unless common
Use consistent terminology
Group related variables with prefixes

Variable Categories

User Information:

USER_NAME
USER_EMAIL
USER_ROLE
USER_DEPARTMENT
USER_EXPERIENCE_LEVEL

Content Parameters:

CONTENT_TYPE
CONTENT_LENGTH
CONTENT_STYLE
CONTENT_TONE
CONTENT_FORMAT

Business Context:

COMPANY_NAME
INDUSTRY
TARGET_MARKET
BRAND_VOICE
COMPETITIVE_ADVANTAGE

Technical Settings:

OUTPUT_FORMAT
QUALITY_LEVEL
PROCESSING_MODE
ERROR_HANDLING
VALIDATION_LEVEL

Variable Libraries

Global Variables:

Company information
Brand guidelines
Contact details
Standard formatting

Department Variables:

Role-specific terminology
Department-specific processes
Team preferences
Local compliance requirements

Project Variables:

Project-specific context
Timeline information
Stakeholder details
Success metrics

Integration with AI Platforms

Platform-Specific Considerations

ChatGPT Integration:

{
  "chatgpt_variables": {
    "system_prompt_variables": [
      "ROLE_DEFINITION",
      "EXPERTISE_LEVEL",
      "RESPONSE_STYLE"
    ],
    "user_prompt_variables": [
      "TASK_DESCRIPTION",
      "CONTEXT_INFO",
      "OUTPUT_REQUIREMENTS"
    ]
  }
}

Claude Integration:

{
  "claude_variables": {
    "thinking_variables": [
      "ANALYSIS_DEPTH",
      "REASONING_STYLE",
      "CONSIDERATION_FACTORS"
    ],
    "response_variables": [
      "STRUCTURE_TYPE",
      "DETAIL_LEVEL",
      "VERIFICATION_NEEDS"
    ]
  }
}

Gemini Integration:

{
  "gemini_variables": {
    "multimodal_variables": [
      "IMAGE_CONTEXT",
      "VISUAL_FOCUS",
      "CREATIVE_DIRECTION"
    ],
    "content_variables": [
      "CREATIVITY_LEVEL",
      "EXPLORATION_DEPTH",
      "PERSPECTIVE_COUNT"
    ]
  }
}

Performance and Security

Variable Performance

Optimization Tips:

Cache frequently used variable values
Use default values to reduce lookup time
Batch variable resolution when possible
Minimize complex transformations
Pre-validate variable formats

Security Considerations

Variable Sanitization:

{
  "security_rules": {
    "input_sanitization": {
      "remove_html": true,
      "escape_special_chars": true,
      "validate_length": true,
      "check_encoding": true
    },
    "output_validation": {
      "scan_for_injection": true,
      "validate_format": true,
      "check_content_policy": true
    }
  }
}

Access Control:

{
  "variable_permissions": {
    "USER_PERSONAL_DATA": ["admin", "hr"],
    "FINANCIAL_DATA": ["admin", "finance"],
    "COMPANY_SECRETS": ["admin"],
    "PUBLIC_INFO": ["all"]
  }
}

Troubleshooting Variables

Common Issues

Issue: Variable Not Replacing

Check variable name spelling
Verify variable is defined
Ensure proper syntax: {{VARIABLE_NAME}}
Check for extra spaces or characters

Issue: Invalid Variable Value

Validate against defined constraints
Check data type compatibility
Verify required variables are provided
Review validation rules

Issue: Performance Problems

Reduce complex variable transformations
Cache frequently used values
Optimize variable resolution order
Consider lazy loading for large datasets

Debugging Tools

Variable Inspector:

{
  "debug_mode": {
    "show_variable_values": true,
    "highlight_replacements": true,
    "log_resolution_steps": true,
    "validate_all_variables": true
  }
}

Testing Framework:

{
  "variable_tests": [
    {
      "name": "Required variables present",
      "variables": ["USER_NAME", "TASK_TYPE"],
      "expected": "all_present"
    },
    {
      "name": "Email format validation",
      "variable": "USER_EMAIL",
      "test": "email_format"
    }
  ]
}

Best Practices

Variable Design

Keep It Simple:

Use clear, descriptive names
Avoid overly complex structures
Set sensible defaults
Provide helpful descriptions

Maintain Consistency:

Use consistent naming patterns
Apply uniform validation rules
Follow company style guides
Document variable purposes

Plan for Scale:

Organize variables into logical groups
Use inheritance where appropriate
Create reusable variable libraries
Consider future extensibility

Team Collaboration

Documentation:

Document all variables clearly
Provide usage examples
Explain validation rules
Include troubleshooting guides

Governance:

Establish naming conventions
Define approval processes
Set access controls
Regular variable audits

Training:

Train team on variable usage
Share best practices
Provide templates and examples
Encourage consistent adoption

Variable Migration

Updating Variable Names

{
  "migration_rules": {
    "old_name": "NEW_NAME",
    "user": "USER_NAME",
    "content": "CONTENT_TYPE",
    "length": "WORD_COUNT"
  }
}

Version Control

{
  "variable_versioning": {
    "version": "2.1",
    "changes": [
      "Added USER_PREFERENCES variable",
      "Deprecated OLD_FORMAT variable",
      "Updated validation for EMAIL variable"
    ],
    "migration_guide": "See documentation for migration steps"
  }
}

Next Steps

Ready to master variables in StickyPrompts?

Start with simple text variables in your first prompts
Practice with the provided examples and templates
Explore advanced features like conditionals and transformations
Build your own variable library for common use cases
Share best practices with your team

Variables are the foundation of powerful, scalable prompt management. Master them to unlock the full potential of StickyPrompts!