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Understanding Dynamic Variables

Justin Yan avatar
Written by Justin Yan
Updated over 3 weeks ago

Jump to our guides to read more about each of the Frontly functions below:

Create, Edit, Delete Permissions
Hidden Filters
Display Conditions

Dynamic variables are a key part of how apps in Frontly display, filter, and update information in real-time without coding.


They allow you to pull live data into blocks, labels, actions, and conditions by referencing values dynamically, adapting your app’s behaviour for each user and situation.


What Are Dynamic Variables?

Dynamic variables in Frontly are placeholders written using double curly braces {{ }}.

When the app loads, Frontly automatically replaces these placeholders with real data pulled from your user's session, a database record, the page, or other live context.

For example:

  • {{ user.firstName }} → becomes the current user's first name.

  • {{ record.email }} → becomes the email field from a selected data record.

  • {{ session.selectedCategory }} → becomes the stored session value for filtering or personalization.

Important: Dynamic variables are case-sensitive and must be written exactly as shown.


Static Values vs Dynamic Values

When building your app, it's important to understand the difference between static values and dynamic values:

Type

Description

Example

Static Value

A fixed value that never changes unless manually updated.

Welcome to our app! (Plain text)

Dynamic Value

A live, replaceable value that changes based on user data, page context, or app behaviour.

Welcome, {{ user.first_name }}!

Static Values are useful when the content stays the same for everyone.
Dynamic Values personalize and automate the experience based on real-time data without needing manual updates.


Core Dynamic Variable Sources in Frontly

Namespace

Purpose

Example

user

Pulls data from the logged-in user's profile.

{{ user.email }}

record

Pulls fields from a data record (List, Table, Kanban, etc.).

{{ record.name }}

form

Refers to form values entered into specific fields.

{{ form.favoriteAnimal }}

session

Refers to temporary values set during the user's active session.

{{ session.favoriteColor }}

Each namespace reflects a different "source of truth" within your app.


How to Use Dynamic Variables

You can use dynamic variables almost anywhere in Frontly:

  • Inside block text (e.g., labels, headers, button titles)

  • For conditions (e.g., hide/show a block only for certain users)

  • In actions (e.g., pass values to forms or clicked records)

  • In filtering (e.g., show only records matching an entered value)

They make your app flexible, personal, and responsive without needing to hard-code anything.


Examples

Scenario

How to use it

Result

Personalize a Welcome Message

Hello, {{ user.firstName }}!

Displays "Hello, Nick!"

Filter a List by Category

Hidden filter: Category = {{ record.selectedCategory }}

Shows only items in the selected category.

Pass a Value to a Form

Default field value: {{ session.emailAddress }}

Pre-fills the form with the user's email stored in session.


By mastering dynamic variables, you can accomplish a lot more in Frontly — creating apps that are smarter, faster, and deeply personalized for your users!

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