The variables described here include Configuration variables, flow variables, and cache variables.
Cache variables provide a means of processing information throughout a flow instance without requiring that the information to be passed through data links.
Cache variables can be specified at different locations.
A configuration variable defines an alias that resolves at run time to a value that is specific to a deployment environment. A deployment environment is represented by a server group. By associating the values of a configuration variable with different server groups, you can run the same map or flow in different environments, servers, and platforms without changing the map or flow.
Flow variables provide a means of passing information throughout a flow instance without requiring that the information to be passed through data links. flow variables are name-value pairs that persist, unless deleted.
Cache variables can be defined and manipulated through flow library, flowlib functions.
Cache nodes allow you to set cache variables using the Link UI settings dialog, in the Flow Designer canvas.
Cache variables are name value pairs that exist after the flow instance completes execution. Unlike flow variables, cache variables are shared, and are accessible to other flow instances that are running simultaneously. Cache variables work in the same fashion under both flow engine and non-flow engine contexts.