More advanced options when Composing variables

[efialtes]

Since August 31 it is possible to compose string variables, which is great. However, I miss more options:

1) Compose other variable types, mainly 

• integer

• float

• boolean

• arrays

2) manipulate them with WDL (https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/azure/mt643789.aspx), as it is currently supported when editing Conditions in advanced mode

This way lots of use cases that require counters, string manipulation etc could be implemented directly with Microsoft Flow

[Unte]

WDL in "Compose" actually is working: https://powerusers.microsoft.com/t5/Flow-Forum/Math-function-to-sum-or-multiply-values/m-p/8691.

But still did not found how to update existing Compose as "var++" or change it

[afernando]

also date/time variables please!

[RKushner]

Please! This is so much more essential for a business workflow tool than things like connecting to Twitter!!!

[efialtes]

I just found new actions: "Initialize variable", "set variable" and "increment variable". When initializing a variable, the following fields must be filled: name, type (boolean, integer, floating, string, object, matrix) and optionally value. I guess "Increment variable" is only valid for integers and floats, according to https://flow.microsoft.com/es-es/blog/error-handling/ .

I think it is a great step, however, I still cannot assign WDL expressions to variables, so I am forced to keep on using Compose action blocks everywhere (please see https://powerusers.microsoft.com/t5/Using-Flows/Error-when-initializing-an-integer-variable-with-an-... )

Thank you in advance! 

[efialtes]

Awesome news from @Stephen!

https://flow.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/use-expressions-in-actions/

However, I don't see the "Expression" Tab yet in my Flows, is it still rolling out?

"Expression" Tab is announced in Action Blocks, I guess this means it will also be available in Variables, right?

[efialttes]

@anhthuch4ngIMO this Idea shall be marked as completed since Variables acton blocks are available

[Stephen]

You can use any of the 70+ expressions from the Workflow Definition Language in Flow: https://flow.microsoft.com/blog/use-expressions-in-actions/