Variables
This article shows you how to use the Variable blocks in our Dynamic Engine.
Last updated
This article shows you how to use the Variable blocks in our Dynamic Engine.
Last updated
The term variable is the same term used in mathematics or computer science. It is a named value that can be changed - aka it "varies".
There are three kinds of variable blocks that you can use:
Set
Get
Change
The set block assigns a value to a variable, creating the variable if it doesn't already exist. For example, this sets the value of the variable named "age" to the number "18".
The get block provides the value of a variable. Continuing from the previous example, it would get the number "18".
Without a corresponding set block, the engine does not know what you want to do with the number "18". Think of it like a floating puzzle piece that needs to be connected to something. Without a connection, it's just floating around the office looking for a fresh cup of coffee (like our hipster UX designer).
The change block adds a number to a variable. Continuing from the previous example, this would add the number "1" to the number "18".
The change block broken down into a calculation would look like this:
This is the equivalent of saying set the variable age to it's previous number (ie. 18) plus the number 1. So think of change like a shortcut.
Click on the variable's dropdown symbol (light blue triangle) to get the following menu:
The menu provides the following options:
Existing variables: The names of all existing variables defined in the program. In this example, we only have one variable (age).
Rename variable...: Change the name of the selected variable. Selecting this option opens a prompt to enter a new name.
Delete the 'selected' variable: Deletes all blocks that reference this variable wherever it appears in the program.
Consider the following multiple-choice question. The goal of this question is to add randomness to the "too young" and "too old" distractors.
Here is what the Dynamic Engine would look like:
Age is being set to make the correct answer "18" and the other answer options set to Math blocks that randomly choose numbers in a range.
Here is what a sample question would look like (values highlighted in blue for convenience):
