How to update a object without a new variable.

RE: How to update a object without a new variable.

Harsha Sharma — Sat, 12 Jul 2025 11:27:51 GMT

If you want to update the same variable then try manipulating the list inside saveinto of a interface component and keep the target also there same variable. Eg

a!save(ri!value, append(ri!value,{4,5})

Similarly in process models output tabs within nodes allows to perform operations on a list and saveinto the same original variable. Apart from this, without using any variables in picture, there is no way to perform operations and keep it stored or pass along in processes!

RE: How to update a object without a new variable.

Stefan Helzle — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 08:10:18 GMT

Why is that inflexible? It is just a different way of doing things. And, among other things, it avoids side effects.

https://docs.appian.com/suite/help/25.2/functions-side-effects.html

RE: How to update a object without a new variable.

Peon — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 07:14:13 GMT

So sad, it's really inflexible. Thank you for your answer.

RE: How to update a object without a new variable.

Peon — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 07:13:00 GMT

I know how to update a list, what I want to ask is how to update in the same object. after insert or append I need a new variable to receive. That's not what I want. It seems appian not support this behavior

RE: How to update a object without a new variable.

Harsha Sharma — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 06:52:13 GMT

you can use append() function if you want t add at the end of list always or use insert function if you want to insert at specific indices/index

insert({1,2,3},{4,5,6},4)

append({1,2,3},{4,5,6})

RE: How to update a object without a new variable.

Stefan Helzle — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 06:19:40 GMT

Appian expressions follow a functional paradigm. Variables are immutable.

RE: How to update a object without a new variable.

Shubham Aware — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 06:09:05 GMT

In Appian Variables are designed to be permanent once created - you can't alter them after initialization. To make changes, you must build a brand new variable that incorporates your modifications while leaving the original intact.
Hope you are expecting this when you want to append list...

a!localVariables(
  local!originalList: { 1, 2, 3, 4 },
  local!listToAppend: { 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 },
 { local!originalList, local!listToAppend }
)