Get Variable (Flowgraph Node)

Overview

• Node Name: Get Variable
• Category: provider
• File: extensions/flowgraph/nodes/types/getVariable.lua
• Icon: cloud_download
• Hidden: Yes (created via variable system, not node palette)

Reads a flowgraph variable (graph-local or project-global) and outputs its current value through a dynamically typed output pin.

Pin Schema

Output Pins

The output pin is created dynamically based on the selected variable's name and type.

Internals

How It Works

1. init() - Sets varName = nil, defaults to local graph variables.
2. setGlobal(global) - Switches the variable source between graph-local and project-global. Removes the current output pin and resets varName.
3. setVar(name) - Looks up the variable by name, removes the old output pin, creates a new pin matching the variable's type, and reconnects compatible links.
4. work() - Reads the variable value from the target store and writes it to the output pin.
5. renameVariable(source, name, newName) - Called by the variable system when a variable is renamed; updates the pin name and internal references.
6. typeUpdated(source, name, newType) - Called when a variable's type changes; recreates the output pin with the new type and reconnects compatible links.
7. drawMiddle() - Shows the current variable value inline or ??? if the variable is missing.

Serialization

• Saves varName and global flag.
• On deserialization, calls setGlobal() then setVar() to rebuild the pin.

Example Usage

-- In the flowgraph editor, this node is created automatically when
-- you drag a variable from the variable panel as a "getter".
-- It reads the variable each frame and outputs its value.
--
-- Equivalent runtime behavior:
local value = self.graph.variables:get("myVar")

Additional Methods

C:_onDeserialized(nodeData)

Called after the node is deserialized (loaded from file). Restores runtime state from saved data.

Parameters:

• nodeData

C:_onSerialize(res)

Called when the node is serialized (saved to file). Returns data to persist.

Parameters:

• res

C:drawCustomProperties()

Custom ImGui drawing for the node's properties panel in the editor.

See Also

• Bool (Flowgraph Node) - Related reference
• Color (Flowgraph Node) - Related reference
• Generic Set/Get Variable (Flowgraph Node) - Related reference
• FlowGraph Guide - Guide