# Launch Variables & Global Variables

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MindStudio supports two powerful types of variables that extend the functionality of your AI agents: **Global Variables** and **Launch Variables**. Each serves a distinct purpose and can help you build more advanced, persistent, and externally-driven workflows.

### Global Variables

Global variables allow you to **store values between workflow runs**. This is useful when you want to retain state, keep a running record, or reference previous output in future executions.

#### Key Features:

* Prefixed with `global.`
* Stored project-wide and persist between agent runs
* Configurable from the **Global Variables tab** in the root project folder

#### Example: Story Generator

* A story-writing agent appends new chapters to a global variable called `global.story`.
* Each run checks if a story exists:
  * If it does: generates the next chapter.
  * If not: starts a new story.
* The story is stored and updated in the `global.story` variable.
* You can view and edit global variable values under the Global Variables tab.

This approach is ideal for accumulating content, maintaining histories, or building AI memory-like features.

### Launch Variables

Launch variables allow you to **inject data into your workflow at runtime**, often via an external integration (e.g. API, webhooks, Make.com).

#### Key Features:

* Declared in the **Start Block**
* Replaces the need for user input blocks when running workflows programmatically
* Supports structured automation flows like onboarding forms, CRMs, or lead collection

#### Example: Sales Collateral via Google Form

* A Google Form collects company data (e.g. name, representative, company info).
* A Make.com automation sends these inputs into MindStudio as **launch variables**.
* The MindStudio workflow uses these variables to generate personalized sales content.
* The generated output is passed back and saved to a Google Sheet.

Launch variables streamline integrations and automate personalized content generation at scale.

### Recap

| Variable Type    | Purpose                           | Persistence  | Source                           |
| ---------------- | --------------------------------- | ------------ | -------------------------------- |
| Global Variables | Save data across runs             | Persistent   | Internal (within MindStudio)     |
| Launch Variables | Inject data from external systems | One-time use | External (via API or automation) |

By using global and launch variables strategically, you can create more intelligent, dynamic, and automated AI agents in MindStudio.