Variables

You use a variable element to define and store a value such as a character, date, or number. For example, assume that on January 1, you have three formulas and two elements that use a factor of 20 in their calculations, and that this factor is scheduled to change on April 1 to a factor of 25. Without a variable element, you would have to make five effective-dated changes. However, if you define this factor as a variable element, you make just one effective-dated change to the variable itself. You can then use the new factor of 25 anywhere that the variable is used.

Variables are the only items that are used with arrays. When you create an array, you retrieve the values into variables.