Passing variables between main and sub-task-bots
We want each sub-task to work independently, but to do so they will need certain information. For example, the first sub-bot that creates the Excel workbook will need to know the full file path. This will allow it to delete the file if it exists and create a new one. So, the bot can perform this task for any given file path. Each sub-task can also output values; these always take the form of a Dictionary type variable. The name of the variable that is outputted is used as the key for this output dictionary. Whenever a variable is created, you will have noticed the Use as input and Use as output settings:
Figure 16.6 – The Use as input and Use as output settings
These settings define whether this variable will be provided as an input value and/or it will be outputted as part of the Dictionary variable to the calling task. The inputs and outputs for each task should be as follows.