Bathroom fan piston - Quick selection for timer adjustments
Storing data received in $args from external HTTP requests (from iOS shortcuts, CCTV software etc):
Storing global variables and also converting them to local variables, so that they can be used in POST requests (this could be streamlined, just allow global variables to be used in POST).
This example is for sending SMS messages in the UK using Twilio, without having to enter my phone number / Twilio security credentials in every piston - Without global variables I would have to update 20+ pistons should my credentials change…
Converting system variables to local variables, so that they can be used as arguments when triggering another piston (could be streamlined also):
Boolean variables are very handy and often replace the need for virtual switches in ST. They can help to pause / delay automations, prevent looping notifications, record that an action was taken for the day etc:
I use device variables in tonnes of pistons, where a device needs to be referenced in several places throughout the piston. That way if I need to change or add devices to the automation, I only have to change the variable, not scroll through the whole thing hunting for each instance.
I am currently using Hubitat as nothing has been said about replacing webCoRE on ST in a long time, but if webCoRE were to be recreated in its entirety I may return… please just replicate it as is… does not need to be elegant, this normally just means stripped out functionality.
We want the same local, global and system variables as currently provided by webCoRE.
Also, please don’t forget Expressions, Functions & Weather. I make regular use of these.