Automations: how to use a variable inside a smart value list.get()

Eric Rodewald

I am trying to pull a random item out of an array from a json webhook request. I've got the following done:

 

1. create variables rand, listSize, newIndex
2. run the webhook request, delay for response
3. (works) set rand to:

   {{#=}}RANDOM(){{/}}

4. (works) set listSize to:

   {{webhookResponse.body.size}}

5. (works) set newIndex to:

   {{#=}}FLOOR({{listSize}} * {{rand}}){{/}}

6. (works) verify this index is not a string by setting newIndex again to:

   {{newIndex.asNumber}}

7. (fails) obtain by the new index with:

   {{webhookResponse.body.get(newIndex)}

Unfortunately, this doesn't work at all. I've tried variations like:

{{webhookResponse.body.get({{newIndex}})}} 

 

 When I just use a raw literal number, it works fine. e.g.,

{{webhookResponse.body.get(0)}} 

Not really helpful if I'm building a random function, basically.

 

Am I missing some nuance about the syntax here? Thanks

Sam Harding

Hi Eric,

Thank you for your patience waiting on an answer for your problem. We have been looking into it, and trying to find a solution for your use case. Unfortunately, the current implementation of custom variables only allows for storing of values as strings. So 'newIndex' in your rule is always evaluated as a string, regardless of its original type. This is a limitation we are aware of, and is something we are working towards solving. 

Within that limitation, I do not believe there is a way for you to do what you are wanting. I have raised this internally with the team, and we will hopefully be able to provide the functionality you are wanting in the near future.

Thanks