ASK VAR

PlaceholderA marker in an instruction or expression model that indicates where a value must be substituted. This value must be a literal value or a variable. Instruction and expression models help the developer use the correct syntax in a script.

Replace With

VAR

Any variableA component that is used to represent changeable text (such as names, dates, numbers, etc.) in the template. Types of variables include Text, Date, Number, True/False, Multiple Choice, Computation, and Personal Information. in the templateA word processor or form document that has been converted to HotDocs format so that it can be automated. When in template format, changeable text in the template can be replaced with variables. Other instructions can be added as well, such as instructions that create lists, condition text, and insert other templates.

Sometimes a variable needs to be asked by itself. You can use the ASK VAR instructionA command in a script or template that performs a special task, such as inserting a template or asking a dialog at a specific place in the interview. so that during the interviewA series of dialogs, each containing one or more questions which HotDocs generates from the variables you add to your template. The template's user must answer the questions in the interview before HotDocs can assemble a custom document. You can view the interview by clicking the Interview tab of the assembly window. The left pane of the assembly window displays an outline of the interview. As the user answers questions, the outline tracks the user's progress through the interview., HotDocs displays the variable in its own default dialogIn template development, represents the component in which the developer groups variables and other components. In document assembly, represents the group of questions in the Interview tab of the assembly window where users enter their answers..

In the following example, an IF expressionA command in a script that retrieves a special value. Expressions help calculate dates, sums, and so forth. evaluates if more than a year has passed since the last time the client assembled this documentThe file that is created after a template has been assembled.. If so, the Insurance Company Name variable is asked:

IF MONTHS FROM( Date Of Previous Filing , TODAY ) >= 13

ASK Insurance Company Name

END IF

You can insert the ASK VAR instruction directly in the template or you can use it in a Computation variable. Be aware, however, that if you insert the instruction directly in the template, you can ask only one variable, and any answers the userThe customer, client, or person who assembles documents from templates. (See also template developer.) provides will not be merged into the document at that place.