Variables are defined by setting a property on the conv.state object within a function. You can choose a name for your variable and update its value to anything you want like so: 
conv.state.my_variable = 1
conv.state.my_other_variable = {
    "property": "value"
}
These variables will retain their state between turns of the conversation and can be referenced in subsequent function calls like so: 
if conv.state.my_variable == 10:
    return "Well done you hit 10"

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Prompt templating

Variables can be used within function calls and injected dynamically into prompts shown to the LLM. To inject a variable’s value into your prompt, use the syntax $variable_name. The system will replace this placeholder with the variable’s value wherever it matches. Example: In your start function, you can write: 
from datetime import datetime

def start_function(conv: Conversation):
    conv.state.current_date = datetime.now().strftime("%B %d, %Y")
…then in your prompting: The current date is $current_date. …becomes: The current date is September 06, 2024. When using variable templating, ensure the stored value is readable by the LLM. Complex objects like dictionaries or datetime will be stringified automatically.

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Environment configuration

You can use the conv.env property to define environment-specific functions and activate test features in sandbox or pre-release environments. For example: 
if conv.env == "sandbox":
    <enable_early_feedback_flow>
elif conv.env == "pre-release":
    <activate_staging_tools>
elif conv.env == "live":
    <run_production_features>

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Dynamic updates

The value templated into the prompt is always kept up to date, so any updates will be reflected in the next turn sent to the LLM. Example: 
from datetime import datetime

def set_fake_date(conv: Conversation):
    conv.state.current_date = datetime(1995, 3, 22).date().strftime("%B %d, %Y")
After running this function, the resulting prompt would display: The current date is March 22, 1995. …in the next turn.

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Deleting a variable

To delete a variable, remove it from the state within a function: 
del conv.state['variable_name']