What defines a variable in the context of Salesforce flows?

In the context of Salesforce flows, a variable is essentially a container that holds data that can change during the execution of the flow. This allows users to store information temporarily, such as user input or output from various elements in the flow, and manipulate that data throughout the flow's execution. The flexibility of a variable enables you to allocate and modify values as needed, depending on how the flow progresses.

For example, if you're creating a flow that collects user input to create a new record, you might use a variable to store that input temporarily before committing it to a record in Salesforce. Unlike constants, which hold fixed values that do not change, variables are dynamic in nature and can be altered during the flow's operation. This characteristic is critical for ensuring that flows can adapt based on user interactions or the outcomes of previous operations, enhancing functionality and user experience in Salesforce applications.