Variables

Variables let you store data that persists across your node graphs and throughout your streaming session. Use them to track donation totals, store viewer names, count events, and share data between different parts of your project.

---

What Are Variables?

Variables are named containers that hold values. Instead of hardcoding a number or text, you store it in a variable and reference it by name. This lets you:

• Track state - Count donations, track scores, store usernames
• Share data - One node graph can set a value that another reads
• Update dynamically - Change values at runtime based on events
• Persist across graphs - Variables live at the project level, not individual graphs

---

Variable Types

Variables can hold different types of data:

Type	Description	Example
Integer	Whole numbers	42, -5, 0
Float	Decimal numbers	3.14, -0.5, 100.0
Boolean	True or false	true, false
String	Text	"Hello", "ViewerName"
Vector2	2D coordinates	(100, 200)
Vector3	3D coordinates	(0, 5, -10)
Color	RGBA color values	Red, Blue, custom colors
Array	Lists of values	[1, 2, 3], ["a", "b", "c"]

The variable type is set when you create it and cannot be changed afterward.

---

Creating Variables

In the Variables Panel

1. Open the Variables panel
2. Click “Add Variable”
3. Enter a name
4. Choose the variable type
5. Set an initial value

With Node Graphs

Use the Create Variable node to create variables dynamically:

This is useful for initializing variables when your stream starts.

---

Using Variables in Node Graphs

Reading Variables

Use the Get Variable node to read a variable’s current value:

Writing Variables

Use the Set Variable node to update a variable:

Common Pattern: Read-Modify-Write

Most variable updates follow this pattern:

1. Get the current value with Get Variable
2. Modify it (add, subtract, append, etc.) with Math nodes
3. Set the new value back with Set Variable

---

Variable Scope

Project Variables

Variables created in the Variables panel or through nodes are project-level:

• Accessible from any node graph in your project
• Persist throughout your streaming session
• Shared between OverMox and the node graph editor

Session Lifetime

Variables persist as long as OverMox is running. When you close and reopen OverMox:

• Variables defined in the Variables panel are restored
• Variables created dynamically by nodes need to be recreated

---

Arrays

Arrays are special variables that hold lists of values. They’re essential for:

• Leaderboards (list of names and scores)
• Queues (list of pending requests)
• Collections (all donation amounts)

See Variables Nodes for complete array operations:

Node	Purpose
Array Creator	Create a new array
Add Array Item	Add items to an array
Get Array Item	Read a specific item
Set Array Item	Change a specific item
Get Array Size	Count items in array
For Each Array Item	Loop through all items
Clear Array	Empty an array

---

Best Practices

Naming Conventions

Use clear, descriptive names:

Good	Bad
total_donations	td
current_viewer_name	name
alert_queue	arr1
is_live	x

Initialize Early

Create variables at stream start (using a Start Process node) to ensure they exist before other graphs try to use them.

Use Appropriate Types

Choose the right type for your data:

• Use Integer for counts and whole numbers
• Use Float for amounts with decimals
• Use Boolean for on/off states
• Use String for text and names
• Use Array for lists of related items

---

Tips

🎯 Check Before Use: If a graph might run before a variable is created, handle the case where it doesn’t exist yet.

🎯 Reset Between Streams: Clear counters and queues at stream start for fresh data each session.

🎯 Use Arrays for Related Data: Instead of donor1, donor2, donor3, use a single donors array.

🎯 Name Consistently: Pick a naming style (like snake_case) and stick with it throughout your project.

🎯 Document Purpose: If you have many variables, keep notes about what each one tracks.

---

Related

• Variables Nodes - All nodes for working with variables
• Flow Nodes - Logic and control flow
• Math Nodes - Mathematical operations for variable values