WebSphere variables are name and value pairs that are used to provide settings for any of the string data type attributes contained in one of the XML formatted configuration files that reside in the product repository. After a variable is defined, the value specified for the variable replaces the variable name whenever the variable name is encountered during configuration processing.
WebSphere variables are usually used to specify file paths. However, some system components also support the use of these variables. The "Variable settings" topic supplies further details about specifying variables and highlights further details about WebSphere Application Server components that use them. WebSphere variables are also used to:
The scope of a variable can be cell-wide, cluster-wide, node-wide, or applicable to only one server process.
Define variables on the Environment > WebSphere Variables console page.
Define the scope to apply a variable cell-wide, cluster-wide, node-wide, or to only one server process. A variable resolves to its new value when used in a component that supports the use of variables.
Declare the new variable for the Cell, Cluster, Node, or Server and click Apply.
The variable exists at the level you specify. Define a variable at multiple levels to use multiple values. The more granular definition overrides the higher level setting.
For instance, if you specify the same variable on a node and a server, the server setting overrides the node setting. Similarly, a cluster level setting overrides a node or cell setting.
Scoping variables is particularly important when testing data source objects. Variable scoping can cause a data source to fail the test connection, but to succeed at run time, or to pass the test connection, but fail at run time.