What are References?
In the context of Parallel, a "reference" is simply an alias that points to a specific field's answer. You can use these references in various parts of your templates or parallels, such as in conditions, messages, or even within other fields.
How to Create a Reference
Creating a reference in Parallel is straightforward. Here are the steps:
Option 1: Via field Settings
Go to the Template section.
Click on the particular Template where you want to create the reference.
Select the "Compose" tab.
Click on the field whose answer you want to copy or refer to.
This will open up the "Field settings" of the selected field.
Scroll down to find the "References" setting at the bottom of the Field settings.
Here, you can choose any word to reference a field reply. For example, if you are creating a reference for a "Company Name" field, you might choose the reference "company".
Option 2: Via Contents (Table of Contents) List
Go to the Template section.
Click on the particular Template where you want to create the reference.
Select the "Compose" tab.
Click on "Contents" to open the table of contents list of the Template.
Go to the field whose answer you want to associate a reference to.
Click on the "Create reference" button next to the field.
Choose a word for the reference and click "Done".
Using References in your Templates or Parallels
Now that you have created a reference, you can use it in various parts of your templates or parallels.
For example, to use a reference in a message, simply insert the reference inside double curly braces in your message text. For example, `{{company}}`. You can find more examples of usage within Parallel in this section.
Remember, references are case-sensitive. Always use the exact reference (preserving case) as you defined it.
Conclusion
Creating and using references in Parallel can help you build more dynamic and flexible templates and parallels. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just getting started with Parallel, understanding how to use references can greatly improve your efficiency and productivity.
We hope this guide has provided you with a clear understanding of how to create and use references in Parallel. If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to our support team.