I agree, there needs to be better support for using variables without using dedicated transformers (VariableSetter / VariableRetriever). My preference would be to add the following:
Function call, e.g.
@Variable(_my_variable)
Python API, e.g.
value = fmeobjects.FMESession().getVariable('_my_variable')
fmeobjects.FMESession().setVariable('_my_variable', 'My Value')
At the very least the VariableRetriever should be a dropdown list of all the variable names used in a variableSetter.
Oh yes this would make things a lot easier. I would love to use a tester based on the value of a variable in the same way. Having to retrieve the variable as an attribute and then test is a real pain.
Also not being able to retrieve multiple variables with one VariableRetriever is another pet peeve (https://community.safe.com/s/idea/0874Q000000TlDuQAK/detail) also https://community.safe.com/s/idea/0874Q000000TkzIQAS/detail
Also what David said!
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The following idea has been merged into this idea:
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