Chapter 13: Working with Global Variables and Contexts in Fast Formulas

🎯 Objective of This Chapter

This chapter will teach you how to use global variables and context variables in Oracle Fusion Fast Formulas to make formulas dynamic, reusable, and capable of adapting to different processing environments.

🧠 What Are Global Variables?

Global variables are predefined keywords or data that are accessible across formulas. They help you:

Retrieve values like legislative data group (LDG), effective dates, payroll IDs
Write conditionally responsive formulas
Ensure formulas adapt to system-wide configurations

Commonly Used Global Variables

Variable Name	Description
`GLOBAL_CONTEXT.LEGISLATIVE_DATA_GROUP_ID`	Legislative group ID for current run
`GLOBAL_CONTEXT.ASSIGNMENT_ID`	Assignment ID in current process
`GLOBAL_CONTEXT.EFFECTIVE_DATE`	Effective date for current calculation

🧠 What Are Context Variables?

Context variables are inputs passed by the Oracle Fusion system based on the environment where the formula is used (e.g., Payroll, Compensation, Benefits).

They allow you to:

Detect current assignment
Respond to payroll frequency
Adjust logic based on plan or element

Setting Context in Fast Formulas

Before using a context variable, it must be declared:

 
DEFAULT FOR CONTEXT_VARIABLE IS <value>

Example:

 
DEFAULT FOR CONTEXT.EFFECTIVE_DATE IS '1951/01/01'

💡 Example: Using Context and Global Variables

Scenario:

Apply different salary calculations based on legislative group.

Code Snippet:

 
DEFAULT FOR GLOBAL_CONTEXT.LEGISLATIVE_DATA_GROUP_ID IS 0

IF GLOBAL_CONTEXT.LEGISLATIVE_DATA_GROUP_ID = 101 THEN
  SALARY_BONUS = 2000
ELSE
  SALARY_BONUS = 1000

RETURN SALARY_BONUS

Explanation:
This formula checks the LDG and assigns a bonus accordingly.

✅ Best Practices

Always assign default values to context/global variables.
Use context to control logic without multiple formulas.
Test formula outputs under different contexts.

🔁 Real-World Use Case

You can use context variables to define different behaviors in:

Payroll Processing
Compensation Management
Absence Calculation
Benefits Eligibility

📝 Mini Practice Quiz

What is the purpose of global variables in Fast Formulas?
👉 To access system-wide values like LDG, Assignment ID.
What should you always provide to a context variable?
👉 A default value.
Can context variables be reused in different formula types?
👉 Yes, but they must be declared appropriately.

Fusion Katta

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Oracle Fast Formulas - Chapter 13: Working with Global Variables and Contexts in Fast Formulas