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.
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.