---
title: "DITA: Variables"
date: 2014-12-27
description: "{% include notes.html %}  A variable is a symbol that represents something else. You might use the variable product_name so that if you"
canonical_url: https://idratherbewriting.com/variables/
---
# DITA: Variables
> DITA doesn't have an actual variables element, but you can use keyref to accomplish the same thing.

A variable is a symbol that represents something else. You might use the variable
 product_name so that if you're product name switches, you don't have to update all instances of
 the product name in your documentation. You can just update what the variable product_name points
 to.

In your map file, add the
 following:

In your topic file, reference the variable with the
 following: