> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.interactive.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.interactive.ai/cli/iai_variables_update.md).

# iai variables update

Update a variable (creates a new version)

## Synopsis

Update a variable definition by creating a new version with updated content.

This creates a new version of the variable using the content from the provided file. The previous versions are preserved and can still be accessed by version number.

Run `iai variables schema` to see the current field definitions.

## Example

```json
{
  "variables": {
    "user_name": {
      "description": "The user's display name",
      "default_value": "Guest"
    },
    "is_authenticated": {
      "description": "Whether the user has completed sign-in",
      "default_value": false
    }
  }
}
```

Each key under `variables` must be unique. Add as many entries as you need — the set accepts any number of variables.

## Examples

```
  iai variables update session-vars --file variables.json
  iai variables update session-vars --file variables.json --schema-version 2.1.0
  iai variables update session-vars --file variables.json --labels staging,qa
```

## Options

```
      --file string             Path to the file containing the updated prompt content
  -h, --help                    help for update
      --labels strings          Labels for the new prompt version (comma-separated)
  -o, --organization string     Organization name that owns the project
  -p, --project string          Project name that owns the prompts
      --schema-version string   Schema version to validate against (defaults to latest stable)
      --tags strings            Tags for the prompt (comma-separated)
```

## Options inherited from parent commands

```
      --api-key string               API key for authentication
      --cfg-file string              Path to YAML config file with organization, project, and optional service definitions
      --deployment-hostname string   Hostname for the deployment API (default "https://deployment.interactive.ai")
      --hostname string              Hostname for the API (default "https://app.interactive.ai")
```

## SEE ALSO

* [iai variables](/cli/iai_variables.md) - Contextual attributes referenced in policies and routines


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