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rf-python-varfiles

Minimal example for loading variables and configuration into a Robot Framework suite from Python and YAML files. Demonstrates the three variable file patterns supported by RF: plain scalars, nested dicts, and the get_variables() function — plus YAML as a data-format alternative to Python.

What This Demonstrates

• Exposing computed scalar values (e.g. current user, timestamp) from a Python variable file
• Accessing values from a nested dict loaded via a Python variable file using the [key] subscript syntax
• Loading a nested data structure from a YAML variable file (same access syntax as Python dicts)
• Using a get_variables(arg) function to return different variable sets depending on an argument passed at import time
• Selecting an environment config block at runtime by combining a suite variable with a nested dict key

Test Cases

Test Case	Description
Test Pyvars-Simple	How to expose simple scalar values from a Python file as suite variables
Test Pyvars-Nested	How to access individual values from a nested dict loaded via a Python variable file
Test YML-Nested	How to load a nested data structure from a YAML variable file
Test Get-Variables With Argument	How to use get_variables() to return different variable sets based on an argument passed at import time

Key Files

File	Purpose
suite.robot	Suite importing all four variable files and demonstrating each pattern
Data/pyvars-simple.py	Plain variable file with computed scalars (user, timestamp, random int)
Data/pyvars-nested.py	Nested environment config dict (dev / test / prod)
Data/ymlvars-nested.yaml	Same environment config structure as a YAML variable file
Data/pyvars-getvariables.py	get_variables(browser) returning browser-specific config profiles
conda.yaml	Python environment (Python 3.12, robotframework 7.4)
robot.yaml	RCC task and environment configuration

Links

• Robot Framework — Variable Files
• Robot Framework
• Robotmk Homepage

Prerequisites

RCC to create isolated self contained environments. Download from the Robotmk release page or use the provided script (_dev/scripts/download-rcc.sh / download-rcc.ps1).

Libraries & Versions

Library	Version
Python	3.12
Robot Framework	7.4

How to Run

On the console

Run directly with RCC (creates the isolated environment on first run):

rcc task script --robot robot.yaml -- robot suite.robot

In VS Code / Locally

Create and activate the environment, then open VS Code from the activated environment:

rcc task shell
code . 

Install the RobotCode extension for VS Code to run the robot with the integrated run/debug tools.
This is the recommended way for the implementation of Robot Framework suites.

In VS Code / Devcontainer

Just press the button below. RCC is pre-installed, will create the environment and activate it for VS Code.

Closing Notes

Also try the other RF example suites, they all work in the Codespace environment.

This is only the beginning of the journey, there is a lot more to explore in the world of Robot Framework, Robotmk and Checkmk.

If you want to learn more, there are several ways of how we can support you:

• Synthetic Monitoring Trainings
• Implementing a Robotmk POC in your company
• Know How Transfer
• Code Review of existing Tests & Coaching Sessions
• "Extended Workbench" - We work together on your test automation projects for a defined period of time

Reach out to us via mail at robotmk.org or book a free clarification call.

Simon Meggle
CEO Elabit GmbH
Founder of Robotmk
Product Manager of Synthetic Monitoring at Checkmk