"Set Variable" action insisting on a Boolean value when my Initialize Variable is set to String

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Posted on by LA-14051258-0

As shown in the screenshot above, Initialize Variable FinalPresenterNames is set as String.

And yet I'm getting an error that insists on a Boolean value for Set Variable (error shown in both screenshots).

For context, I currently have this running 3x in parallel, for different variables (below). The issue being the "TRUE - Set variables" actions in the two outer flows. The middle one was created first when developing the flow and allows a String input as the value. I've confirmed that this flow works. But adding the two subsequent (outer) sections has been the issue, with both have the "invalid parameters" error, referring to the Boolean value requirement.

I'm very new to Power Automate, so I'm sure there's something I'm missing or unaware of. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

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creativeopinion 10,508 Moderator on at

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@LA-14051258-0 I'd recommend looking at adjusting the logic of your flow as it's redundant and will be hard to maintain. It's also not scalable the way you have it set up.

It's hard to offer any recommendations without seeing your full flow and the logic behind it. Toggle off the New Designer and click each action to expand it. Upload a screenshot of your flow in edit mode.

From the looks of it, each parallel branch has the same logic with only minor variations.

The Issue:

Repetitive logic: Each condition block and Apply to each is essentially identical.

Hard-coded references: You’re manually managing multiple parallel branches with hardcoded variable names.

Inefficient design: If you ever need to change the logic (e.g., how names are processed), you’ll have to update it in three places instead of just one.

Why this Matters:

Maintainability suffers. The more duplicated logic you have, the harder it is to manage errors or enhancements.

Scalability is blocked. If you add another role (eg. Reviewer), you’d need to copy the entire structure again.

It’s not DRY (“Don’t Repeat Yourself”)—a core principle in automation and software design.

A Better Approach:

Use a single branch and a dynamic reference key. Not sure how to create one? You might be interested in the tutorial linked below.

Power Automate Pro Tip: Replace Switch Action with a Dynamic Reference Key

Are you using the Switch action in your flow? While it seems like a simple way to handle multiple conditions, it can quickly become inefficient and difficult to manage.

Here’s why:

❌ You can’t use dynamic content in the Equals field.

❌ You have to manually recreate the same actions for each case.

❌ Any updates require you to edit every single case individually.

This results in a flow that’s repetitive, hard to scale, and a nightmare to maintain.

In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to replace redundant Switch actions with a **Dynamic Reference Key**—a simple but powerful way to streamline your flows. Instead of repeating the same actions over and over, you’ll create a **lookup-style structure** that makes your flows more efficient, scalable, and easier to update.

IN THIS VIDEO:

✓ Why the Switch action is inefficient and what to use instead
✓ What is a Dynamic Reference Key
✓ Creating a custom look up in Power Automate
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✓ How to use a Dynamic Reference Key to route emails to different recipients based on a MS Form Selection
✓ How to reduce redundancies in your flow by using a single Send an Email (V2) action instead of multiple instances
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If you still run into issues while building your flow, share screenshots of your full flow and the logic behind it.

Hope this helps!

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KH-19021456-0 2 on at

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I agree with @creativeopinion that the parallel loops should be avoided, but they haven't addressed the issue:

Why, after initialising a variable as a string, does the set variable block treat it as a boolean?

I am experiencing the same issue, but I'm initialising an integer variable, which is then treated as a boolean later in the flow.

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Manish Solanki 15,169 Moderator on at

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Hi,

Pls save the flow in draft mode & close the browser. Reopen in the flow in new browser window, you will not receive the boolean error.

If this reply helps & solves the problem, pls mark it as accepted solution.

Thanks,

Manish Solanki

Manish Solanki | LinkedIn

blogs: Manish Solanki

you tube channel: Manish Solanki - YouTube

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