# Variables

> Troubleshooting variable/placeholder resolution, custom JavaScript variables, and PAPI integration

- Skill: `kangarko/variables` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add kangarko/variables`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/kangarko/variables/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Integrations & APIs
- Author: kangarko (https://skillmd.com/u/kangarko)
- Updated: 2026-09-22
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/kangarko/variables

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# Variables Troubleshooting

## Common Mistakes

- **`SenderCache.isDatabaseLoaded()` prerequisite** — placeholders return empty if the database hasn't finished loading for that player. Common on join with slow databases
- **`{player_*}` defaults to sender context** — in most contexts, `{player_prefix}` = sender's prefix. Use `{receiver_prefix}` for receiver-specific values
- **Nested PAPI variables work** — `{player_prefix}` reads Vault's PAPI output. Complex nesting is supported
- **Custom variable JavaScript testable via `/chc script`** — use this to debug JavaScript conditions in `variables/*.yml` files