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Generate String

Generates a random alphanumeric string of specified length.

Common Properties​

  • Name - The custom name of the node.
  • Color - The custom color of the node.
  • Delay Before (sec) - Waits in seconds before executing the node.
  • Delay After (sec) - Delay After (sec) -** Waits in seconds after executing node.
  • Continue On Error - Automation will continue regardless of any error. The default value is false.
info

If the ContinueOnError property is true, no error is caught when the project is executed, even if a Catch node is used.

Inputs​

  • String Length - The desired length of the random string (must be positive).

Options​

This node does not have configurable options.

Output​

  • Random String - A randomly generated string containing only letters (a-z, A-Z).

How It Works​

The Generate String node creates a random string using:

  • Character set: Letters only (a-z, A-Z) - 52 possible characters
  • Random selection: Each character is randomly selected
  • No numbers or special characters - only alphabetic characters
  • Case-mixed: Contains both uppercase and lowercase letters
  • Length specified by input

Usage Examples​

Example 1: Generate 10-Character String​

  • String Length: 10
  • Random String: "aBcDeFgHiJ" (example output, will be different each time)

Example 2: Generate Short Code​

  • String Length: 6
  • Random String: "XyZaBc" (example)

Example 3: Generate Long Key​

  • String Length: 32
  • Random String: 32 random letters

Error Handling​

Invalid Length Error:

String Length: 0
Error: "String length cannot be negative or zero"
String Length: -5
Error: "String length cannot be negative or zero"

Tips​

  • Use for generating temporary identifiers
  • Great for test data generation
  • Perfect for verification codes (if letters-only is acceptable)
  • Not cryptographically secure - don't use for passwords or tokens
  • Each call generates a different random string
  • Only contains letters (no numbers or special characters)
  • For unique IDs across systems, use GenerateUUID instead

Common Errors and Solutions​

Error: "String length cannot be negative or zero"

  • Cause: Length is 0 or negative
  • Solution: Provide a positive integer (1 or greater)

Error: Need numbers or special characters in output

  • Cause: This node only generates letters
  • Solution: Combine with other nodes or use custom generation logic

Error: Need cryptographically secure random string

  • Cause: This uses basic random generation
  • Solution: For security-critical applications, use a dedicated secure random generator

Practical RPA Examples​

Example: Generate Temporary Filename​

Length: 12
Generated: "aBcDeFgHiJkL"
Concatenate: "temp_" + generated + ".txt"
Result: "temp_aBcDeFgHiJkL.txt"
Use: Unique temporary file

Example: Create Test User IDs​

Length: 8
Generated: "XyZaBcDe"
Prefix: "TEST_"
Result: "TEST_XyZaBcDe"
Use: Test user identifier

Example: Generate Session Identifier​

Length: 16
Generated: 16-character random string
Use: Temporary session ID (not for production security)

Example: Create Placeholder Text​

Length: 20
Generated: Random 20-letter string
Use: Placeholder for testing

Example: Generate Verification Code​

Length: 6
Generated: "AbCdEf"
Uppercase: "ABCDEF"
Use: Email verification code (letters only)

Pattern: Create Unique Filename​

Generate unique temporary files:

Step 1: Generate random string (12 chars)
Step 2: Get current timestamp
Step 3: Concatenate: timestamp + "_" + random + ".tmp"
Result: "20240115_120000_aBcDeFgHiJkL.tmp"

Pattern: Generate Test Data​

Create random test users:

Step 1: Generate random string (8 chars)
Step 2: Lowercase → username
Step 3: Concatenate with domain
Result: "abcdefgh@test.com"

Pattern: Create Reference Code​

Generate reference numbers:

Step 1: Get date → "20240115"
Step 2: Generate random string (6 chars)
Step 3: Uppercase random string
Step 4: Concatenate: date + "-" + random
Result: "20240115-ABCDEF"

Security Considerations​

warning

Not for Security Use

  • Do NOT use for passwords
  • Do NOT use for authentication tokens
  • Do NOT use for cryptographic keys
  • Do NOT use for security-sensitive identifiers

This node uses basic random generation and is NOT cryptographically secure.

Appropriate Uses​

  • Temporary file names
  • Test data
  • Non-security placeholders
  • Display purposes

Inappropriate Uses​

  • User passwords
  • API keys
  • Session tokens
  • Security codes

Comparison with GenerateUUID​

FeatureGenerateStringGenerateUUID
FormatCustom length lettersStandard UUID format
UniquenessRandom, possible collisionsGlobally unique
LengthVariable (you specify)Fixed (36 characters)
Charactersa-z, A-Z onlyNumbers, letters, hyphens
Use CaseTemporary IDs, test dataPermanent unique IDs

Combining with Other Nodes​

With Uppercase​

Generate → "aBcDeF"
Uppercase → "ABCDEF"
Use: Uppercase verification codes

With Concatenate​

Prefix: "TEMP_"
Generate: "aBcDeF"
Suffix: "_001"
Result: "TEMP_aBcDeF_001"

With Replace​

Generate: "aBcDeF"
Replace "a" with "1"
Replace "e" with "3"
Result: "1BcD3F" (custom character substitution)