Developer Documentation Library > Data Model > Available DSCs > Quantum DSC > Writing to a Quantum file > Card, column, and punch definitions > Variable Instance definitions
 
Variable Instance definitions
Each question in the questionnaire definition has one or more associated VariableInstance objects that store data gathered in response to the question. Custom properties on the VariableInstance define the card and column details to be used for storing the data.
CardStart
An integer value that defines the card on which the first column used for the variable is stored or a value of * to indicate that the variable is included on every card. This is normally used for the serial number system variable. A value of 0 indicates that one card of unlimited length is used. A value of -1 in a text variable indicates that the data is stored in the .dau file. A value of -1 is not valid for other data types.
ColStart
An integer value that defines the first column used for this variable. A value of -1 in a text variable indicates that the data is stored in the .dau file. A value of -1 is not valid for other data types.
ColCount
An integer value that defines the total number of columns used to store data for the variable. When ColStart is -1, this should be 0.
DataFormat
A string value that defines the data format for the variable. DataFormat can also be set on a Field so that it is inherited by all variable instances. Valid values are: numeric, literal, bitstring, date, and time. Note that setting DataFormat to "numeric" allows categorical variables to be exported as numerics.
QTVisible
When this Boolean custom property is set to True, it indicates that the variable instance should be included in the Quantum specification.
See also
Card, column, and punch definitions