> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.lithoblocks.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Placeholders

> Use placeholders to insert dynamic data into Slack templates — simple variables, nested objects, arrays, and directive loops.

Placeholders use the syntax `{{path.to.data}}` and are replaced with actual values when the template is compiled with data. Think of them as variables that get filled with real information each time you send a message.

## Prerequisites

* Completed [Quickstart](/quickstart)
* Basic understanding of JSON

## Basic syntax

### Simple variables

```
Hello {{name}}!
```

With data:

```json theme={null}
{ "name": "Sarah" }
```

Renders as: **Hello Sarah!**

### Object properties

Use dot notation for nested properties:

```
Email: {{user.email}}
Role: {{user.role}}
```

With data:

```json theme={null}
{
  "user": {
    "email": "sarah@company.com",
    "role": "Product Manager"
  }
}
```

### Array elements by index

```
First item: {{items[0].name}}
Second item: {{items[1].name}}
```

With data:

```json theme={null}
{
  "items": [
    { "name": "Widget A" },
    { "name": "Widget B" }
  ]
}
```

## Looping with directives

For dynamic lists, use the `#each` directive (see [Directives](/guides/templates-directives)):

```
{{#each items}}
- {{this.name}}: ${{this.price}}
{{/each}}
```

Inside the loop, `this` refers to the current item. Use `@index` for the 0-based index (e.g. `Task {{@index + 1}}: {{this.title}}`).

## Common patterns

**User information:**

```
Name: {{user.name}}
Email: {{user.email}}
Manager: {{user.manager.name}}
```

**Order data:**

```
Order #{{order.id}}
Total: ${{order.total}}
Status: {{order.status}}
```

**Dates:** Pre-format dates in your data (e.g. `"January 15, 2025"`) and reference them: `Created: {{task.created_at}}`.

<Tip>
  Do calculations and conditional logic before template compilation. Pass ready-to-display values (e.g. `status_message: "✅ Approved"`) and reference them in the template.
</Tip>

## Best practices

* Use descriptive names: `{{user.email}}` not `{{e}}`
* Match placeholder paths to your sample data structure
* Avoid double dots or typos: `{{user..name}}` will fail

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Directives" icon="repeat" href="/guides/templates-directives">
    Generate repeating blocks with #each and conditionals.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Block types" icon="th-large" href="/guides/templates-blocks">
    Use placeholders inside blocks.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>