In Prefect 3.x, the decision to use blocks or variables depends on your specific needs for configuration and data management:
### Blocks
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Purpose: Blocks are used for managing configuration and encapsulating functionality. They are ideal for settings that require more complex structures or functionality, such as credentials or external service connections.
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Usage: Blocks can be instantiated as documents, which are then used in your workflows. They allow for easy change management without redeploying workflows. For example, an S3Bucket block provides methods for interacting with an S3 bucket.
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Management: Blocks can be managed through the Prefect UI or API, allowing you to update configurations like credentials without altering your deployments.
Reference:
Prefect Blocks Documentation
### Variables
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Purpose: Variables are simpler, mutable string values designed for storing non-sensitive configuration data. They are suitable for values that change infrequently and are read often.
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Usage: Variables are not encrypted, so they should not store sensitive information. They are ideal for storing simple configuration data that can be accessed during flow runtime.
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Management: You can manage variables via the Prefect UI, API, and CLI. They are scoped to a Prefect server instance or a workspace in Prefect Cloud.
Reference:
Prefect Variables Documentation
### Key Differences
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Complexity: Blocks are more complex and can encapsulate additional functionality, whereas variables are simple key-value pairs.
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Security: Use blocks for sensitive information (like credentials) since they can be securely stored, while variables should only store non-sensitive data.
Given your preference for imperative programming, you might find blocks more versatile for integrating complex configurations into your workflows, while variables can be used for simpler, non-sensitive settings.