What does "Pass as Reference" mean in Appian?

In Appian, the term "Pass as Reference" signifies that changes made to process variables in a sub-process will also reflect in the parent process, as both processes are referencing the same variable. This means that if an update occurs within the sub-process, that change will be visible in the parent process due to the shared reference. This capability is essential for ensuring data consistency and enables the parent process to access the most current data state, enhancing coordination and integrity throughout the workflow.

Understanding this concept helps in designing effective processes where data needs to be shared or modified across different layers of a process, minimizing data duplication and fostering real-time updates. This is particularly important when dealing with complex workflows, where synchronization of data between parent and sub-processes is crucial for the overall functionality and efficiency of applications within Appian.