# How to create Collection Variables for StartDateTime and EndDateTime
{% hint style="info" %}
This tutorial is currently a work in progress and provides you with a foundational approach for handling **`StartDateTime`** and **`EndDateTime`** collection variables in Salesforce's Event object using Flow Builder. We are expanding this tutorial to include a specific use case integrating with the [Avonni Date Time Picker](https://docs.avonnicomponents.com/flow/flow-components/date-time-picker) component. Stay tuned for updates!
{% endhint %}
## Introduction:
This tutorial walks you through the steps of using Salesforce Flow Builder to create collection variables for **`StartDateTime`** and **`EndDateTime`** from the Event object in Salesforce. This technique allows you to dynamically manipulate or assess these date-time ranges for various use cases, such as populating date-time picker components, running analytics, or setting automated reminders.
***
## Step 1: Initialize Variables
**Why This Step:**
Initializing variables is essential for setting the groundwork. These variables will store date-time data from Salesforce's Event object.
**Actions in Flow Builder:**
* Click on "Manager" to go to the variable management screen.
* Create four variables: **`StartDateTimeCollection`**, **`EndDateTimeCollection`**, **`TempStartDateTime`**, and **`TempEndDateTime`**.
* Set their Data Types to DateTime.
* For **`StartDateTimeCollection`** and **`EndDateTimeCollection`**, check the "Allow multiple values" box.
***
## Step 2: Get Records (Fetch Events)
**Why This Step:**
To collect date-time data, you must query Salesforce's Event object to fetch relevant records.
**Actions in Flow Builder:**
* Drag and drop a "**Get Records**" element onto the canvas.
* Choose the "**Event**" object as the target object.
* Set the filters to fetch records as per your requirement.
* Save these records into a new variable, name it **`TempEvents`** (Allow multiple values)
* Store the **`StartDateTime`** and **`EndDateTime`** fields.
***
## Step 3: Loop Through Events
**Why This Step:**
A loop enables you to process each event one by one, extracting its **`StartDateTime`** and **`EndDateTime`**.
**Actions in Flow Builder:**
* Drag and drop a "**Loop**" element onto the canvas.
* Connect this Loop to the "Get Records" element.
* Set **`TempEvents`** as the collection variable for the loop.
***
## Step 4: Assign DateTimes to Temp Variables (Inside Loop)
**Why This Step:**
You need temporary variables to process each event's individually **`StartDateTime`** and **`EndDateTime`**.
**Actions in Flow Builder:**
* Inside the loop, drag and drop an "Assignment" element.
* Assign **`StartDateTime`** from **`TempEvents`** to **`TempStartDateTime`**.
* Similarly, assign **`EndDateTime`** from **`TempEvents`** to **`TempEndDateTime`**.
***
## Step 5: Add DateTimes to Collection Variables (Inside Loop)
**Why This Step:**
The collection variables are where you'll store each event's **`StartDateTime`** and **`EndDateTime`**, which can later be used for multiple purposes.
**Actions in Flow Builder:**
* Inside the loop, add another "Assignment" element.
* Use this to **add** **`TempStartDateTime`** to **`StartDateTimeCollection`**.
* Do the same for **`TempEndDateTime`** and **`EndDateTimeCollection`**.
***
## Step 6: Close Loop
**Why This Step:**
The loop must be closed to finalize the collection variables, making them ready for use in downstream operations.
**Actions in Flow Builder:**
* Drag and drop a "Loop End" element to the canvas and connect it to signify the end of the loop.
***
By following these steps, you will have successfully created collection variables for **`StartDateTime`** and **`EndDateTime`** in the Event object of Salesforce. These collections can now be used for various operations and manipulations.
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