> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.brainboard.co/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.brainboard.co/cloud-design/left-bar/input-and-output/locals.md).

# Locals

A **local value** assigns a name to an [expression](https://developer.hashicorp.com/terraform/language/expressions), so you can use the name multiple times within a module instead of repeating the expression.

{% hint style="success" %} <mark style="color:$primary;">**Brainboard**</mark> allows you to define multiple locals.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
When you define locals in **Brainboard**, they are added to the <mark style="color:$primary;">**`locals.tf`**</mark> file and in the same block <mark style="color:$primary;">**`locals`**</mark>
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" icon="hand-point-right" %}
*The table of locals is similar to the table of* [*variables*](/cloud-design/left-bar/input-and-output/variables.md)*. Please refer to it to understand the different components of the user interface.*
{% endhint %}

#### Creating a new local

1. Click the <mark style="color:$primary;">**`Locals`**</mark> icon available in the right panel.
2. Then, click the <mark style="color:$primary;">**`+`**</mark> icon to add/import variables. It opens the **Create local** modal.
3. Specify the *<mark style="color:$primary;">Name</mark>, <mark style="color:$primary;">Description</mark>* and *<mark style="color:$primary;">Value</mark>* of the local.

<figure><img src="/files/MfCG9dCKdA9xuUzlobu5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
If you are using a complex expression in the value field, you need to quote it, as you can mix **strings, functions, and variables.**
{% endhint %}