What are 'Calculated Fields' in Appian?

Calculated fields in Appian are designed to derive their values from expressions. This means that the values of these fields are computed dynamically based on predefined calculations or logic, rather than being directly inputted by users. Such fields are particularly useful for incorporating complex logic into your applications, allowing for real-time calculations based on user input or other data within the application.

By leveraging expressions, calculated fields can respond to changes in other fields or inputs, ensuring that the displayed value is always updated to reflect the current state of the data. This capability enhances the interactivity and functionality of an Appian application, enabling developers to build more intelligent and responsive solutions.

Other options imply different functionalities that do not align with the concept of calculated fields. For example, fields that users manually fill out would not derive their values from expressions, and therefore, do not qualify as calculated fields. Limitations to numeric values alone also do not apply, as calculated fields can be based on various data types. Additionally, the notion that fields must always be blank until user action contradicts the foundational purpose of calculated fields, which actively compute values regardless of direct user interaction.