> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://community-test.logicnets.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://community-test.logicnets.com/release-9/example-gallery/how-to-guides/how-to-guide-introduction-to-collections.md).

# How-To Guide: Introduction to Collections

This example Assessment Framework project provides a runtime-help tool for LogicNets Designer users looking to understand how to use simple arrays or lists in applications. It can also be used as a Designer reference for how to manipulate array data as all the logicnets creating the runtime screens are accessible via the LogicNets Designer.

A collection (or array) is an aggregate data structure that is designed to store a group of objects of the same or different types. In its simplest form, a collection is a list (e.g. of states, SKUs, users) stored under an umbrella variable name.

Understanding collections is important if you are creating applications in LogicNets for the following reasons:

* When a user answers a checklist question it generates a collection variable that has a specific syntax for retrieving a value, using it in a rule, and presenting it on screen.
* You can manage many data sets, both imported and created in the application, more efficiently as collections.
* Collections are a fundamental building block of a LogicNets data model and will always feature in a client application.

In this How-To Guide we introduce the you to collections and cover the following:

1. How collections differ from regular data objects.
2. How to use simple collections (inspect, use in rules, create).
3. How to compare and contrast two collections.
4. Brief introduction to multi-dimensional collections.

After review this introduction to collections, we recommend that you look at the [How-To Guide: Query Collections](/release-9/example-gallery/how-to-guides/how-to-guide-query-collection.md).

## Attachments

* [ASF How-To Guide - Introducton to Collections 74.zip](https://github.com/logicnets/community-portal/tree/release-9/docs/.gitbook/assets/h4khn3-ASF-How-To-Guide---Introducton-to-Collections-74.zip)


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# Agent Instructions
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## Querying This Documentation
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Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://community-test.logicnets.com/release-9/example-gallery/how-to-guides/how-to-guide-introduction-to-collections.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

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Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.