Predefined variables

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Azure Pipelines | Azure DevOps Server 2019 | TFS 2018 | TFS 2017 | TFS 2015

Note

In Microsoft Team Foundation Server (TFS) 2018 and previous versions, run and release pipelines are called definitions, runs are called builds, service connections are called service endpoints, stages are called environments, and jobs are called phases.

Variables give you a convenient way to get key bits of data into various parts of your pipeline. This is the comprehensive list of predefined variables.

These variables are automatically set by the system and read-only. (The exceptions are Build.Clean and System.Debug.) Learn more about working with variables.

Note

You can use release variables in your deploy tasks to share the common information (e.g. — Environment Name, Resource Group, etc)

Build.Clean

This is a deprecated variable that modifies how the build agent cleans up source. To learn how to clean up source, see source repositories.

This variable modifies how the build agent cleans up source. To learn more, see source repositories.

System.AccessToken

System.AccessToken is a special variable that carries the security token used by the running build.

In YAML, you must explicitly map System.AccessToken into the pipeline using a variable. You can do this at the step or task level:

steps:
  - bash: echo This is a script that could use $SYSTEM_ACCESSTOKEN
    env:
      SYSTEM_ACCESSTOKEN: $(System.AccessToken)
  - powershell: Write-Host "This is a script that could use $env:SYSTEM_ACCESSTOKEN"
    env:
      SYSTEM_ACCESSTOKEN: $(System.AccessToken)

System.Debug

For more detailed logs to debug pipeline problems, define System.Debug and set it to true.

Agent variables

Note

You can use agent variables as environment variables in your scripts and as parameters in your build tasks. You cannot use them to customize the build number or to apply a version control label or tag.

VariableDescription
Agent.BuildDirectory

The local path on the agent where all folders for a given build pipeline are created.

For example: c:\agent_work\1
Agent.HomeDirectory The directory the agent is installed into. This contains the agent software. For example: c:\agent.
Agent.Id The ID of the agent.
Agent.JobName The name of the running job. This will usually be "Job" or "__default", but in multi-config scenarios, will be the configuration.
Agent.JobStatus The status of the build.
  • Canceled
  • Failed
  • Succeeded
  • SucceededWithIssues (partially successful)

The environment variable should be referenced as AGENT_JOBSTATUS. The older agent.jobstatus is available for backwards compatibility.
Agent.MachineName The name of the machine on which the agent is installed.
Agent.Name

The name of the agent that is registered with the pool.

If you are using a self-hosted agent, then this name is specified by you. See agents.
Agent.OS The operating system of the agent host. Valid values are:
  • Windows_NT
  • Darwin
  • Linux
If you're running in a container, the agent host and container may be running different operating systems.
Agent.OSArchitecture The operating system processor architecture of the agent host. Valid values are:
  • X86
  • X64
  • ARM
Agent.TempDirectory A temporary folder that is cleaned after each pipeline run. This directory is used by tasks such as .NET Core CLI task to hold temporary items like test results before they are published.
Agent.ToolsDirectory The directory used by tasks such as Node Tool Installer and Use Python Version to switch between multiple versions of a tool. These tasks will add tools from this directory to PATH so that subsequent build steps can use them.

Learn about managing this directory on a self-hosted agent.
Agent.WorkFolder The working directory for this agent. For example: c:\agent_work.

Note: This directory is not guaranteed to be writable by pipeline tasks (eg. when mapped into a container)

Build variables


VariableDescription
Build.ArtifactStagingDirectory

The local path on the agent where any artifacts are copied to before being pushed to their destination. For example: c:\agent_work\1\a

A typical way to use this folder is to publish your build artifacts with the Copy files and Publish build artifacts tasks.

Note: Build.ArtifactStagingDirectory and Build.StagingDirectory are interchangeable. This directory is purged before each new build, so you don't have to clean it up yourself.

See Artifacts in Azure Pipelines.

This variable is agent-scoped, and can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.BuildId The ID of the record for the completed build.
Build.BuildNumber The name of the completed build. You can specify the build number format that generates this value in the pipeline options.

A typical use of this variable is to make it part of the label format, which you specify on the repository tab.

Note: This value can contain whitespace or other invalid label characters. In these cases, the label format will fail.



This variable is agent-scoped, and can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.BuildUri The URI for the build. For example: vstfs:///Build/Build/1430.

This variable is agent-scoped, and can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.BinariesDirectory The local path on the agent you can use as an output folder for compiled binaries.

By default, new build pipelines are not set up to clean this directory. You can define your build to clean it up on the Repository tab.

For example: c:\agent_work\1\b.

This variable is agent-scoped, and can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.DefinitionName The name of the build pipeline.

Note: This value can contain whitespace or other invalid label characters. In these cases, the label format will fail.
Build.DefinitionVersion The version of the build pipeline.
Build.QueuedBy See "How are the identity variables set?".

Note: This value can contain whitespace or other invalid label characters. In these cases, the label format will fail.
Build.QueuedById See "How are the identity variables set?".
Build.Reason The event that caused the build to run.
  • Manual: A user manually queued the build.
  • IndividualCI: Continuous integration (CI) triggered by a Git push or a TFVC check-in.
  • BatchedCI: Continuous integration (CI) triggered by a Git push or a TFVC check-in, and the Batch changes was selected.
  • Schedule: Scheduled trigger.
  • ValidateShelveset: A user manually queued the build of a specific TFVC shelveset.
  • CheckInShelveset: Gated check-in trigger.
  • PullRequest: The build was triggered by a Git branch policy that requires a build.
  • BuildCompletion: The build was triggered by another build
See Build pipeline triggers, Improve code quality with branch policies.
Build.Repository.Clean The value you've selected for Clean in the source repository settings.

This variable is agent-scoped, and can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.Repository.LocalPath

The local path on the agent where your source code files are downloaded. For example: c:\agent_work\1\s

By default, new build pipelines update only the changed files. You can modify how files are downloaded on the Repository tab.

This variable is agent-scoped, and can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.

This variable is synonymous with Build.SourcesDirectory.
Build.Repository.ID The unique identifier of the repository.

This won't change, even if the name of the repository does.

This variable is agent-scoped, and can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.Repository.Name The name of the repository.

This variable is agent-scoped, and can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.Repository.Provider The type of repository you selected. This variable is agent-scoped, and can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.Repository.Tfvc.Workspace Defined if your repository is Team Foundation Version Control. The name of the TFVC workspace used by the build agent.


For example, if the Agent.BuildDirectory is c:\agent_work\12 and the Agent.Id is 8, the workspace name could be: ws_12_8

This variable is agent-scoped, and can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.Repository.Uri The URL for the repository. For example: This variable is agent-scoped, and can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.RequestedFor See "How are the identity variables set?".

Note: This value can contain whitespace or other invalid label characters. In these cases, the label format will fail.
Build.RequestedForEmail See "How are the identity variables set?".
Build.RequestedForId See "How are the identity variables set?".
Build.SourceBranch The branch the build was queued for. Some examples:
  • Git repo branch: refs/heads/master
  • Git repo pull request: refs/pull/1/merge
  • TFVC repo branch: $/teamproject/main
  • TFVC repo gated check-in: Gated_2016-06-06_05.20.51.4369;username@live.com
  • TFVC repo shelveset build: myshelveset;username@live.com
When you use this variable in your build number format, the forward slash characters (/) are replaced with underscore characters _).

Note: In TFVC, if you are running a gated check-in build or manually building a shelveset, you cannot use this variable in your build number format.
Build.SourceBranchName The name of the branch the build was queued for.
  • Git repo branch or pull request: The last path segment in the ref. For example, in refs/heads/master this value is master. In refs/heads/feature/tools this value is tools.
  • TFVC repo branch: The last path segment in the root server path for the workspace. For example, in $/teamproject/main this value is main.
  • TFVC repo gated check-in or shelveset build is the name of the shelveset. For example, Gated_2016-06-06_05.20.51.4369;username@live.com or myshelveset;username@live.com.
Note: In TFVC, if you are running a gated check-in build or manually building a shelveset, you cannot use this variable in your build number format.
Build.SourcesDirectory

The local path on the agent where your source code files are downloaded. For example: c:\agent_work\1\s

By default, new build pipelines update only the changed files. You can modify how files are downloaded on the Repository tab.

This variable is agent-scoped, and can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.

This variable is synonymous with Build.Repository.LocalPath.
Build.SourceVersion The latest version control change that is included in this build. This variable is agent-scoped, and can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.SourceVersionMessage The comment of the commit or changeset.

This variable is agent-scoped, and can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag. Also, this variable is only available on the step level and is neither available in the job nor stage levels (i.e. the message is not extracted until the job had started and checked out the code).

Note: This variable is available in TFS 2015.4.
Build.StagingDirectory

The local path on the agent where any artifacts are copied to before being pushed to their destination. For example: c:\agent_work\1\a

A typical way to use this folder is to publish your build artifacts with the Copy files and Publish build artifacts tasks.

Note: Build.ArtifactStagingDirectory and Build.StagingDirectory are interchangeable. This directory is purged before each new build, so you don't have to clean it up yourself.

See Artifacts in Azure Pipelines.

This variable is agent-scoped, and can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.Repository.Git.SubmoduleCheckout The value you've selected for Checkout submodules on the repository tab.

This variable is agent-scoped, and can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.SourceTfvcShelveset Defined if your repository is Team Foundation Version Control.


If you are running a gated build or a shelveset build, this is set to the name of the shelveset you are building.

Note: This variable yields a value that is invalid for build use in a build number format.
Build.TriggeredBy.BuildId If the build was triggered by another build, then this variable is set to the BuildID of the triggering build.

This variable is agent-scoped, and can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.TriggeredBy.DefinitionId If the build was triggered by another build, then this variable is set to the DefinitionID of the triggering build.

This variable is agent-scoped, and can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.TriggeredBy.DefinitionName If the build was triggered by another build, then this variable is set to the name of the triggering build pipeline.

This variable is agent-scoped, and can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.TriggeredBy.BuildNumber If the build was triggered by another build, then this variable is set to the number of the triggering build.

This variable is agent-scoped, and can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.TriggeredBy.ProjectID If the build was triggered by another build, then this variable is set to ID of the project that contains the triggering build.

This variable is agent-scoped, and can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Common.TestResultsDirectory The local path on the agent where the test results are created. For example: c:\agent_work\1\TestResults

This variable is agent-scoped, and can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.

Pipeline variables

VariableDescription
Pipeline.Workspace Workspace directory for a particular pipeline.

For example, c:\agent_work\1.

Deployment job variables

These variables are scoped to a specific Deployment job and will be resolved only at job execution time.

VariableDescription
Environment.Name Name of the environment targeted in the deployment job to run the deployment steps and record the deployment history. For example, smarthotel-dev.
Environment.Id ID of the environment targeted in the deployment job. For example, 10.
Environment.ResourceName Name of the specific resource within the environment targeted in the deployment job to run the deployment steps and record the deployment history. For example, bookings which is a Kubernetes namespace that has been added as a resource to the environment smarthotel-dev.
Environment.ResourceId ID of the specific resource within the environment targeted in the deployment job to run the deployment steps. For example, 4.

System variables

VariableDescription
System.AccessToken Use the OAuth token to access the REST API.

Use System.AccessToken from YAML scripts.

This variable is agent-scoped, and can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
System.CollectionId The GUID of the TFS collection or Azure DevOps organization
System.DefaultWorkingDirectory

The local path on the agent where your source code files are downloaded. For example: c:\agent\_work\1\s

By default, new build pipelines update only the changed files. You can modify how files are downloaded on the Repository tab.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
System.DefinitionId The ID of the build pipeline.
System.HostType Set to build if the pipeline is a build. For a release, the values are deployment for a Deployment group job, gates during evaluation of gates, and release for other (Agent and Agentless) jobs.
System.JobAttempt Set to 1 the first time this job is attempted, and increments every time the job is retried.
System.JobDisplayName The human-readable name given to a job.
System.JobName The name of the job, typically used for expressing dependencies and accessing output variables.
System.PhaseAttempt Set to 1 the first time this phase is attempted, and increments every time the job is retried.

Note: "Phase" is a mostly-redundant concept which represents the design-time for a job (whereas job was the runtime version of a phase). We've mostly removed the concept of "phase" from Azure Pipelines. Matrix and multi-config jobs are the only place where "phase" is still distinct from "job". One phase can instantiate multiple jobs which differ only in their inputs.
System.PhaseDisplayName The human-readable name given to a phase.
System.PhaseName A string-based identifier for a job, typically used for expressing dependencies and accessing output variables.
System.StageAttempt Set to 1 the first time this stage is attempted, and increments every time the job is retried.
System.StageDisplayName The human-readable name given to a stage.
System.StageName A string-based identifier for a stage, typically used for expressing dependencies and accessing output variables.
System.PullRequest.IsFork If the pull request is from a fork of the repository, this variable is set to True. Otherwise, it is set to False.
System.PullRequest.PullRequestId The ID of the pull request that caused this build. For example: 17. (This variable is initialized only if the build ran because of a Git PR affected by a branch policy.)
System.PullRequest.PullRequestNumber The number of the pull request that caused this build. This variable is populated for pull requests from GitHub which have a different pull request ID and pull request number.
System.PullRequest.SourceBranch The branch that is being reviewed in a pull request. For example: refs/heads/users/raisa/new-feature. (This variable is initialized only if the build ran because of a Git PR affected by a branch policy.)
System.PullRequest.SourceRepositoryURI The URL to the repo that contains the pull request. For example: https://dev.azure.com/ouraccount/_git/OurProject. (This variable is initialized only if the build ran because of a Azure Repos Git PR affected by a branch policy. It is not initialized for GitHub PRs.)
System.PullRequest.TargetBranch The branch that is the target of a pull request. For example: refs/heads/master. This variable is initialized only if the build ran because of a Git PR affected by a branch policy.
System.TeamFoundationCollectionUri The URI of the team foundation collection. For example: https://dev.azure.com/fabrikamfiber/.

This variable is agent-scoped, and can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
System.TeamProject The name of the project that contains this build.
System.TeamProjectId The ID of the project that this build belongs to.
TF_BUILD Set to True if the script is being run by a build task.

This variable is agent-scoped, and can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.

Agent variables

Note

You can use agent variables as environment variables in your scripts and as parameters in your build tasks. You cannot use them to customize the build number or to apply a version control label or tag.

VariableDescription
Agent.BuildDirectory

The local path on the agent where all folders for a given build pipeline are created.

For example: c:\agent_work\1
Agent.HomeDirectory The directory the agent is installed into. This contains the agent software. For example: c:\agent.
Agent.Id The ID of the agent.
Agent.JobName The name of the running job. This will usually be "Job" or "__default", but in multi-config scenarios, will be the configuration.
Agent.JobStatus The status of the build.
  • Canceled
  • Failed
  • Succeeded
  • SucceededWithIssues (partially successful)

The environment variable should be referenced as AGENT_JOBSTATUS. The older agent.jobstatus is available for backwards compatibility.
Agent.MachineName The name of the machine on which the agent is installed.
Agent.Name

The name of the agent that is registered with the pool.

If you are using a self-hosted agent, then this name is specified by you. See agents.
Agent.OS The operating system of the agent host. Valid values are:
  • Windows_NT
  • Darwin
  • Linux
If you're running in a container, the agent host and container may be running different operating systems.
Agent.OSArchitecture The operating system processor architecture of the agent host. Valid values are:
  • X86
  • X64
  • ARM
Agent.TempDirectory A temporary folder that is cleaned after each pipeline run. This directory is used by tasks such as .NET Core CLI task to hold temporary items like test results before they are published.
Agent.ToolsDirectory The directory used by tasks such as Node Tool Installer and Use Python Version to switch between multiple versions of a tool. These tasks will add tools from this directory to PATH so that subsequent build steps can use them.

Learn about managing this directory on a self-hosted agent.
Agent.WorkFolder The working directory for this agent. For example: c:\agent_work.

This directory is not guaranteed to be writable by pipeline tasks (eg. when mapped into a container)

Build variables


VariableDescription
Build.ArtifactStagingDirectory

The local path on the agent where any artifacts are copied to before being pushed to their destination. For example: c:\agent_work\1\a

A typical way to use this folder is to publish your build artifacts with the Copy files and Publish build artifacts tasks.

Note: Build.ArtifactStagingDirectory and Build.StagingDirectory are interchangeable. This directory is purged before each new build, so you don't have to clean it up yourself.

See Artifacts in Azure Pipelines.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.BuildId The ID of the record for the completed build.
Build.BuildNumber The name of the completed build. You can specify the build number format that generates this value in the pipeline options.

A typical use of this variable is to make it part of the label format, which you specify on the repository tab.

Note: This value can contain whitespace or other invalid label characters. In these cases, the label format will fail.



This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.BuildUri The URI for the build. For example: vstfs:///Build/Build/1430.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.BinariesDirectory The local path on the agent you can use as an output folder for compiled binaries.

By default, new build pipelines are not set up to clean this directory. You can define your build to clean it up on the Repository tab.

For example: c:\agent_work\1\b.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.DefinitionName The name of the build pipeline.

Note: This value can contain whitespace or other invalid label characters. In these cases, the label format will fail.
Build.DefinitionVersion The version of the build pipeline.
Build.QueuedBy See "How are the identity variables set?".

Note: This value can contain whitespace or other invalid label characters. In these cases, the label format will fail.
Build.QueuedById See "How are the identity variables set?".
Build.Reason The event that caused the build to run.
  • Manual: A user manually queued the build.
  • IndividualCI: Continuous integration (CI) triggered by a Git push or a TFVC check-in.
  • BatchedCI: Continuous integration (CI) triggered by a Git push or a TFVC check-in, and the Batch changes was selected.
  • Schedule: Scheduled trigger.
  • ValidateShelveset: A user manually queued the build of a specific TFVC shelveset.
  • CheckInShelveset: Gated check-in trigger.
  • PullRequest: The build was triggered by a Git branch policy that requires a build.
  • BuildCompletion: The build was triggered by another build
See Build pipeline triggers, Improve code quality with branch policies.
Build.Repository.Clean The value you've selected for Clean in the source repository settings.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.Repository.LocalPath

The local path on the agent where your source code files are downloaded. For example: c:\agent_work\1\s

By default, new build pipelines update only the changed files. You can modify how files are downloaded on the Repository tab.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.

This variable is synonymous with Build.SourcesDirectory.
Build.Repository.Name The name of the repository.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.Repository.Provider The type of repository you selected. This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.Repository.Tfvc.Workspace Defined if your repository is Team Foundation Version Control. The name of the TFVC workspace used by the build agent.


For example, if the Agent.BuildDirectory is c:\agent_work\12 and the Agent.Id is 8, the workspace name could be: ws_12_8

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.Repository.Uri The URL for the repository. For example: This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.RequestedFor See "How are the identity variables set?".

Note: This value can contain whitespace or other invalid label characters. In these cases, the label format will fail.
Build.RequestedForEmail See "How are the identity variables set?".
Build.RequestedForId See "How are the identity variables set?".
Build.SourceBranch The branch the build was queued for. Some examples:
  • Git repo branch: refs/heads/master
  • Git repo pull request: refs/pull/1/merge
  • TFVC repo branch: $/teamproject/main
  • TFVC repo gated check-in: Gated_2016-06-06_05.20.51.4369;username@live.com
  • TFVC repo shelveset build: myshelveset;username@live.com
When you use this variable in your build number format, the forward slash characters (/) are replaced with underscore characters _).

Note: In TFVC, if you are running a gated check-in build or manually building a shelveset, you cannot use this variable in your build number format.
Build.SourceBranchName The name of the branch the build was queued for.
  • Git repo branch or pull request: The last path segment in the ref. For example, in refs/heads/master this value is master. In refs/heads/feature/tools this value is tools.
  • TFVC repo branch: The last path segment in the root server path for the workspace. For example in $/teamproject/main this value is main.
  • TFVC repo gated check-in or shelveset build is the name of the shelveset. For example, Gated_2016-06-06_05.20.51.4369;username@live.com or myshelveset;username@live.com.
Note: In TFVC, if you are running a gated check-in build or manually building a shelveset, you cannot use this variable in your build number format.
Build.SourcesDirectory

The local path on the agent where your source code files are downloaded. For example: c:\agent_work\1\s

By default, new build pipelines update only the changed files. You can modify how files are downloaded on the Repository tab.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.

This variable is synonymous with Build.Repository.LocalPath.
Build.SourceVersion The latest version control change that is included in this build. This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.SourceVersionMessage The comment of the commit or changeset.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.

Note: This variable is available in TFS 2015.4.
Build.StagingDirectory

The local path on the agent where any artifacts are copied to before being pushed to their destination. For example: c:\agent_work\1\a

A typical way to use this folder is to publish your build artifacts with the Copy files and Publish build artifacts tasks.

Note: Build.ArtifactStagingDirectory and Build.StagingDirectory are interchangeable. This directory is purged before each new build, so you don't have to clean it up yourself.

See Artifacts in Azure Pipelines.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.Repository.Git.SubmoduleCheckout The value you've selected for Checkout submodules on the repository tab.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.SourceTfvcShelveset Defined if your repository is Team Foundation Version Control.


If you are running a gated build or a shelveset build, this is set to the name of the shelveset you are building.

Note: This variable yields a value that is invalid for build use in a build number format.
Build.TriggeredBy.BuildId If the build was triggered by another build, then this variable is set to the BuildID of the triggering build.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.TriggeredBy.DefinitionId If the build was triggered by another build, then this variable is set to the DefinitionID of the triggering build.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.TriggeredBy.DefinitionName If the build was triggered by another build, then this variable is set to the name of the triggering build pipeline.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.TriggeredBy.BuildNumber If the build was triggered by another build, then this variable is set to the number of the triggering build.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.TriggeredBy.ProjectID If the build was triggered by another build, then this variable is set to ID of the project that contains the triggering build.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Common.TestResultsDirectory The local path on the agent where the test results are created. For example: c:\agent_work\1\TestResults

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.

System variables

VariableDescription
System.AccessToken Use the OAuth token to access the REST API.

Use System.AccessToken from YAML scripts.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
System.CollectionId The GUID of the TFS collection or Azure DevOps organization
System.DefaultWorkingDirectory

The local path on the agent where your source code files are downloaded. For example: c:\agent\_work\1\s

By default, new build pipelines update only the changed files. You can modify how files are downloaded on the Repository tab.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
System.DefinitionId The ID of the build pipeline.
System.HostType Set to build if the pipeline is a build. For a release, the values are deployment for a Deployment group job and release for an Agent job.
System.PullRequest.IsFork If the pull request is from a fork of the repository, this variable is set to True. Otherwise, it is set to False.
System.PullRequest.PullRequestId The ID of the pull request that caused this build. For example: 17. (This variable is initialized only if the build ran because of a Git PR affected by a branch policy.)
System.PullRequest.PullRequestNumber The number of the pull request that caused this build. This variable is populated for pull requests from GitHub which have a different pull request ID and pull request number.
System.PullRequest.SourceBranch The branch that is being reviewed in a pull request. For example: refs/heads/users/raisa/new-feature. (This variable is initialized only if the build ran because of a Git PR affected by a branch policy.)
System.PullRequest.SourceRepositoryURI The URL to the repo that contains the pull request. For example: https://dev.azure.com/ouraccount/_git/OurProject. (This variable is initialized only if the build ran because of a Azure Repos Git PR affected by a branch policy. It is not initialized for GitHub PRs.)
System.PullRequest.TargetBranch The branch that is the target of a pull request. For example: refs/heads/master. This variable is initialized only if the build ran because of a Git PR affected by a branch policy.
System.TeamFoundationCollectionUri The URI of the team foundation collection. For example: https://dev.azure.com/fabrikamfiber/.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
System.TeamProject The name of the project that contains this build.
System.TeamProjectId The ID of the project that this build belongs to.
TF_BUILD Set to True if the script is being run by a build task.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.

Agent variables

Note

You can use agent variables as environment variables in your scripts and as parameters in your build tasks. You cannot use them to customize the build number or to apply a version control label or tag.

VariableDescription
Agent.BuildDirectory

The local path on the agent where all folders for a given build pipeline are created.

For example: c:\agent_work\1
Agent.HomeDirectory The directory the agent is installed into. This contains the agent software. For example: c:\agent.
Agent.Id The ID of the agent.
Agent.JobStatus The status of the build.
  • Canceled
  • Failed
  • Succeeded
  • SucceededWithIssues (partially successful)

The environment variable should be referenced as AGENT_JOBSTATUS. The older agent.jobstatus is available for backwards compatibility.
Agent.MachineName The name of the machine on which the agent is installed.
Agent.Name

The name of the agent that is registered with the pool.

This name is specified by you. See agents.
Agent.TempDirectory A temporary folder that is cleaned after each pipeline run. This directory is used by tasks such as .NET Core CLI task to hold temporary items like test results before they are published.
Agent.ToolsDirectory The directory used by tasks such as Node Tool Installer and Use Python Version to switch between multiple versions of a tool. These tasks will add tools from this directory to PATH so that subsequent build steps can use them.

Learn about managing this directory on a self-hosted agent.
Agent.WorkFolder The working directory for this agent. For example: c:\agent_work.

Build variables


VariableDescription
Build.ArtifactStagingDirectory The local path on the agent where any artifacts are copied to before being pushed to their destination.

The local path on the agent where any artifacts are copied to before being pushed to their destination. For example: c:\agent_work\1\a

A typical way to use this folder is to publish your build artifacts with the Copy files and Publish build artifacts tasks.

Note: Build.ArtifactStagingDirectory and Build.StagingDirectory are interchangeable. This directory is purged before each new build, so you don't have to clean it up yourself.

See Artifacts in Azure Pipelines.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.BuildId The ID of the record for the completed build.
Build.BuildNumber The name of the completed build. You can specify the build number format that generates this value in the pipeline options.

A typical use of this variable is to make it part of the label format, which you specify on the repository tab.

Note: This value can contain whitespace or other invalid label characters. In these cases, the label format will fail.



This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as a version control tag.
Build.BuildUri The URI for the build. For example: vstfs:///Build/Build/1430.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.BinariesDirectory The local path on the agent you can use as an output folder for compiled binaries.

By default, new build pipelines are not set up to clean this directory. You can define your build to clean it up on the Repository tab.

For example: c:\agent_work\1\b.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.DefinitionName The name of the build pipeline.

Note: This value can contain whitespace or other invalid label characters. In these cases, the label format will fail.
Build.DefinitionVersion The version of the build pipeline.
Build.QueuedBy See "How are the identity variables set?".

Note: This value can contain whitespace or other invalid label characters. In these cases, the label format will fail.

Build.QueuedById See "How are the identity variables set?".
Build.Reason The event that caused the build to run.
  • Manual: A user manually queued the build.
  • IndividualCI: Continuous integration (CI) triggered by a Git push or a TFVC check-in.
  • BatchedCI: Continuous integration (CI) triggered by a Git push or a TFVC check-in, and the Batch changes was selected.
  • Schedule: Scheduled trigger.
  • ValidateShelveset: A user manually queued the build of a specific TFVC shelveset.
  • CheckInShelveset: Gated check-in trigger.
  • PullRequest: The build was triggered by a Git branch policy that requires a build.
See Build pipeline triggers, Improve code quality with branch policies.
Build.Repository.Clean The value you've selected for Clean in the source repository settings.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.Repository.LocalPath

The local path on the agent where your source code files are downloaded. For example: c:\agent_work\1\s

By default, new build pipelines update only the changed files. You can modify how files are downloaded on the Repository tab.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.

This variable is synonymous with Build.SourcesDirectory.
Build.Repository.Name The name of the repository.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.Repository.Provider The type of repository you selected. This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.Repository.Tfvc.Workspace Defined if your repository is Team Foundation Version Control. The name of the TFVC workspace used by the build agent.

For example, if the Agent.BuildDirectory is c:\agent_work\12 and the Agent.Id is 8, the workspace name could be: ws_12_8

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.Repository.Uri The URL for the repository. For example: This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.RequestedFor See "How are the identity variables set?".

Note: This value can contain whitespace or other invalid label characters. In these cases, the label format will fail.
Build.RequestedForEmail See "How are the identity variables set?".
Build.RequestedForId See "How are the identity variables set?".
Build.SourceBranch The branch the build was queued for. Some examples:
  • Git repo branch: refs/heads/master
  • Git repo pull request: refs/pull/1/merge
  • TFVC repo branch: $/teamproject/main
  • TFVC repo gated check-in: Gated_2016-06-06_05.20.51.4369;username@live.com
  • TFVC repo shelveset build: myshelveset;username@live.com
When you use this variable in your build number format, the forward slash characters (/) are replaced with underscore characters _).

Note: In TFVC, if you are running a gated check-in build or manually building a shelveset, you cannot use this variable in your build number format.
Build.SourceBranchName The name of the branch the build was queued for.
  • Git repo branch or pull request: The last path segment in the ref. For example, in refs/heads/master this value is master. In refs/heads/feature/tools this value is tools.
  • TFVC repo branch: The last path segment in the root server path for the workspace. For example in $/teamproject/main this value is main.
  • TFVC repo gated check-in or shelveset build is the name of the shelveset. For example, Gated_2016-06-06_05.20.51.4369;username@live.com or myshelveset;username@live.com.
Note: In TFVC, if you are running a gated check-in build or manually building a shelveset, you cannot use this variable in your build number format.
Build.SourcesDirectory

The local path on the agent where your source code files are downloaded. For example: c:\agent_work\1\s

By default, new build pipelines update only the changed files. You can modify how files are downloaded on the Repository tab.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.

This variable is synonymous with Build.Repository.LocalPath.
Build.SourceVersion The latest version control change that is included in this build. This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.SourceVersionMessage The comment of the commit or changeset.

This variable is agent-scoped, and can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.

Note: This variable is available in TFS 2015.4.
Build.StagingDirectory

The local path on the agent where any artifacts are copied to before being pushed to their destination. For example: c:\agent_work\1\a

A typical way to use this folder is to publish your build artifacts with the Copy files and Publish build artifacts tasks.

Note: Build.ArtifactStagingDirectory and Build.StagingDirectory are interchangeable. This directory is purged before each new build, so you don't have to clean it up yourself.

See Artifacts in Azure Pipelines.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.Repository.Git.SubmoduleCheckout The value you've selected for Checkout submodules on the repository tab.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.SourceTfvcShelveset Defined if your repository is Team Foundation Version Control.

If you are running a gated build or a shelveset build, this is set to the name of the shelveset you are building.

Note: This variable yields a value that is invalid for build use in a build number format.
Common.TestResultsDirectory The local path on the agent where the test results are created. For example: c:\agent_work\1\TestResults

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.

System variables

VariableDescription
System.AccessToken Use the OAuth token to access the REST API.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
System.CollectionId The GUID of the TFS collection or Azure DevOps organization
System.DefaultWorkingDirectory

The local path on the agent where your source code files are downloaded. For example: c:\agent\_work\1\s

By default, new build pipelines update only the changed files. You can modify how files are downloaded on the Repository tab.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
System.DefinitionId The ID of the build pipeline.
System.HostType Set to build if the pipeline is a build or release if the pipeline is a release.
System.PullRequest.IsFork If the pull request is from a fork of the repository, this variable is set to True. Otherwise, it is set to False. Available in TFS 2018.2.
System.PullRequest.PullRequestId The ID of the pull request that caused this build. For example: 17. (This variable is initialized only if the build ran because of a Git PR affected by a branch policy.)
System.PullRequest.SourceBranch The branch that is being reviewed in a pull request. For example: refs/heads/users/raisa/new-feature. (This variable is initialized only if the build ran because of a Git PR affected by a branch policy.)
System.PullRequest.SourceRepositoryURI The URL to the repo that contains the pull request. For example: http://our-server:8080/tfs/DefaultCollection/_git/OurProject. (This variable is initialized only if the build ran because of a Azure Repos Git PR affected by a branch policy.)
System.PullRequest.TargetBranch The branch that is the target of a pull request. For example: refs/heads/master. This variable is initialized only if the build ran because of a Git PR affected by a branch policy.
System.TeamFoundationCollectionUri The URI of the team foundation collection. For example: http://our-server:8080/tfs/DefaultCollection/.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
System.TeamProject The name of the project that contains this build.
System.TeamProjectId The ID of the project that this build belongs to.
TF_BUILD Set to True if the script is being run by a build task.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.

Agent variables

Note

You can use agent variables as environment variables in your scripts and as parameters in your build tasks. You cannot use them to customize the build number or to apply a version control label or tag.

VariableDescription
Agent.BuildDirectory

The local path on the agent where all folders for a given build pipeline are created.

For example: c:\agent_work\1
Agent.ComputerName The name of the machine on which the agent is installed.
Agent.HomeDirectory The directory the agent is installed into. This contains the agent software. For example: c:\agent.
Agent.Id The ID of the agent.
Agent.JobStatus The status of the build.
  • Canceled
  • Failed
  • Succeeded
  • SucceededWithIssues (partially successful)

The environment variable should be referenced as AGENT_JOBSTATUS. The older agent.jobstatus is available for backwards compatibility.
Agent.Name

The name of the agent that is registered with the pool.

This name is specified by you. See agents.
Agent.WorkFolder The working directory for this agent. For example: c:\agent_work.

Build variables


VariableDescription
Build.ArtifactStagingDirectory The local path on the agent where any artifacts are copied to before being pushed to their destination.

The local path on the agent where any artifacts are copied to before being pushed to their destination. For example: c:\agent_work\1\a

A typical way to use this folder is to publish your build artifacts with the Copy files and Publish build artifacts tasks.

Note: Build.ArtifactStagingDirectory and Build.StagingDirectory are interchangeable. This directory is purged before each new build, so you don't have to clean it up yourself.

See Artifacts in Azure Pipelines.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.BuildId The ID of the record for the completed build.
Build.BuildNumber The name of the completed build. You can specify the build number format that generates this value in the pipeline options.

A typical use of this variable is to make it part of the label format, which you specify on the repository tab.

Note: This value can contain whitespace or other invalid label characters. In these cases, the label format will fail.



This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as a version control tag.
Build.BuildUri The URI for the build. For example: vstfs:///Build/Build/1430.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.BinariesDirectory The local path on the agent you can use as an output folder for compiled binaries.

By default, new build pipelines are not set up to clean this directory. You can define your build to clean it up on the Repository tab.

For example: c:\agent_work\1\b.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.DefinitionName The name of the build pipeline.

Note: This value can contain whitespace or other invalid label characters. In these cases, the label format will fail.
Build.DefinitionVersion The version of the build pipeline.
Build.QueuedBy See "How are the identity variables set?".

Note: This value can contain whitespace or other invalid label characters. In these cases, the label format will fail.
Build.QueuedById See "How are the identity variables set?".
Build.Reason The event that caused the build to run. Available in TFS 2017.3.
  • Manual: A user manually queued the build.
  • IndividualCI: Continuous integration (CI) triggered by a Git push or a TFVC check-in.
  • BatchedCI: Continuous integration (CI) triggered by a Git push or a TFVC check-in, and the Batch changes was selected.
  • Schedule: Scheduled trigger.
  • ValidateShelveset: A user manually queued the build of a specific TFVC shelveset.
  • CheckInShelveset: Gated check-in trigger.
  • PullRequest: The build was triggered by a Git branch policy that requires a build.
See Build pipeline triggers, Improve code quality with branch policies.
Build.Repository.Clean The value you've selected for Clean in the source repository settings.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.Repository.LocalPath

The local path on the agent where your source code files are downloaded. For example: c:\agent_work\1\s

By default, new build pipelines update only the changed files. You can modify how files are downloaded on the Repository tab.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.

This variable is synonymous with Build.SourcesDirectory.
Build.Repository.Name The name of the repository.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.Repository.Provider The type of repository you selected. This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.Repository.Tfvc.Workspace Defined if your repository is Team Foundation Version Control. The name of the TFVC workspace used by the build agent.

For example, if the Agent.BuildDirectory is c:\agent_work\12 and the Agent.Id is 8, the workspace name could be: ws_12_8

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.Repository.Uri The URL for the repository. For example: This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.RequestedFor See "How are the identity variables set?".

Note: This value can contain whitespace or other invalid label characters. In these cases, the label format will fail.
Build.RequestedForEmail See "How are the identity variables set?".
Build.RequestedForId See "How are the identity variables set?".
Build.SourceBranch The branch the build was queued for. Some examples:
  • Git repo branch: refs/heads/master
  • Git repo pull request: refs/pull/1/merge
  • TFVC repo branch: $/teamproject/main
  • TFVC repo gated check-in: Gated_2016-06-06_05.20.51.4369;username@live.com
  • TFVC repo shelveset build: myshelveset;username@live.com
When you use this variable in your build number format, the forward slash characters (/) are replaced with underscore characters _).

Note: In TFVC, if you are running a gated check-in build or manually building a shelveset, you cannot use this variable in your build number format.
Build.SourceBranchName The name of the branch the build was queued for.
  • Git repo branch or pull request: The last path segment in the ref. For example, in refs/heads/master this value is master. In refs/heads/feature/tools this value is tools.
  • TFVC repo branch: The last path segment in the root server path for the workspace. For example in $/teamproject/main this value is main.
  • TFVC repo gated check-in or shelveset build is the name of the shelveset. For example, Gated_2016-06-06_05.20.51.4369;username@live.com or myshelveset;username@live.com.
Note: In TFVC, if you are running a gated check-in build or manually building a shelveset, you cannot use this variable in your build number format.
Build.SourcesDirectory

The local path on the agent where your source code files are downloaded. For example: c:\agent_work\1\s

By default, new build pipelines update only the changed files. You can modify how files are downloaded on the Repository tab.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.

This variable is synonymous with Build.Repository.LocalPath.
Build.SourceVersion The latest version control change that is included in this build. This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.SourceVersionMessage The comment of the commit or changeset.

This variable is agent-scoped, and can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.

Note: This variable is available in TFS 2015.4.
Build.StagingDirectory

The local path on the agent where any artifacts are copied to before being pushed to their destination. For example: c:\agent_work\1\a

A typical way to use this folder is to publish your build artifacts with the Copy files and Publish build artifacts tasks.

Note: Build.ArtifactStagingDirectory and Build.StagingDirectory are interchangeable. This directory is purged before each new build, so you don't have to clean it up yourself.

See Artifacts in Azure Pipelines.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.Repository.Git.SubmoduleCheckout The value you've selected for Checkout submodules on the repository tab.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.SourceTfvcShelveset Defined if your repository is Team Foundation Version Control.

If you are running a gated build or a shelveset build, this is set to the name of the shelveset you are building.

Note: This variable yields a value that is invalid for build use in a build number format.
Common.TestResultsDirectory The local path on the agent where the test results are created. For example: c:\agent_work\1\TestResults

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.

System variables

VariableDescription
System.AccessToken Use the OAuth token to access the REST API.
System.CollectionId The GUID of the TFS collection or Azure DevOps organization
System.DefaultWorkingDirectory

The local path on the agent where your source code files are downloaded. For example: c:\agent\_work\1\s

By default, new build pipelines update only the changed files. You can modify how files are downloaded on the Repository tab.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
System.DefinitionId The ID of the build pipeline.
System.HostType Set to build if the pipeline is a build or release if the pipeline is a release.
System.PullRequest.PullRequestId The ID of the pull request that caused this build. For example: 17. (This variable is initialized only if the build ran because of a Git PR affected by a branch policy.)
System.PullRequest.SourceBranch The branch that is being reviewed in a pull request. For example: refs/heads/users/raisa/new-feature. (This variable is initialized only if the build ran because of a Git PR affected by a branch policy.)
System.PullRequest.SourceRepositoryURI The URL to the repo that contains the pull request. For example: http://our-server:8080/tfs/DefaultCollection/_git/OurProject. (This variable is initialized only if the build ran because of a Azure Repos Git PR affected by a branch policy.)
System.PullRequest.TargetBranch The branch that is the target of a pull request. For example: refs/heads/master. This variable is initialized only if the build ran because of a Git PR affected by a branch policy.
System.TeamFoundationCollectionUri The URI of the team foundation collection. For example: http://our-server:8080/tfs/DefaultCollection/.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
System.TeamProject The name of the project that contains this build.
System.TeamProjectId The ID of the project that this build belongs to.
TF_BUILD Set to True if the script is being run by a build task.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.

Agent variables

Note

You can use agent variables as environment variables in your scripts and as parameters in your build tasks. You cannot use them to customize the build number or to apply a version control label or tag.

VariableDescription
Agent.BuildDirectory

The local path on the agent where all folders for a given build pipeline are created.

For example:

  • TFS 2015.4: C:\TfsData\Agents\Agent-MACHINENAME_work\1
  • TFS 2015 RTM user-installed agent: C:\Agent_work\6c3842c6
  • TFS 2015 RTM built-in agent: C:\TfsData\Build_work\6c3842c6
Agent.HomeDirectory

The directory the agent is installed into. This contains the agent software.

For example:

  • TFS 2015.4: C:\TfsData\Agents\Agent-MACHINENAME
  • TFS 2015 RTM user-installed agent: C:\Agent
  • TFS 2015 RTM built-in agent: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Team Foundation Server 14.0\Build
Agent.Id The ID of the agent.
Agent.JobStatus The status of the build.
  • Canceled
  • Failed
  • Succeeded
  • SucceededWithIssues (partially successful)

Note: The environment variable can be referenced only as agent.jobstatus. AGENT_JOBSTATUS was not present in TFS 2015.
Agent.MachineName The name of the machine on which the agent is installed. This variable is available in TFS 2015.4, not in TFS 2015 RTM.
Agent.Name

The name of the agent that is registered with the pool.

This name is specified by you. See agents.
Agent.WorkFolder The working directory for this agent. For example: c:\agent_work.

Build variables


VariableDescription
Build.ArtifactStagingDirectory The local path on the agent where any artifacts are copied to before being pushed to their destination.

A typical way to use this folder is to publish your build artifacts with the Copy files and Publish build artifacts tasks. See Artifacts in Azure Pipelines.

For example:
  • TFS 2015.4: C:\TfsData\Agents\Agent-MACHINENAME_work\1\a
  • TFS 2015 RTM default agent: C:\TfsData\Build_work\6c3842c6\artifacts
  • TFS 2015 RTM agent installed by you: C:\Agent_work\6c3842c6\artifacts
This directory is purged before each new build, so you don't have to clean it up yourself.

In TFS 2015.4, Build.ArtifactStagingDirectory and Build.StagingDirectory are interchangeable.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.BuildId The ID of the record for the completed build.
Build.BuildNumber The name of the completed build. You can specify the build number format that generates this value in the pipeline options.

A typical use of this variable is to make it part of the label format, which you specify on the repository tab.

Note: This value can contain whitespace or other invalid label characters. In these cases, the label format will fail.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of a version control tag.
Build.BuildUri The URI for the build. For example: vstfs:///Build/Build/1430.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.BinariesDirectory The local path on the agent you can use as an output folder for compiled binaries. Available in TFS 2015.4.

By default, new build pipelines are not set up to clean this directory. You can define your build to clean it up on the Repository tab.

For example: C:\TfsData\Agents\Agent-MACHINENAME_work\1\b

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.DefinitionName The name of the build pipeline.

Note: This value can contain whitespace or other invalid label characters. In these cases, the label format will fail.
Build.DefinitionVersion The version of the build pipeline.
Build.QueuedBy See "How are the identity variables set?".

Note: This value can contain whitespace or other invalid label characters. In these cases, the label format will fail.

Build.QueuedById See "How are the identity variables set?".
Build.Repository.Clean The value you've selected for Clean in the source repository settings.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.Repository.LocalPath

The local path on the agent where your source code files are downloaded. For example: c:\agent_work\1\s

By default, new build pipelines update only the changed files. You can modify how files are downloaded on the Repository tab.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.

This variable is synonymous with Build.SourcesDirectory.
Build.Repository.Name The name of the repository.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.Repository.Provider The type of repository you selected. This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.Repository.Tfvc.Workspace Defined if your repository is Team Foundation Version Control. The name of the TFVC workspace used by the build agent.

For example, if the Agent.BuildDirectory is c:\agent_work\12 and the Agent.Id is 8, the workspace name could be: ws_12_8

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.Repository.Uri The URL for the repository. For example: This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.RequestedFor See "How are the identity variables set?".

Note: This value can contain whitespace or other invalid label characters. In these cases, the label format will fail.
Build.RequestedForId See "How are the identity variables set?".
Build.SourceBranch The branch the build was queued for. Some examples:
  • Git repo branch: refs/heads/master
  • Git repo pull request: refs/pull/1/merge
  • TFVC repo branch: $/teamproject/main
  • TFVC repo gated check-in: Gated_2016-06-06_05.20.51.4369;username@live.com
  • TFVC repo shelveset build: myshelveset;username@live.com
When you use this variable in your build number format, the forward slash characters (/) are replaced with underscore characters _).

Note: In TFVC, if you are running a gated check-in build or manually building a shelveset, you cannot use this variable in your build number format.
Build.SourceBranchName The name of the branch the build was queued for.
  • Git repo branch or pull request: The last path segment in the ref. For example, in refs/heads/master this value is master. In refs/heads/feature/tools this value is tools.
  • TFVC repo branch: The last path segment in the root server path for the workspace. For example in $/teamproject/main this value is main.
  • TFVC repo gated check-in or shelveset build is the name of the shelveset. For example, Gated_2016-06-06_05.20.51.4369;username@live.com or myshelveset;username@live.com.
Note: In TFVC, if you are running a gated check-in build or manually building a shelveset, you cannot use this variable in your build number format.
Build.SourcesDirectory

The local path on the agent where your source code files are downloaded. For example: c:\agent_work\1\s

By default, new build pipelines update only the changed files. You can modify how files are downloaded on the Repository tab.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.

This variable is synonymous with Build.Repository.LocalPath.
Build.SourcesDirectoryHash Note: This variable is available in TFS 2015 RTM, but not in TFS 2015.4.
Build.SourceVersion The latest version control change that is included in this build. This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.SourceVersionMessage The comment of the commit or changeset.

This variable is agent-scoped, and can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.

Note: This variable is available in TFS 2015.4.
Build.StagingDirectory TFS 2015 RTM

The local path on the agent you can use as an output folder for compiled binaries. For example: C:\TfsData\Build_work\6c3842c6\staging.

By default, new build pipelines are not set up to clean this directory. You can define your build to clean it up on the Repository tab.

TFS 2015.4

The local path on the agent where any artifacts are copied to before being pushed to their destination. For example: C:\TfsData\Agents\Agent-MACHINENAME_work\1\a

This directory is purged before each new build, so you don't have to clean it up yourself.

A typical way to use this folder is to publish your build artifacts with the Copy files and Publish build artifacts tasks. See Artifacts in Azure Pipelines.

In TFS 2015.4, Build.ArtifactStagingDirectory and Build.StagingDirectory are interchangeable.

All versions of TFS 2015

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.Repository.Git.SubmoduleCheckout The value you've selected for Checkout submodules on the repository tab.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
Build.SourceTfvcShelveset Defined if your repository is Team Foundation Version Control.

If you are running a gated build or a shelveset build, this is set to the name of the shelveset you are building.

Note: This variable yields a value that is invalid for build use in a build number format.
Common.TestResultsDirectory The local path on the agent where the test results are created. For example: c:\agent_work\1\TestResults. Available in TFS 2015.4.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.

System variables

VariableDescription
System.AccessToken Available in TFS 2015.4. Use the OAuth token to access the REST API.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
System.CollectionId The GUID of the TFS collection or Azure DevOps organization
System.DefaultWorkingDirectory

The local path on the agent where your source code files are downloaded. For example: c:\agent\_work\1\s

By default, new build pipelines update only the changed files. You can modify how files are downloaded on the Repository tab.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
System.DefinitionId The ID of the build pipeline.
System.HostType Set to build if the pipeline is a build or release if the pipeline is a release.
System.PullRequest.PullRequestId The ID of the pull request that caused this build. For example: 17. (This variable is initialized only if the build ran because of a Git PR affected by a branch policy.)
System.PullRequest.SourceBranch The branch that is being reviewed in a pull request. For example: refs/heads/users/raisa/new-feature. (This variable is initialized only if the build ran because of a Git PR affected by a branch policy.)
System.PullRequest.SourceRepositoryURI The URL to the repo that contains the pull request. For example: http://our-server:8080/tfs/DefaultCollection/_git/OurProject. (This variable is initialized only if the build ran because of a Azure Repos Git PR affected by a branch policy.)
System.PullRequest.TargetBranch The branch that is the target of a pull request. For example: refs/heads/master. This variable is initialized only if the build ran because of a Git PR affected by a branch policy.
System.TeamFoundationCollectionUri The URI of the team foundation collection. For example: http://our-server:8080/tfs/DefaultCollection/.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.
System.TeamProject The name of the project that contains this build.
System.TeamProjectId The ID of the project that this build belongs to.
TF_BUILD Set to True if the script is being run by a build task.

This variable is agent-scoped. It can be used as an environment variable in a script and as a parameter in a build task, but not as part of the build number or as a version control tag.

How are the identity variables set?

The value depends on what caused the build.

If the build is triggered... Then the Build.QueuedBy and Build.QueuedById values are based on... Then the Build.RequestedFor and Build.RequestedForId values are based on...
In Git or TFVC by the Continuous integration (CI) triggers The system identity, for example: [DefaultCollection]\Project Collection Service Accounts The person who pushed or checked in the changes.
In Git or by a branch policy build. The system identity, for example: [DefaultCollection]\Project Collection Service Accounts The person who checked in the changes.
In TFVC by a gated check-in trigger The person who checked in the changes. The person who checked in the changes.
In Git or TFVC by the Scheduled triggers The system identity, for example: [DefaultCollection]\Project Collection Service Accounts The system identity, for example: [DefaultCollection]\Project Collection Service Accounts
Because you clicked the Queue build button You You