# Previous Steps Access

{% hint style="info" %}
To use the Previous Steps Access, ensure you have the latest version of the Pipeline Engine. Update and redeploy your pipelines to activate the feature.
{% endhint %}

The Previous Steps Access feature allows you to reference data from a previous step (connector or capsule) in subsequent steps of the flow through [Double Braces expressions](https://docs.digibee.com/documentation/connectors-and-triggers/double-braces/overview). With it, you can access payloads directly using custom aliases that align with your pipeline needs. 

This reduces the effort required for manual data management and decreases the need to use the [Session Management](https://docs.digibee.com/documentation/connectors-and-triggers/connectors/structured-data/session-management) connector.

## How does it work

When configuring a connector or capsule, you can define a **Step Alias**. This allows you to reference data in subsequent steps that support Double Braces. See below an example using the **JWT V2** connector and a **cpf-cnpj-validator** capsule:

<figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/EKM2LD3uNAckQgy1OUyZ/blobs/YYyFhcjAQyRrSy9EY1Kp/DoubleBrace_Alias_ENG.png" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://3591250690-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FEKM2LD3uNAckQgy1OUyZ%2Fuploads%2F38PdaHdK2VLkw2qKKP0t%2FPrevious_Steps_Access_Capsules_Eng.png?alt=media&#x26;token=467da959-b41a-4d3c-815c-c378737325b4" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

It is also possible to use the Previous Steps Access feature to reference the output of any step when creating a new capsule.

<figure><img src="https://3591250690-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FEKM2LD3uNAckQgy1OUyZ%2Fuploads%2FrvO6LTx7Q4vsonTNXI4N%2FScreenshot%202025-07-24%20at%2017.03.55-20250724-200400.png?alt=media&#x26;token=6b708b3d-c6be-4d62-8ab7-524581fcc592" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Naming rules for Alias

The name defined for the Alias ​​to be referenced correctly must:

* Use only alphanumeric characters and hyphens.
* Use only lowercase letters.
* Start with a letter.
* End with an alphanumeric character.
* Contain a maximum of 30 characters.&#x20;

**Suggestion**: Connector name/Capsule name + numeric identification. For example, `csv-to-json-v1-3`.

## How to use Previous Steps Access

### Creating the Alias

1. Open the **Canvas** to [create a new pipeline](https://app.gitbook.com/s/jvO5S91EQURCEhbZOuuZ/development-cycle/build-overview/pipelines/how-to-create-a-pipeline). You can also modify an existing pipeline if you wish.
2. Click the connector or capsule whose output you want to reference in the next steps.
3. Name your **Alias**.
4. Fill in the other connector settings as usual.
5. Click **Confirm**.

### Referencing the Alias

1. Select the connector or capsule that will consume the output you saved through Double Brace Alias.
2. Fill in the connector or capsule settings as usual.
3. Paste the name of the Double Braces Alias you created using the `{{ step.step-alias }}` syntax. For example: `{{ step.csv-to-json-v1-3 }}`, the step-alias being `csv-to-json-v1-3.`
4. Click **Save**.
5. Execute the pipeline using the [Execution Panel](https://app.gitbook.com/s/jvO5S91EQURCEhbZOuuZ/development-cycle/build-overview/canvas/execution-panel).

## FAQ

<details>

<summary><strong>How can I tell whether a connector’s output can be referenced later?</strong></summary>

To check whether a connector supports this feature, open its configuration form and verify whether the first field is labeled **Alias**. If the **Alias** field is present, the connector’s output can be referenced later in the flow.

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Do all connectors support the Alias field?</strong></summary>

cNo. Not all connectors provide the **Alias** field, which is used to reference a connector’s output later in the flow. Examples of connectors that **support** this feature include:

* [AWS Kinesis](https://docs.digibee.com/documentation/connectors-and-triggers/connectors/aws/kinesis)
* [DB V2](https://docs.digibee.com/documentation/connectors-and-triggers/connectors/structured-data/db-v2)
* [Dynamics 365](https://docs.digibee.com/documentation/connectors-and-triggers/connectors/enterprise-applications/dynamics-365)
* [Email V2](https://docs.digibee.com/documentation/connectors-and-triggers/connectors/web-protocols/email-v2)
* [Event Publisher](https://docs.digibee.com/documentation/connectors-and-triggers/connectors/queues-and-messaging/event-publisher)
* [JWT V2](https://docs.digibee.com/documentation/connectors-and-triggers/connectors/security/jwt)
* [Google Drive](https://docs.digibee.com/documentation/connectors-and-triggers/connectors/file-storage/google-drive)
* [Gupy Public API](https://docs.digibee.com/documentation/connectors-and-triggers/connectors/industry-solutions/gupy)
* [Hash](https://docs.digibee.com/documentation/connectors-and-triggers/connectors/security/hash)
* [JSON Generator (Mock)](https://docs.digibee.com/documentation/connectors-and-triggers/connectors/tools/json-generator)
* [JSON Transformer](https://docs.digibee.com/documentation/connectors-and-triggers/connectors/tools/json-transformer)
* [Agent Component](https://docs.digibee.com/documentation/connectors-and-triggers/connectors/ai-tools/llm)
* [Marketo](https://docs.digibee.com/documentation/connectors-and-triggers/connectors/industry-solutions/marketo)
* [Object Store](https://docs.digibee.com/documentation/connectors-and-triggers/connectors/structured-data/object-store)
* [REST V2](https://docs.digibee.com/documentation/connectors-and-triggers/connectors/web-protocols/rest-v2)
* [Salesforce](https://docs.digibee.com/documentation/connectors-and-triggers/connectors/enterprise-applications/salesforce)
* [SAP](https://docs.digibee.com/documentation/connectors-and-triggers/connectors/enterprise-applications/sap)
* [Script](https://docs.digibee.com/documentation/connectors-and-triggers/connectors/tools/script)
* [Session Management](https://docs.digibee.com/documentation/connectors-and-triggers/connectors/structured-data/session-management)
* [Stream XML File Reader](https://docs.digibee.com/documentation/connectors-and-triggers/connectors/files/stream-xml-file-reader)
* [Template Transformer](https://docs.digibee.com/documentation/connectors-and-triggers/connectors/tools/template-transformer)
* [Transformer (JOLT) V2](https://docs.digibee.com/documentation/connectors-and-triggers/connectors/tools/jolt-v2)
* [Vector DB](https://docs.digibee.com/documentation/connectors-and-triggers/connectors/ai-tools/vector-db)
* [WhatsApp](https://docs.digibee.com/documentation/connectors-and-triggers/connectors/enterprise-applications/whatsapp)

</details>