Repeat N

1. Why Use Repeat N?#

The Repeat N block is perfect for predictable, fixed-length loops.

• Fixed Iterations: You know exactly how many times an action needs to happen (e.g., click a "Next" button exactly 3 times, or scrape exactly 5 pages of results).
• Simplifying Repetitive Tasks: Avoid copying and pasting the same action blocks multiple times in your task sequence.
• Controlled Execution: It's safer than a while loop when you want a strict limit on repetitions and don't want to risk an infinite loop.

2. Setting Up the Repeat N Block#

The Repeat N block has a very simple configuration.

Configuration#

• Value: The number of times the block of actions inside it should be repeated. This must be a positive integer (e.g., 5, 10).

3. Common Scenarios#

Paginating a Specific Number of Times#

If you want to extract data from the first 3 pages of a search result.

• Action: repeat
  • Value: 3
  • Inside the block:
    • Action: javascript (to extract data)
    • Action: click (Selector: .next-page-button)
    • Action: wait_selector (Wait for next page to load)

Retrying an Action#

You can combine Repeat N with conditional logic to attempt an action a few times before giving up.

• Action: repeat
  • Value: 3
  • Inside the block:
    • Action: click (Selector: #retry-button)
    • Action: wait (Value: 2)

4. Best Practices#

• Avoid Infinite Loops (Implicitly): Unlike a while loop, Repeat N has a built-in exit condition. It will always finish after N iterations.
• Use for Predictable Outcomes: Only use Repeat N when you are certain the number of repetitions is correct. If the number of pages might change, a while loop with a condition checking for a "Next" button might be more robust.
• Nested Blocks: You can nest other logic blocks (if, foreach, even another repeat) inside a Repeat N block to build complex workflows.