> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.heisenware.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.heisenware.com/app-builder/build-backend/functions/utilities/counter.md).
# Counter
With a counter, you maintain a numerical value, for example a production count or sequence number. You can increment, decrement, and reset the count. You must create an instance of the counter to use it. The code class name is `Counter`.
### `create`
Creates a new counter instance, optionally starting from an initial value.
#### Parameters
Input
Description
Type
initial
The number to start counting from. Default 0.
integer
#### Output
Returns the name of the created instance.
#### Example
```yaml
# initial
10
```
### `delete`
Deletes a counter instance.
#### Parameters
None.
#### Output
Returns `true` upon removal.
{% hint style="danger" %}
#### Irreversible action
Deleting removes the instance configuration.
{% endhint %}
### `increment`
Increments the counter's value by one.
#### Parameters
None.
#### Output
Returns the new count as an integer.
### `decrement`
Decrements the counter's value by one.
#### Parameters
None.
#### Output
Returns the new count as an integer.
### `reset`
Resets the counter back to its initial value. You can optionally provide a new initial value to use for this and all future resets. A value of 0 cannot be set as a new initial value; in that case the counter resets to the previously configured initial value.
#### Parameters
Input
Description
Type
initial
An optional new initial value.
integer
#### Output
Returns nothing.
#### Example
```yaml
# initial
100
```
### `getCount`
Retrieves the current value of the counter.
#### Parameters
None.
#### Output
Returns the current count as an integer.
---
# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.
## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.
Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:
```
GET https://docs.heisenware.com/app-builder/build-backend/functions/utilities/counter.md?ask=&goal=
```
`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.
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.