> 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.
---
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