# Counter The counter counts up or down from zero or a preset number every time the corresponding functions are triggered. A counter can also count into the negative. To quickly start with counters: 1. Find the `Functions` panel on the left-hand side of the screen. 2. Expand `Utilities` and then `Counter.` 3. Create a counter instance with the [`create`](#create) function. 4. Expand the instance that appeared in the panel and get started with using the timer. Use the [`create`](#create) and [`delete`](#delete) functions to manage the existing timers. Existing timers can be seen in the functions panel on the left under `Timer`. Yellow ones are not instantiated and green ones are ready for use. ## Creating a counter To `create` a counter: 1. Insert a counter name in the yellow field. 2. Optionally insert a number for the initial state of the counter. (Only works if the counter is not yet instantiated.) 3. Click the trigger field to create an instance of the counter. You should see the counter in the functions panel go from yellow to green.

Creating a counter with initial state of 55

## Deleting a counter To `delete` a counter: 1. Insert the name of the existing counter you want to delete in the yellow field. 2. Click the trigger field.

{% hint style="info" %} The instance in the functions panel will turn yellow again, until the yellow field of the `create` function is cleared, or the `create` function is deleted from the board. {% endhint %} ## Counter functions To utilize counters, you can find functions tied to each instance when you expand the instance.

### Incrementing a counter Triggering the `increment` function increases the counter by `1`.

### Decrementing a counter Triggering the `decrement` function decreases the counter by `1`.

### Resetting a counter With `reset` you can set the counter to `0` or a new specified state. The input field has initial greyed out in it, because in the future reset should reset the function to the initial state. As such, please always enter a number for now. 1. Insert or link a value in the input field. 2. Trigger the function.

### Getting the count The `getCount` function returns the current count of the counter.