# check the column exist

This is a pre-built Action located under the **@Excel Element**. The functionality of this Action in Avo Assure is to verify whether a specific column is present or not present in an Excel file. The result is stored in a dynamic variable for further use during test execution.

## Syntax 

**Input Value**: `<column name>`&#x20;

<table><thead><tr><th>Argument</th><th>Description</th><th data-hidden></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>&#x3C;column name><br>(Required)</td><td>Provide the column name to verify.</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

**Output Value**: `<Dynamic Variable>(Optional);<Dynamic Variable>(Optional)`

<table><thead><tr><th>Argument</th><th>Description</th><th data-hidden></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>&#x3C;Dynamic Variable>(Optional);&#x3C;Dynamic Variable>(Optional)</td><td>Both dynamic variable stores the status as <strong>True</strong> or <strong>False</strong>.</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

### Example: Checking if a Column Exists in an Excel Sheet

In this example, we explain how to verify the presence of a specific column in an Excel file using the **Check the Column Exist** action.

* **Action**: Check the Column Exist
* **Input Value**: Employee ID
  * The input value (**Employee ID**) specifies the name of the column to be checked (e.g., Employee ID). The action scans the configured Excel sheet to determine whether this column exists.
* **Output Value**: {ColumnExist}
  * The execution status of the action is stored in this **{ColumnExist}** variable with the following possible values:
    * **True**: If the specified column exists in the Excel sheet.
    * **False**: If the specified column does not exist in the Excel sheet.
* **Logical Explanation**: The **Check the Column Exist** action takes the value from the **Input Value** column (e.g., **Employee ID**) and searches the configured Excel sheet for the specified column. The result of this operation is stored in the **{ColumnExist}** variable as true.

<figure><img src="/files/aagSkRbjUyxqIndCM44L" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


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