> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.appmixer.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.appmixer.com/connector-configuration/utils/controls/counter.md).

# Counter

### Overview

The **Counter Component** maintains an internal counter that increments with each received message. It can also be reset to a specified value.

### Usage

#### Input Parameters

| Parameter   | Type     | Description                                                                               |
| ----------- | -------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `count`     | `number` | The initial counter value (default: `0`).                                                 |
| `increment` | `number` | The amount by which the counter increments (default: `1`, can be negative for decrement). |

#### Input Ports

| Port    | Description                                                                   |
| ------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `item`  | Triggers the counter increment.                                               |
| `reset` | Resets the counter to a specified value or its initial value if not provided. |

#### Output Ports

| Port    | Description                                           |
| ------- | ----------------------------------------------------- |
| `count` | Emits the updated counter value after each increment. |

### Instructions

1. **Set Initial Value and Increment**
   * Configure the `count` parameter for the starting value.
   * Set `increment` to define how much the counter increases or decreases.
2. **Increment Behavior**
   * Each time a message arrives at the `item` port, the counter increases by the `increment` value.
3. **Reset Counter**
   * Sending a message to the `reset` port resets the counter to the specified value or its initial value if no value is provided.

### Notes

* **Supports both increment and decrement operations.**
* **State is maintained**: The counter retains its value across executions until reset.
* **Useful for tracking counts** in loops, event occurrences, or rate-limiting scenarios.


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