# Check primary value

Source: https://neondeerdata.com/docs/platform/automations/steps/check-primary-value/

Step · Lookup and record data

Checks whether the first (primary) email, domain or phone number changed.

## Inputs

| Label           | Key                      | Type                                        | Required | Notes                                                                                     |
| --------------- | ------------------------ | ------------------------------------------- | -------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Attribute type  | `attribute_type`         | Choice: Domain, Email address, Phone number | Yes      | Variables cannot be wired into this input. The value inputs below change with the choice. |
| Previous values | `previous_<type>_values` | Values of the chosen type                   | No       |                                                                                           |
| New values      | `new_<type>_values`      | Values of the chosen type                   | No       |                                                                                           |

## Outputs

###  Branch Changed (`changed`)

| Label            | Key                | Type | Always set | Notes |
| ---------------- | ------------------ | ---- | ---------- | ----- |
| New primary      | `new_primary`      | Text | Yes        |       |
| Previous primary | `previous_primary` | Text | Yes        |       |

###  Branch Unchanged (`unchanged`)

| Label   | Key       | Type | Always set | Notes |
| ------- | --------- | ---- | ---------- | ----- |
| Primary | `primary` | Text | Yes        |       |

## How it behaves

- The primary is the first value after the same trim, lowercase and de-duplicate normalization as Compare values.
- An empty side counts as an empty string, so adding or removing the only value takes the Changed branch.

## Errors

Fails when

- Neither Previous values nor New values is wired. Wire at least one.
- A wired side has entries but none can be read. The step fails rather than report a change.

For errors that every step can return, see [Troubleshooting](https://neondeerdata.com/docs/platform/automations/troubleshooting/).

## Example

React only when a company's main domain changes, not when extra domains are added.

**Example inputs**

| Input           | Value             |
| --------------- | ----------------- |
| Attribute type  | Domain            |
| Previous values | acme.com, acme.io |
| New values      | acme.io, acme.com |

**Example outputs**

| Output           | Value    |
| ---------------- | -------- |
| New primary      | acme.io  |
| Previous primary | acme.com |

The run takes the Changed branch because the first value differs. Adding acme.dev after acme.com would take Unchanged, with Primary acme.com.