Which element within a flow captures runtime variables?

The correct choice identifies data pills as the element within a flow that captures runtime variables. Data pills serve as the means to store and manipulate data throughout the execution of a flow in ServiceNow's Flow Designer.

When a flow is executed, data pills can represent various pieces of information, including input variables, outputs from actions, and results from previous steps. They act as placeholders for data that is dynamically populated during the flow's runtime, allowing designers to reference and utilize this information wherever needed in the flow.

For instance, when a trigger initiates a flow, any relevant data from that trigger is encapsulated in data pills, which can then be passed to subsequent actions within the flow. This dynamic nature of data pills is essential for creating robust and flexible workflows that adapt to the information available when the flow runs.

Other elements, such as actions, triggers, and outputs, play different roles in the flow design process. Actions perform specific tasks, triggers initiate the flow based on certain events or conditions, and outputs provide results at the end of the flow. However, it is the data pills that specifically capture and allow for manipulation of runtime data and variables within the execution of the flow.