For some of my design work, I will use an external variables file (Tools > Equations > Link to external file:).  I find this to be a very effective and powerful way of designing as it allows multiple parts and even subassemblies in an assembly to all share the same Global Varaibles.

Unfortunately, I've discovered several bugs associated with it.  For example, Pack & Go won't always include the external variables file.  I've also had instances where, suddenly and without warning, the wrong external variables file will be linked to one of my parts (!).  I suspect that the bugs result from the external file code block not being maintained, which is likely a result of very few people using it.

...which makes me wonder if that method of designing is obsolete.  Is there a newer, more advanced way of having multiple parts share the same Global Variables?

Thanks for any replies.