Pulsating variable stars in the Magellanic Clouds

Pulsating variable stars can be powerful tools to study the structure, formation and evolution of galaxies. I discuss the role that the Magellanic Clouds' pulsating variables play in our understanding of the whole Magellanic System, in light of results on pulsating variables produced by extensive observing campaigns like the MACHO and OGLE microlensing surveys. In this context, I also briefly outline the promise of new surveys and astrometric missions which will target the Clouds in the near future.