Proper way to share Designer Workflows with Python?

Question

I am running into an issue where I am trying to share a workflow with a coworker, but that coworker does not have the packages installed that are required. I built a workaround for this by performing an install check prior at the beginning of the workflow.

Is there a better way to do this? Is it possible to include the packages in a packaged workflow file? (my brain is telling me this is impossible)

Would love to hear any tricks or tips!

Thanks

caltang · Answer

This is helpful, thanks @danilang !

danilang · Answer

Hi @npariso

There are two ways to go about this

* Leave the Package.installPackages([ listOfRequiredPackages ]) line uncommented in your main workflow.  This will install the packages, if missing.  If you have an admin version of Alteryx installed and the install directory is locked down, i.e. c:\program files\..., you will have to run the main workflow in elevated mode at least once to allow the packages to install.  If ever there is an update to the packages, the workflow will again have to be run elevated.
* Include a second workflow that just installs the required packages and have the end user run this once with elevated privileges.

I prefer the second approach since the main workflow will continue working even if the underlying packages are updated.  The decision to update the packages is then up to you.

Dan

caltang · Answer

Oh my! I’m actually facing this same issue. I made a tool with Python for my internal team’s usage, but having to load the tools each run seems like a hassle.

Just an idea, if we installed using Anaconda on our own PCs and save the location to where Alteryx saves the files, would that help all users to just call more easily?

Easier to share Python workbooks around and it’s a one time thing… might be wrong. Not too familiar with Python just yet!