Input fixed width file (Using Python or any other tool?)

Question

Hello,

I am looking to input a fixed width file format into workflow. Earlier I was using a .asc file format to give field settings and inputting, but it seems to collapse after every flow/usage so looking for a better solution using a python tool or any other tool.

Thanks

Yoshiro_Fujimori · Answer

Hi @ShantanuDagar ,

When you configure Input Data tool for text files (.txt .asc, .log, .dat), Designer asks the format as below.

Select "fixed width text file" and you can configure the field width on the next dialog, just like MS Excel.

If you have a field definition file described in XML, you can specify it in "Use Field Settings from File".

I've never tred this method, but if you want to try, this page might help to generate the field definition file.

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Desktop-Knowledge-Base/How-to-read-in-fixed-width-files/ta-p/4332

Good luck.

geraldo · Answer

@ShantanuDagar

Have you already tried to generate the flat file via alteryx and use the file structure book. flat file offers you the resource to create the structure of the file that you are importing and use later when reading the file. Now, if you use python, you don't need alteryx... develop in python I always try to give an option in alteryx but people want pythone naçoi I understand why they pay alteryx