Dynamically Rename Output File that Exists

Hi there,

This is my use case:

Let's assume TestOutput_19092023 already exists in a fixed folder somewhere in my PC.

My Input file changes every single day.

Now, my output file should ideally be updated every day I run this. I am trying to reduce manual work by renaming the output file each run before I run my Workflow on Alteryx.

Is there a way to run the workflow referencing the existing output file, then rename it dynamically to the date which I want it to be renamed to? (More flexible).

Thanks!

SampleWF.yxzp

Output

Tips and Tricks

Run Command

Accepted answers

Peachyco

In my Windows environment, I can accomplish this by using the REN command with the Run Command Tool. You might have to look for the equivalent command if you're using a different environment.

caltang

@Peachyco your solution works! Ren is what I need with Run Command.

Please refer to the great work of @DavidP from 2019: https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Desktop-Discussions/Renaming-files-at-system-level/td-p/370717

rename files.yxmd

Peachyco

This is my workflow:

Alteryx - caltang Dynamic Rename a.png

These are my parameters (i.e. my starting data):

Alteryx - caltang Dynamic Rename b.png

This is my formula. Note the use of double quotes to account for the possible whitespace in the file paths and names:

Alteryx - caltang Dynamic Rename c.png

This is how I'm concatenating with the Summarize Tool. This needs to happen because the line "exit 0" must be in a new line, after the Rename command. Note the separator character I'm using.

Alteryx - caltang Dynamic Rename d.png

Next, I write the batch file. Here it's named "renamer.bat".

Alteryx - caltang Dynamic Rename e.png

And finally, I execute the batch file thru the Run Command Tool. Because I wrote the .bat in the temporary folder, I have to reference that temporary folder here.

Alteryx - caltang Dynamic Rename f.png

All comments

Peachyco

In my Windows environment, I can accomplish this by using the REN command with the Run Command Tool. You might have to look for the equivalent command if you're using a different environment.

ChrisTX

A few posts that may help:

How to: Dynamically rename output files
https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Knowledge-Base/How-to-Guide-to-dynamically-renaming-output-files/ta-p/27449

Saving an Excel File with Today's Date

Community > Designer > Browse Knowledge > Saving an Excel File with Today's Date

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Knowledge-Base/Saving-an-Excel-File-with-Today-s-Date/tac-p/344298#M3687

Use BAT file to rename folder or file:
https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Discussions/Using-Run-Command-to-Move-files/td-p/8958

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Discussions/Input-File-AUDIT-Issue/td-p/452077

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Discussions/Run-Command-with-self-delete-element-not-working/td-p/461422

Chris

caltang

Interesting! Can you share how we can accomplish this in Alteryx with the Run Command tool?

caltang

Thanks @ChrisTX for the links! But they do not really answer my need - I'll bookmark it for future referencing when I find a relatable use case.

caltang

@Peachyco your solution works! Ren is what I need with Run Command.

Please refer to the great work of @DavidP from 2019: https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Desktop-Discussions/Renaming-files-at-system-level/td-p/370717

rename files.yxmd

Peachyco

This is my workflow:

Alteryx - caltang Dynamic Rename a.png

These are my parameters (i.e. my starting data):

Alteryx - caltang Dynamic Rename b.png

This is my formula. Note the use of double quotes to account for the possible whitespace in the file paths and names:

Alteryx - caltang Dynamic Rename c.png

This is how I'm concatenating with the Summarize Tool. This needs to happen because the line "exit 0" must be in a new line, after the Rename command. Note the separator character I'm using.

Alteryx - caltang Dynamic Rename d.png

Next, I write the batch file. Here it's named "renamer.bat".

Alteryx - caltang Dynamic Rename e.png

And finally, I execute the batch file thru the Run Command Tool. Because I wrote the .bat in the temporary folder, I have to reference that temporary folder here.