Bypassing union tool initialization when no input is present in an app

Question

Hi Alteryx Community,

I need some help in figuring out how to make optional outputs in an analytic app. I have 2 containers attached to check boxes, so that if they're checked the containers will be enabled and the dynamic inputs will query. Once enabled, the query feeds to a series of report tools (within their own containers too) and gets joined back to the original data stream to a union (circled red). The issue is that if the user keeps the box disabled, then no data will feed into the final union before rendering, causing it to fail because inputs aren't initialized. Does anyone know another way to go about this? Or another interface tool i could try? i admit I'm not that great at apps yet.

(sorry for the black scribbles, some stuff is confidential)

caltang · Answer

Judging from your image, it doesn't look like those workflows which are turned off are connected to the highlighted Union tool unless you're using wireless connections.

One work around I can think of is to make the process sequential - like using chained apps. The first app will focus on the top portion, the 2nd app will be on your on/off containers. If off, the data from the first chained app still fires without issue.

Refer here:

* https://www.thedataschool.co.uk/brian-scally/chaining-apps-in-alteryx/
* https://knowledge.alteryx.com/index/s/article/Chained-Alteryx-Analytic-Applications-1583459130897

Alayna · Answer

Hi caltang, thanks for the reply! yes i know that the data will not stream out, I'm just wondering what kind of workaround i can put in so that the workflow will still complete regardless of whether there's data there or not.

caltang · Answer

It’s working as intended. The moment the container is off, the tool which is connected and streaming out will not stream anything. If it’s joined to a Union tool, it will also not show the data since it’s not receiving data from whence you turned off.