Do not process the True path of the Filter if the condition is False

I am designing a workflow where I have a filter condition to check if a file needs to be updated or not. Even when the condition is not met, Alteryx executes the True path with 0 records. This results in the file getting updated with null values. I want to retain the original content of the fie if the condition is not met.

How can I achieve the same?

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TheOC

Hi @tori_alteryx

I believe your best route for this would be Control Containers. They allow you to conditionally run / disable parts of your workflows.

@jrlindem made a fantastic post explaining these in detail, check it out here:

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Tool-Mastery/Tool-Mastery-Control-Container/ta-p/1420417

There are a few other options, including batch macro with detour tools, if Control Containers are not an option. Happy to help you explore this option if required.

jrlindem

Thanks @TheOC - Yes, this is exactly one of the use-cases in the article you linked. @tori_alteryx let me know if you need a proof of concept built out. Happy to assist. A dummy dataset matching your schema would be best. -Jay

jrlindem

@tori_alteryx

Here's an example workflow that shows how can you consider your need. The trick is, you need to distill your comparison data down to a "one or the other" value so that there is no data that goes to the False side when it shouldn't and conversely nothing going to the True side when it shouldn't. One or the other.

I like the accomplish this using a Field = Field Boolean test on distinct values that are driving the conditional logic. Then whatever you need to happen in response goes in the respective Control Containers.

In this example, I'm comparing dates. I've attached the workflow. Let me know if you 'd like additional help on this. -Jay

jrlindem_example.yxmd

flying008

HI, @TheOC & @jrlindem

If can't use Control Containers tool or disable AMP mode, any idea for this case?

tori_alteryx

Hi jrlindem,

I have implemented the workflow using control containers. True path connects to a container that updates a file on s3. False path has to do nothing. However, both my containers - True and False path get executed each time. This results in the s3 file getting updated as null/ 0 records when the condition results to False (due to 0 records being passed).

I was reading a bit more and suspect older version of Alteryx could be the reason as everything else is configured properly. I am waiting for the latest version to be installed on my system and will update further.

jrlindem

@tori_alteryx what version are you using and when you are seeing these results are you on Gallery or Designer? I know there are some known issues with Control Containers similar to what you are saying on 2023.1 gallery, but they work just fine on 2023.1 Designer (for me).

I would double check that the output of your filter is truly nothing on both the T and F branches. Are you able to show a screen shot of your filter and control containers?

-Jay

dreldrel

Hey @tori_alteryx, I've come across this issue before. You could try adding a Count tool and see if that helps in your case. This doesn’t generate any output on my system.

Skip True Path When Condition Is False.yxzp

danilang

Hi @flying008

To do this without using control containers, try this.

Add the file output full path(including sheet name) as a column in your workflow.
Change the Output tool so that it uses this new column as the output path

When you have no records, the FileName field will be blank as well, so the original file will not be overwritten

Dan

flying008

Hi, @danilang

录制_2026_02_04_09_52_52_490.gif

danilang

Hi @flying008

In your case, you have a record where the file name is blank. What you need is valid file name, but 0 records. Do do this

Put a valid filename in the field.
Run the workflow once to generate the file.
Then put filter before the output so that no records pass through it.
Run it again and you'll see that the file has not changed

Dan

tori_alteryx

It still isn’t working. There’s a filter before the control container that checks whether the file was updated after the last processing time.

Inside my control container, I read the modified file and upload it to S3. The S3 file name remains the same each time. The issue is that when the source file hasn’t actually been updated, the Alteryx workflow overwrites the S3 file with a version containing 0 records. I don’t want the S3 file to be overwritten in that scenario—I want it to remain unchanged.

Somehow, even when the workflow shouldn’t process the file, it’s still sending metadata that results in an empty file being uploaded.

tori_alteryx

Thanks all for the suggestions. I finally got it to work by using container within container and adding a summarized count check before updating the file on s3. Additionally, I have a macro that now does the job of writing into s3.

The container still gets activated even if it isn't supposed to process any records. But a check within is controlling whether and what to write into s3.

flying008

Hi, @tori_alteryx

Could you please post some screen as your workflow to show the case ?

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