Directory Input Tool/Database Connection

heatherpaquette

Hello,

I am trying to update my workflows to add the Directory Input to speed along my process. I have two questions related to this:

1. My input files are updated monthly. One file needs to match to the most recent month/year date combination and the second needs to match to the second most recent month/year date combination. The directory subfolder contains over 60 files and counting. I currently have these two files with names containing 04-2026 and 03-2026. Aside from sorting by created date, would there be any other way to guarantee that the directory is bringing in the correct files?
2. After creating a Directory Input, would I be able to link the Directory Input to a database connection such as Microsoft SharePoint?

MoramHari

• First Question:

1. Yes, parsing the date directly from the filename is the safest, most reliable method because file system dates can easily change when files are moved or copied.The Solution:
2. Connect a
3. Directory Tool
4. to scan the entire folder.
5. Add a RegEx Tool or Formula Tool to extract the MM-YYYY date string from the FullPath or FileName field.
6. Use a DateTime Tool to convert that string into a true Alteryx Date format (YYYY-MM-DD).
7. Add a Sort Tool to sort by your new date field in Descending order.
8. Use a Sample Tool to select the First 1 Row for the most recent file, and a separate Sample Tool configured to Skip the First 1 Row and take 1 Row for the second most recent file.
9. Feed these into a Dynamic Input Tool to read the actual file data.

Second Question:

No, you cannot directly connect a Directory Tool to a SharePoint cloud URL.The standard Directory Tool only looks at local or network file paths (e.g., C:\ or \\network\share).

The Workarounds:

• Syncing (Easiest): Use Microsoft OneDrive/SharePoint sync to mirror the SharePoint folder onto your local computer or Alteryx Server. You can then point the Directory Tool to that synced local folder path.
• The Cloud Native Way: If you cannot sync the folder, stop using the Directory Tool. Instead, use the SharePoint Files Input Tool (available in the Alteryx Marketplace/Connectors), which allows you to log in, read cloud folder contents directly, and sort/filter file metadata within the workflow.