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Converting a Workflow to SQL

ChrisT

Alteryx has been a great tool for someone who doesn't have a lot of SQL practice. I can use a simple query to get the raw data then start to transform it.

However, not all of my projects at work have room for an Alteryx step in them. I'm looking to convert or see the script my workflow is running to something resembling SQL. This would be a huge help when trying to write the SQL I'll eventually have to use on certain projects.

I understand it wouldn't be 1:1. I couldn't just plug & play but it would be a great resource.

Is there a way to export or view the underlying procedures a Workflow is running?

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Accepted answers

MattD

Hey ChrisT!

The easiest way would be to use In-Database (DB) tools to build your workflow (if you have a supported database) and to output the SQL query those tools generate.

Similarly to how you can Data Stream Out your records resulting from your In-DB operations, you can use the Dynamic Output In-DB Tool to output things like your connection name, data source, xml, and the SQL query that your In-DB operations would generate (up until that point in the workflow):

In this example I simply counted the unique Manager IDs from the table with the Summarize In-DB tool – you can see the SQL query does the same.

If you could set up a testing/temporary database connection to any one of those supported databases, you could emulate any one of your workflows using the In-DB tools and export the query that way.

Best of luck!

Matt D

All comments

MattD

Hey ChrisT!

The easiest way would be to use In-Database (DB) tools to build your workflow (if you have a supported database) and to output the SQL query those tools generate.

In this example I simply counted the unique Manager IDs from the table with the Summarize In-DB tool – you can see the SQL query does the same.

If you could set up a testing/temporary database connection to any one of those supported databases, you could emulate any one of your workflows using the In-DB tools and export the query that way.

Best of luck!

Matt D

nthgol

Hi Matt - a quick follow up:

For those looking to convert their flow to in-DB to use this functionality, is there a resource that shows you how to replicate some of the unavailable tools (eg Tile, etc) into in-DB formulas?

Thanks

Maria2

Hi @MattD, with this solution I can see my workflow in sql?

DanM

@Maria2,

You won't be able to "see" your workflow in SQL. The In-DB tools create a query that gets executed once all of the In-DB tools are configured and ran. In this particular post the user is wanting to use Alteryx to build the query and then use the query to execute against SQL. The Dynamic Output tool will give you that query. The In-DB tools create a temp table within your database upon execution to run the query and depending on how you have chosen to output the data the tools will then add your query to where ever you have chosen, then the temp table gets removed.

Here is some further information on the In-DB tools https://help.alteryx.com/current/In-DatabaseOverview.htm

DanM

Maria2

ok and some solution, where I can see my workflow in sql or visual studio?

DanM

@Maria2,

I am not sure what you are asking as you cannot see workflows in SQL or visual studios. Can you please give more details to what you are attempting to do?

Thanks

DanM

Maria2

Of course, I want to migrate my ETL Alteryx to Visual Studio.

DanM

@Maria2,

If your entire workflow is using In-DB tools, then you can get the query from the tools to use in SQL. I am not sure about Visual Studio, you would have to attempt. If you are using any tools other than In-DB tools, you will not be able to add that process into SQL.

DanM

Maria2

Can I generate in .net a dll to visualize my etl running in the visual studio?

DanM

@Maria2

I am not aware that a process like that would work. The Alteryx workflows and processes can only be run in Alteryx. This post only refers to building queries using Alteryx. Can I ask why you are attempting to run your Alteryx processes in other tools like Visual Query and not just run in Alteryx?

Maria2

I'm doing some tests with Visual Studio and Alteryx, that's why I'm doing this kind of thing. I will continue looking for the dll because yesterday I read it in an article but I lost the link.

lees

Hi MattD,

I'm new to Alteryx and am not familiar with the In-Database tools. I'm nervous that this could alter data in the actual SQL database, is that possible? Or does it simply pull the data from the database and analyze it?

Thanks!

thomas_vdb

Apart from the IN-DB tools, it's not really in Alteryx business model to ease your way out of Alteryx. The same would apply to R or any other integration. We let you use what you have, bring it in, but the other way round, well, you would not need Alteryx anymore.

And It's fine. That's how business works.

There is a resource however which you can use the other way around:

When Alteryx is marketing to developers, it shows that it is easier to use an Alteryx tool rather than a complex SQL query or T-SQL statement.

You just need to read it the otherway around. Check which tool you use, and what it is SQL equivalent to rebuild. That's also a good SQL training

https://www.alteryx.com/alteryx-sql

Hope this helps.

dora93

You do not need an in-db tool to do this. Simply select the output tool - then use SQL Server as your database, select your server, schema and press ok - then type a name for the permanent table you want to save to.

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