Add File Creation Date as Column From Directory Input.

abdulib

Hi All,

I am trying to build an archive of data files in several sub-folders of in one master folder. The files are a total of 70+ files each with average rows of 20k and most of the files have the same name as they were generated by the same cloud system. It is a database of customer lead scores over a period of time so the most of the file entries are duplicates. The only thing we can use to differentiate them are the dates the files where created/generated from the cloud. I have so far been able to merge the all the files from all sub-folders in into a single database file using a batch macro. But in other to differentiate them each entry int the mater file, I need to add the file creation date, which is not a column in each file. Any ideas on how i can do this? 

Thank you.

andyuttley

No problem. 

Assuming your control parameter is just feeding a list of file paths, you could instead retrieve these paths from the Directory tool, as this will give you the extra info you need, such as [Creation Time] (and others).

You can then maintain this information once you've brought the actual data in (example below I'm using a Dynamic Input): 

Note that I've just used a select records tool (of 1 row) to replicate what would be your batch macro. 

There's also a great demo provided in your Alteryx Designer if you want to see some additional examples, just go to: Help -> Sample Workflows -> Learn One Tool at a Time -> Developer -> Dynamic Input 

Hope that helps

Andy 

Directory+DynamicInput.yxzp