Selecting columns from imported data, based on a list of desired columns

Alteryx rookie here! Just started using the tool and am amazed at its power already!

I have a huge data set with over 500 columns, of which I only really need 30 or so for my analysis. Instead of using the select tool and manually scrolling through 500 fields to choose the 30 I need, I was wondering if there is a way to use a list of the 30 columns from a separate excel file, and then use this list in combination with the select tool.

This may be an easy question - forgive me! 🙂

Thanks!

Input

Accepted answers

All comments

andyuttley

Hi @mric

One method is to list the fields out that you'd want (e.g. in a text input); if you transpose your data, you can use a join as a 'select', where the middle of the join (field name to name, shown below) becomes the fields you want.

To get your data back to where you want you just need to cross tab back. Something along the lines of this (and attached):

Hope that helps

Andy

transposeCrossTab.yxzp

jrgo

@mric

A Union tool, I think, would fit the bill. There's an option that's often overlooked that will only output fields that existed in all the data streams connected into it.

Hope this helps!

Jimmy
Teknion Data Solutions

mric

Thanks very much Jimmy! Appreciate the quick reply. Wishing you a productive week!

mric

Thanks a lot Andy for this analysis and workflow. Happy Monday!

philipmannering

I'd use the dynamic tools to do this,

Select Columns from List.yxmd

philipmannering

Does it always start with "Debit from"? If so, then it's easy enough to use the Dynamic Select Tool with a formula `Startswith([Name], 'Debit from')`

Either way, you'll need some logic to identify the columns you want to keep to automate it, right?

Quick Links

This months top contributors

atcodedog05 19598

Qiu 15878

binu_acs 15708

MarqueeCrew 13708

apathetichell 13703