Input Data Tool

Question

Is there a way within the Input Data tool to grab the most current version of file I am connecting to? The file I am connecting to is updated once a week and the filename has the date included, so the filename changes every week.

filename_2020-06-22.csv

filename_2020-06-15.csv

filename_2020-06-08.csv

I could write another file and call it filename_TODAY.csv but I was curious if the above request was possible.

fmvizcaino · Accepted Answer

Hi @cstafford ,

Yes, you can do that by using the directory + dynamic input tool. I'm attaching here an example where we can also open dynamic sheets inside all excel files. The idea is pretty much the same

Best,

Fernando Vizcaino

smoskowitz · Accepted Answer

You can use the directory tool to look at the list of files and then the sample tool to take the most recent file, Make sure you select the first N rows and change the N= to 1. Group by Date Created.

PhilippK · Accepted Answer

Hi @cstafford

yes this is possible - here is a great official Knowledge Base article:

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Knowledge-Base/How-to-dynamically-run-the-most-recent-file-in-a-file-folder/ta-p/24204

Best regards

Phil