Identify where joined column comes from

wonka1234

Hi all,

Is there a way to rename columns or add a prefix of the filename to the column?

I am doing a join and would like a better way to identify where the column comes from other then "left" or right".

ie I'd like to rename, [File1]_Person or [File2]_Person

Any help would be appreciated.

Custom Tools

Accepted answers

JosephSerpis

Hi @wonka1234 its hard to tell from the screenshot and not having the workflow however the formula tool for the Right columns I ensure have Right_ infront the columns names.

This means that the union has two fields Name that will match up from the results of the Join tool when it adds Right_ and the Replacement column which I use in the dynamic rename tool.

All comments

JosephSerpis

Hi @wonka1234 you can via option in the join configuration or you enter the value you want in the Rename column. However you wouldnt be able to dynamically add the filename within the Join tool. You could however build out some logic using the dynamic rename tool though.

wonka1234

How can I make this dynamic to pickup the file name used?

AkimasaKajitani

Hi @wonka1234

You can also use the Dynamic Rename tool.

Using this tool, you can add Prefix/Suffix to the field names.

If you put into Dynamic Rename tool before join tool, it will work well.

Luke_C

Hi @wonka1234

Like @AkimasaKajitani said, dynamic rename will be your friend.

If you read in the file name as a field, you can dynamically fetch it and use it like below. The standard functionality makes you hardcode a prefix, so this will be dynamic if your files change.

Use field info tool to get field names
Isolate file name and append to the field info data
Create a new field name
Use dynamic rename to update fields

New Workflow4.yxmd

AkimasaKajitani

I made other solution, but similar to @Luke_C 's solution.

We can get the file path from "Source" field by Field Info tool.

I use this information. So my solution is as follows.

DynamicRename_fromFile.yxzp

JosephSerpis

Hi @wonka1234 I came up with an approach which will rename all the fields after the join with the file name. Let me know what you think?

Column_Names_11032022.yxzp

wonka1234

@Luke_C Hi Luke, how did you get file name in your "input" file though? I do not have this.

Luke_C

Hi @wonka1234

What kind of input are you using? Most files will allow this:

Luke_C

@wonka1234 Open with notepad and update to your version. Should work after that.

wonka1234

@Luke_C I have two summaries, now need to append it from both sides.

Luke_C

Hi @wonka1234

You have a lot of great solutions in this thread, take a look and try applying them to your situation. That's the best way to learn! If you run into specific issues we can help.

wonka1234

@JosephSerpis Hi Joseph,

When i try recreating im only getting one set of the col names renamed:

I am unioning both:

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