Autofield tool makes filesize bigger?

Question

So I'm was/still assuming that when you use autofield the filesize of an yxdb file should be lowered.

then I've got an interesting case:

i've got a file created and want to use autofield to reduce the filesize some more. but when I opende the file explorer it gained data instead of losing it.

this should not be normal behavior? right?

IraWatt · Answer

I made a quick workflow to compare the two. 59 columns changed, all the strings sizes have been reduced. The only thing being some columns have been changed from string to doubles Im not sure if this could have increased the memory usage.

Possibly could raise this with Alteryx support Support - Alteryx Community

Workflow.yxmd

MartWClimber · Answer

@IraWatt, thx for letting me know about the field info tool. really handy tool to know about :)

the column names have been anonymized

i've attched a csv with my findings.

tmp.csv

IraWatt · Answer

Hey @MartWClimber,

Yes the auto field should reduce the data size. It would be very interesting to use the Field Into tool on both files to see what has changed in terms of columns, data types and sizes.