Accepting Inputs of Different file extension formats

[surajmthomas]

The input for my workflow is an excel file which is downloaded from an external system.

Sometimes, the excel file comes with the extension of .xls and sometimes it comes with .xlsx 

Is there a way in Alteryx where the workflow accepts and runs the excel file as input irrespective of the file extension. That is, the workflow should accept and run if the input is "Input.xls" or if the input is "Input.xlsx"

[Qiu]

@surajmthomas 

Maybe we can use a directory tool, if your file is the only one in that the folder or having some unique naming.

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Discussions/Multiple-file-specifications-in-direct...

[apathetichell]

.xls and .xlsx are different alteryx formats (8 and 25 if memory serves me but I may be off)... You can do what you want but it requires a batch macro and two action tools to update your input data:

1) modifies file/sheet name

2) sets the file type option depending upon if it's .xls or .xlsx

[CharlieS]

I recommend building a batch macro where the control parameter is the file path you'd like to open. Then actions tools will open different tools/containers to open the file as appropriate (maybe one for .xls and another for .xlsx). 

Does that make sense?

[atcodedog05]

Hi @surajmthomas,

This weekly challenge usecase is similar to your usecase. You can give it a look.

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Weekly-Challenge/Challenge-180-Thousand-File-Challenge/td-p/461356

[apathetichell]

Is there a potential for multi-sheet .xls files??? If so this is going to go towards R and Python fast.

[apathetichell]

this might work for you - depending upon how your R works...