Alteryx issue - Field types changing

[berty]

Hello,

Anyone come across an issue where field types keeps changing automatically from string to double for no reason at all? 

Even though my source file is accurate and properly formatted, after splitting the data using a macro and ensuring the field is set to string with a formula tool, all the select tools display the correct field type. However, after I split the files and to convert XML code using the Dynamic Input tool for processing multiple files, I encounter an error because the Input Data Source Template does not match the field types in the recently split files.

The template i'm using is the same as the recently spit files - any ideas on what i can do or what else can i look at? 

thanks

B

[apathetichell]

use a batch macro -not dynamic input. convert in a multi-field formula - not a select tool.

[caltang]

Supplementing @apathetichell 's point, you can refer here for the input batch macro: https://knowledge.alteryx.com/index/s/article/The-Ultimate-Input-Data-Flowchart-1583459854309 

If you want to force it, you can affix dummy data via a Text Input Tool and use either Select or Multi-Field Tool to convert it to a forced V_WString, then union it with your data then filter it out, it'll force it to be a V_WString or the data type of your choice before your transformation process.

[apathetichell]

I'd strongly recommend using multi-field formula - and perhaps flagging potential name changes to your fields - vs a select tool. I've seen a select tool's field changes be less sticky.