Difference between Batch Macro & Join

[Kartik21]

Can anyone please tell me how Batch macro is better than Join function, knowing that Batch macro will simply remove the uncommon part from the ultimate output?

[JosephSerpis]

A batch macro is very simular to a Union tool in the Join category. However in the Union tool in the configuration you can change the configration to output only common fields from the data from the typically multiple sources when using a Union tool. The batch macro is great for scenerios when you want the same process multiple times for batches. A typically usecase for a batch macro is to combine multiple files dynmically. While a union can combine multiple files you would have to add a Input data tool for each file which over a certain number becomes a challenge and is not dynamic if your files expand or contract for various reasons.