Dynamically Rename Output File that Exists

[caltang]

Hi there, 

This is my use case:

Let's assume TestOutput_19092023 already exists in a fixed folder somewhere in my PC. 

My Input file changes every single day. 

Now, my output file should ideally be updated every day I run this. I am trying to reduce manual work by renaming the output file each run before I run my Workflow on Alteryx.

Is there a way to run the workflow referencing the existing output file, then rename it dynamically to the date which I want it to be renamed to? (More flexible).

Thanks!

[Peachyco · Accepted solution]

In my Windows environment, I can accomplish this by using the REN command with the Run Command Tool. You might have to look for the equivalent command if you're using a different environment.

[ChrisTX]

A few posts that may help:

How to: Dynamically rename output files
https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Knowledge-Base/How-to-Guide-to-dynamically-renaming-output-...

Saving an Excel File with Today's Date

Community > Designer > Browse Knowledge > Saving an Excel File with Today's Date

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Knowledge-Base/Saving-an-Excel-File-with-Today-s-Date/tac-p...

Use BAT file to rename folder or file:
https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Discussions/Using-Run-Command-to-Move-files/td-p/8...

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Discussions/Input-File-AUDIT-Issue/td-p/452077

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Discussions/Run-Command-with-self-delete-element-n...

Chris

[caltang]

Interesting! Can you share how we can accomplish this in Alteryx with the Run Command tool?

[caltang]

Thanks @ChrisTX for the links! But they do not really answer my need - I'll bookmark it for future referencing when I find a relatable use case.

[caltang · Accepted solution]

@Peachyco your solution works! Ren is what I need with Run Command.

Please refer to the great work of @DavidP from 2019: https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Desktop-Discussions/Renaming-files-at-system-level...

Also related: https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Desktop-Discussions/Rename-a-file-after-processing... 

[Peachyco · Accepted solution]

This is my workflow:

These are my parameters (i.e. my starting data):

This is my formula. Note the use of double quotes to account for the possible whitespace in the file paths and names:

 

This is how I'm concatenating with the Summarize Tool. This needs to happen because the line "exit 0" must be in a new line, after the Rename command. Note the separator character I'm using.

Next, I write the batch file. Here it's named "renamer.bat".

And finally, I execute the batch file thru the Run Command Tool. Because I wrote the .bat in the temporary folder, I have to reference that temporary folder here.

 

[caltang]

Much appreciated, thank you my friend @Peachyco !

[Shaaz]

how to avoid error in run command tool if there's no file present in a folder to rename.

[ChrisTX]

@Shaaz you could add a regular Filter tool in Alteryx before the Run Command tool, with Filter code like this:

IF FileExists(C:\Temp\Data\file.csv) THEN 1      

ELSE 0

ENDIF

//the "1" sends output through the True output anchor

Chris