How to rename columns in an efficient way.

[AnaLG]

Hi, 

I have a dataset with different column I want to rename based on a universal naming convention. I tried to do what was indicated in one solution to a similar problem and I don't know what I am getting wrong, but it is not working, as it is not changing the name of my columns. The following is what I did:

• I created a Reference table in Excel that contains two columns: one for the original names and another one for the corresponding default names (the universal ones).
• Use the Join tool to join your input data with a reference table.
• Configure the Join tool to perform a Left Join, so that all records from your input data are included.

The aforementioned did not work. So, instead I did this:

• Added a ‘Dynamic Rename’ node, that is going to check the way fields are written, and rename them.  This is simpler but not efficient as I will have to write all the possibilities that columns might be called.

So, would anyone be able to assist and tell me what I am doing wrong/missing in the first solution and why is not renaming anything for me?

Thanks so much in advance!!!

[alexnajm · Accepted solution]

Couldn't you use the Dynamic Rename tool to rename by "Take Field Names from Right Input Rows"?  Dynamic Rename Tool (alteryx.com)

[AnaLG]

Hi @alexnajm. That seems to be working perfectly! Thanks a million.

[MWoelfels]

Hi all, hi Alexnajm, 

sorry for entering an already solved case. However, while adopting your solution another question came up and I do need some help.

I have inputs including a date in the file name, say "20240906" for YYYYMMDD. During import, I chose the import filename, extracted the Year month in a new field [Extracted Date] and played a little with cross tab / transpose to get "202409" either as a column or a value. Also, this input file contains colums such as "Name", "Amount", "Number".

What I need to do is to dynamically add the extracted date as a suffix after the field names. Result should be "Name 202409", "Amount 202409" and "Number 202409".

Using "dynamic rename" and "Add suffix" only allows to enter a static value followed by my decision to add this value as a prefix or suffix. But I need to enter the value dynamically, here dependent on the date in the filename.

Your soluting with "Take Field Names from Right Input Rows" sounds great, however I struggled to implement a proper solution.

Even with using cross tab for the FileName/extracted date and trying to use a multi-row formula creating new values with "[Name] + [Exctracted Date]" and then transpose it as my final columns failed.

Any suggestions on dynamic suffixes?

Thank you in advance,

Michael

[alexnajm]

Hi @MWoelfels, it is better to start a new thread so other Alteryx users can be notified of your question and keep this thread related to the original question. Thank you!