How to store a string that looks like a number in aText Input tool without losing any info

[mrc482]

Hi,

My problem is that I would like to store some data in a Text input tool which for alteryx looks like a number but I want it to be a string. However when I convert it to a string with a select tool, I lost numbers after the dot. Alteryx is rounding them as it looks like a number.

Example of what I want to store in a Text Input

Account

2.1

2.1112

2.0

2.130

2.13

5.50

Alteryx Output: 

Account

2.1

2.1112

2

2.13

2.13

5.5

I want to store it in a Text Input as this is a mapping table that will be updated by users, so  I want it to be easy for them to update. The numbers stored in a table are account numbers therefore 2.13 and 2.130 are different accounts and I want this information to stay like this. Is there a solution for this? 

[mceleavey · Accepted solution]

Hi @mrc482 ,

The quickest way to do this, and it's a neat trick, is to simply add a another row in the first position with a string character:

This will force a string type in the text input tool.

You can then simply use a sample tool to skip the first 1 record.

I hope this helps,

M.

[mrc482]

Awesome! Thanks @mceleavey !