Output Tool and Delimiters for .CSV file & Input Data tool

[hlannguyen]

Hello Professionals,

Much appreciated to help me understand a couple questions below:

1/ Output tool: how different setups for the two attached questions. The solutions checked the same box and selected the same Field Agency in the bottom left corner? What the output files look like (both the file links and the file names) between these two questions? On my end, when running, looks like Alteryx messed up all the outputs, so I'm confused. Any clear explanations to make me understand is much appreciated.

2/ Running the Output the 1st time (write new) successfully without an error. Haven't changed anything but run the Output the 2nd time, the output shows an error. How to fix this error?

3/ What is the delimiter for the CSV input file? Is it a dot or a comma? Does the Text Input have any delimiters? If yes, what is it? Any instruction to help me learn more about Alteryx is much thankful.

4/ What tools in Preparation can save the string/expression data?

Thank you,

[caltang · Accepted solution]

These look like SparkED / Academy materials - they're basically teaching you how to output to multiple files, multiple sheets, multiple sheets in multiple files, and having to delimit your output as well. 

I would say - you can split each section out and run them one by one to learn more effectively. 

Before anything else, I think you should go through this KB article first: https://knowledge.alteryx.com/index/s/article/Output-to-multiple-sheets-within-an-Excel-file-1583459... 

Try this and grasp the concept before going to the other points.

[hlannguyen]

Thank you @caltang for the link. May I ask how to split each section out? Does that mean save this .yxmd file in different names?

Regarding the SparkED / Academy materials, do you mean this link below? Or you indicate some other link that I don't know? Appreciate your help.

Getting Started Learning Path - Alteryx Community

Thank you,

[caltang · Accepted solution]

@hlannguyen I've made some changes for you so you can learn them better.

[caltang · Accepted solution]

Also, there was something on relative paths - check it out here: https://knowledge.alteryx.com/index/s/article/How-To-Use-Relative-Paths-1583459124006#:~:text=After%.... 

[hlannguyen]

Thank you so much @caltang for the Output updates and relative path. This really helps me learn.

I'm using your attached package. I have another question: The outputs 3, 4, & 7 keep saying "cannot find the path specified" though I went to check "Workflow Dependencies" and changed the path for No 7.

[caltang]

Great! Yes because if you look at the formula tool, I hard coded the path to my own computer. If you change the path to where you want, you should be able to run it. Check out the Formula tool and follow what I've done. That is the best way to learn! :)

[hlannguyen]

I saw your hard code in the Formula Tool. I was trying to figure out if there's some way to directly link the path from my computer, but all I saw is the list of the formulas to select from. No way to link the path from my computer. Do you know if Alteryx requires that we have to hard code the path in the Formula or there's a way to do it? I mean I saved the Output to my computer but still shows the error. That means no Output files generated for No 3, 4, & 7.

[caltang · Accepted solution]

You don't have to hard code it, I did it just to show you a different approach. Usually, if you hard code, you can dynamically change it with interface tools later. This allows the end user flexibility to decide where to save their files if you give them an analytic app or if you go on the Server later. But these are topics which are more advanced than your current workflow - so let's get back to that.

You can copy the path from your document folder you wish to save in and put the path in the formula tool. That I think is a better way - alternatively you can skip the hard coding part and use the Output tool as is, but you'll encounter some bumps especially with writing out many sheets, many files with many sheets, or even overwriting current sheets that may or may not exist.

[hlannguyen]

Thank you @caltang for this insight. Hope you are having a nice Sunday.

I was able to copy and paste the paths for No 3 & 4 (no error for No 3&4 output files & links). I did the same for No 7 but it keeps showing the error message. No 7 couldn't output to the .csv file. In my computer, it only shows No 7 is empty. Could you please review what I did incorrectly?

Because I wanted to keep your original file, I made a copy and named it to my name, and your original file name auto changed and added the word Copy. When I opened the copied file (changed to my name), Alteryx workflow only showed your original file name not the file name I copied and changed to my name. This's something brand new to me.

Thank you,