Sample In-DB Tool Sample through workflow

[asingh80]

Hello. 

Does the Sample In-DB tool draw repeated samples as its output is used at different points in a workflow? For example, if 'Sample In-DB' output is used input to two sub streams of work: Say 1) Formula and 2) Join, will the base sample chosen for both sets be the same or can be different?

I find that the sample chosen changes as the workflow proceeds along the two paths and would like to confirm if this is the case.

Thank you very much!

[MarqueeCrew · Accepted solution]

@asingh80,

As data is passed into a sample, I think of it as a select statement with a row count limit.  You can sort the incoming data so that if say you were looking at dates or customer id's the sort would get you the first N records.  Without the sort, if the select fetches "random" ordered data you could get varied results.

https://help.alteryx.com/11.3/index.htm#LockInSample.htm

So as your flow progresses and if you sort or filter your data, the sample will "change" as you described.

Cheers,

Mark

[asingh80]

Thanks @Mark. I tried the sort select and was able to stabilize the sample!