Write to File or Database - Value does not persist on the Gallery

Question

* I set the directory of an output file to a Network Share Drive to which I have access.
* The workflow executes successfully from my desktop.
* I Save the workflow to the Gallery with directory selected in "Manage workflow assets".
* When executing from the Gallery, the file/directory changes to _externals\1\

I want it to persist as I’ve defined it so that it will write the file to the Network Share from the Gallery.

The Gallery has permissions to write to the directory.

persist1.bmp

persist.bmp

danilang · Answer

Hi @RquanEvernorth

When you select an output file as an asset when exporting or saving to an Alteryx server, the file "filename.ext" is moved to  the path "_externals
\fllename.ext" where n is an integer generated by an internal algorithm.  Any Output tool that references this path is modified so the original path, i.e. "c:	emp\fllename.ext" becomes "_externals
\fllename.ext".  In general you should not include output files as assets when saving to a server, since they get written to a staging directory on the server which is erased after the workflow is finished.

This process can be used for both input and output asset files.  It's most useful when you have a Dynamic Input tool that uses a file as a template.  The template file will be replaced in the normal course of running the workflow, but it needs to be there or the workflow throws an error when saved.   When specifying that the file should be an asset, it's packaged up with the workflow in the "_externals" path and is always available.

Dan

RquanEvernorth · Answer

Thanks Dan.  This worked.  We use role based security and the account on the server executing the workflow has permissions to write to the network share.

For educational purposes, what is occurring with the server when I select the output as an asset?

Best Regards.

RQ

NikyN · Answer

Hi @danilang,

Yes you are totally right! I do not know why, I was thinking we are talking about OneDrive outputs. My bad!

Thank you

Enjoy Sunday

Best Luck!

Niky