assign a constant to multiple workflow. Use command line/ .bat file to assign constants

[Dylan777]

I usually configure my input and output directory with a constant

For example:

%my_constant_path%/specific_standard_path/file_name.csv

%my_constant_path% is the constant I assign. 

For each project, I am using like 10 of this standard workflow. Each project would use a different work directory, so I will have to assign a different value to this constant for each project.  

However, I don't want to configure 10 times for 10 workflows for each project. I wonder if I can assign the same value as the constant to all the workflow at once. I am researching on whether I write a script (maybe a .bat file) to assign a value to %my_constant_path% for multiple workflows all at once. These will also potentially help me with another improvement I have in mind.

I will try to avoid turning all my workflows into apps because each workflow is quite complicated and will need a lot of work to convert any workflow into an app. 

[ChrisTX · Accepted solution]

Within each workflow, you could paste (overwrite) the XML code to define all 10 of your constants at once. See screenshot.  You may need to set the user option to Display XML.

Or you could write a workflow to open each workflow YXMD file and update the XML (text) lines for constants.

Chris

[Dylan777]

Hello Chris,

I find your solution very interesting. Glad to know each workflow can be view as an XML code( this is new to me) and the constant can be assigned by overwriting the XML code. 

I especially like your idea of creating 1 workflow to update all the XML files. Can you be a little more specific on how can I accomplish this? 

Thank you

ordinary-but-trying-to-contribute-Dylan

[ChrisTX]

You can read in any YXMD file (or any XML or text file) using the Input Tool file format CSV.

Use \n as the delimiter, for new line.

Then use any Alteryx tool to manipulate any line within the file.  Assign record ids, cut out the lines between the text <Constants> and </Constants>.

Then replace those lines with your custom lines for constants.

Chris

[Dylan777]

Hello Chris,

I have not had a chance to actually finish testing your brilliant solutions yet. 

I am assuming that the spacing is not mattered for the XML code, because all the space are trimmed when inputting into alteryx. 

[ChrisTX]

If you're asking about spacing for indentation, no that shouldn't matter.

But I would try to keep the rest of the format the same as the original XML:

[Dylan777]

I try it. It works!

This is a very innovative and excellent solution! 

The only thing I want to add is make sure to set the field length(7) as a very big number like 9999999. 

[jrobiso2]

My Canvas area does not have that "XML" option.  Is there some way to enable it?

Using version 2020.2.3.27789

[ChrisTX]

The checkbox for "Display XML in Properties Window" is under this menu path:

Options > User Settings > Edit User Settings > Advanced (tab at the top)

Chris

[jrobiso2]

YAhoo!!!!

Strange add-on to the question . . . can I set a User constant to a value of another constant, such as "%Engine.WorkingDirectory%\ExtraFolder" ?