Partially run the workflow

[rprashar]

We have to run the full workflow at a time, if you can please think of something like partial running of the workflow and also while designing the flow if we add new tools, we have to run the entire flow again. 
Why can't it hold the intermediate data to avoid re-running the entire code.

[dynamicsnail]

I agree, as this also frustrated me when I first started with Alteryx. However, I've found a couple items since which have been very helpful:

1) You can use containers to control which parts of the workflow run.

2a) While 'caching' data at the inputs can speed up reprocessing, there is also a good macro available here: https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Engine-Works-Blog/The-Cache-Dataset-V2-Macro/ba-p/18608

2b) And you can support the official tool addition here: https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Product-Ideas/Cache-tool/idi-p/1369

[AlexKo]

Thanks for the idea @rprashar! We're releasing a version of caching in the upcoming 2018.3 release, which allows you to right-click on a tool in the workflow and create a cache temp file. Next time the workflow is run, it would start at that cache.

Stay tuned! Let us know what you think once you get a chance to play with this new feature.

[AlexKo]

Caching's live in 2018.3!

Please play with it and let us know what you think. If you could think of improvements we could make I'd love to hear about them.

[dynamicsnail]

Liking the new feature so far. However, it appears that if you want to create multiple cache points in a single workflow you have to "cache & run" them one at a time? Would be nice if we could ctrl+click to select multiple cache points simultaneously.

[AlexKo]

Thanks @dynamicsnail - this is a great idea and we'll definitely consider it as an enhancement to the feature.

[jpoz]

@dynamicsnail Just to update this, selecting multiple tools and caching them was implemented several releases ago.

[dynamicsnail]

Thanks for the heads-up @jpoz; we just upgraded to 2019.2 and this has been very helpful!

[NicoleJ]

We are thrilled we were able to sneak in this INCREDIBLY cool feature into our 25.1 release!! Partial Workflow Execution is definitely a game changer - you can now run your workflow just up until the tool you've selected, and only those tools needed to get there. Amazing for troubleshooting, iterative development, and all-around fun design-time workflow building tricks that you should definitely show all of your friends! Can't wait to hear what you think about this new functionality - a big win for a popular idea from so many of our Community members!!

Since this was such an exciting feature, we gave it its own blog article too - check this awesome post out to find out fun ways to use Partial Workflow Execution! Enjoy!!