Sort columns dynamically with the select tool

[Felipe_Ribeir0]

Problem: In certain workflows, it becomes necessary to arrange columns in a specific order for the output. While achieving the desired order for a fixed number of columns is feasible using the select tool, difficulties arise when dealing with dynamic outputs that introduce new columns during each workflow run.

Example: Consider the following scenario: the INPUT data for the select tool includes a set of Question/Answer columns. However, with every run of the workflow, new columns of this type are introduced. The challenge is to ensure that Question N and Answer N columns are grouped together in the OUTPUT dynamically. Unfortunately, this task is not easily accomplished using the current capabilities of Alteryx.

INPUT:

Company	Question 1	Question 2	Question 3	Answer 1	Answer 2	Answer 3
Contoso	Blah	Bleh	Bly	N	Y	N

DESIRED OUTPUT:

Company	Question 1	Answer 1	Question 2	Answer 2	Question 3	Answer 3
Contoso	Blah	N	Bleh	Y	Bly	N

With Python/Pandas, this problem can be easily resolved by assigning index values to each column and then sorting the columns based on the assigned index:

So, based on the Python solution, if Alteryx could do the same, it would be great. I personally think that if the Dynamic Rename tool could held the Index Info, and the select tool could also held the Sort option, this would work.

Dynamic Rename: Already can hold Description info, could hold Index Info.

Select tool: Could sort by index and hold this info when the workflow is saved.

Hope this all make sense.

Thanks.

[spatiha]

I do not see Sort on Index option at all

[Felipe_Ribeir0]

Hi @spatiha 

I made this image with microsoft paint to represent the idea, sorry if this was not clear.