API Output tool usage

[AbhilashR]

Hello Everyone,

I have been looking at the API Output tool for a couple of days now, and have generally struggled to wrap my head around its usage. I did look at this community link but can't quite understand where would I need it: https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Dev-Space/API-OUTPUT-TOOL/td-p/79520

Is there anyone among us who has used it? If yes, I request you to share your insights on what role is it playing for you. Also, how does this tool benefit if it is part of a workflow published to the Gallery.

I almost feel the need for a dedicated Tool Mastery page on this tool.

[danilang · Accepted solution]

Hi @AbhilashR 

What the API Output tool does is take the data available at any point in the workflow and push it to the results window. 

This dataset 

become this in the results window

This is isn't really useful when running in Designer since you can always look at the results yourself.  Where the tool really shines is when you use it in conjunction with the Gallery API, specifically the GET /admin/v1/workflows/jobs/ verb.  This returns some job metadata followed the contents of the results window.  By pushing data into the results using the API Output tool, you can add info to show the state of the data at that point when the job is executed on the gallery.

Dan 

[AbhilashR]

That was insightful, thanks @danilang!