How to Still Output a File, Even If a Query Returns Zero Results

[RonGatmaitan]

Hello,

Pretty self-explanatory, based on the title.

I have a workflow that queries from a database (In-Database tool), processes the data, and then uploads it via Amazon S3 Upload tool. The client expects a file, whether there is data processed or not. Problem is, Alteryx's default is usually not to output anything, when there is no data. Is there a simple way around this?

Thank you!

[Felipe_Ribeir0]

Hi @RonGatmaitan 

You could add a null data row with text input tool+union tool to the dataset. I think that it would solve your issue.

[IraWatt · Accepted solution]

Hey @RonGatmaitan,

Interesting question, when I try this even with zero records a file is still wrote to S3:

[RonGatmaitan]

Hi @Felipe_Ribeir0, will look into this. :)

Hi @IraWatt, even if it said 0 records were written? Did you check the AWS Bucket if I file was written?

[RonGatmaitan]

Hi @Felipe_Ribeir0, not sure if I can add a null data row. Should only be uploading the headers. Is there an if-then tool?

[IraWatt]

@RonGatmaitan yeah you can see the S3 input tool below. My DB just outputted one header with no records, and it wrote to S3. When i input the data, I just get the header with no records. 

[RonGatmaitan]

Hi @IraWatt, 

Oh, yes, it did work!

Here where, I realized, the problem was.

The parameter being passed as filename to the macro which contains the AWS Upload is also dependent on the script. The script doesn't return a value, the workflow doesn't pass a parameter.

Here's what I did, instead.

This way, even if the query doesn't return a value, the parameter still generates a file name.

Thank you very much for your valuable insight! Accepting your answer as solution.