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Autosize string field size without auto data type

I have a process where I output data to a database each week.  Because the database fields have a pre-defined/expected data type, I must maintain that same data type in my workflow.  However, I would still like Alteryx to determine the max size of the fields for string fields.  The Auto Field tool does both, and sometimes it might change the data type of a field based on the records being passed at the time.

 

The reason is because the output to the target database is fastest when you make the string field sizes as small as possible.  So, hard-coding the field sizes has inherent inefficiencies.

4 Comments
suli
9 - Comet
+1 in autofield many ID's get changed to double and later cannot use Find and Replace. This tool would be handy, many cases just want to reduce default size of data.
SeanAdams
17 - Castor
17 - Castor

Hey @nsmith293

 

If you define your string types to be variable length strings in Alteryx - where the max size is the same as the max size on the database column - would that solve your issue?

That way you'll get a conversion error if you have a string that is too big (which is very helpful) and also because it's a variable length string in Alteryx there won't be an overhead of keeping unused space.

 

 

Community_Admin
Alteryx
Alteryx
Status changed to: Inactive
 
Community_Admin
Alteryx
Alteryx

The status of this idea has been changed to 'Inactive'. This status indicates that:

 

1. The idea has not had activity in the form of likes or comments in over a year.

2. The idea has not reached ten likes.

3. The idea is still in the 'New Idea' status. 

 

However, this doesn't mean your idea won't be implemented! The Community can still like and comment on this idea. With enough renewed interest, this idea can be brought back into the 'New Idea' status. 

 

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