Difference between analytic applications and workflows

[AngelaO]

Question

What is the difference between applications and workflows?
 

Answer

An Alteryx Workflow (module, for you old-school folks) is the standard Alteryx file format.yxmd. Workflows are what you build and save when you drag and drop tools into Alteryx Designer. Note: the Workflow - Configuration Type is set to Standard Workflow.
 

Workflow = yxmd

An Alteryx Analytic App is "a self-contained program that performs a specific function for the user" and is saved as a .yxwz. It is an easy to use GUI interface for users. Apps can be opened and used without opening Alteryx Designer, simplifying the look and feel for the user. Apps and workflows are both built with Alteryx Designer, but Apps make use of Interface tools to create user interfaces. Apps can be processed inside of Alteryx Designer (click the wizard wand), in the Gallery, or as a stand-alone.

 

click the wizard wand to watch the magic!
 

For Analytic Apps, the Workflow - Configuration Type is set to Analytic App.
 

yxwz derives from wizardry

Be sure to check out our app building guidelinesfor information on how to build the best Alteryx Apps!

Attached isan example of a very simple app. (.yxwz extension)

Other Alteryx extensions:

* Workflow: .yxmd

* Package: .yxzp Click Options - Export Workflow, to export a workflow or app and other files required to run (input files, custom macros, etc.)

* Macro: .yxmc

* Database file: .yxdb:

[rajvivan11]

Just a quick question , Can we changed Underlying workflow of my analytic application once it is saved ?

[ScottG]

To @rajvivan11 :

Absolutely.  You can change the workflow once it is saved.  The changes get saved to the yxwz file or, if you are using Alteryx Server, then the changes get saved to the Alteryx Gallery, so users there will see your changes.

[zzzddd123]

What if a user doesn't have Alteryx installed at all,  can that user run any Alteryx analytic app?

[prabhatchawla]

I do have the same question. Does a user execute an app without Alteryx designer?

[Pultayap]

No cant open and run 

[ScottG]

Alteryx Analytic applications can be run by

• Double-clicking the YXWZ file in Windows File Explorer, on machines that have Alteryx Designer installed.  The App will run without launching Alteryx Designer's GUI.
• Opening the YXWZ in Alteryx Designer and then clicking the "Run as Analytic App" button.
• Within Alteryx Designer, choosing Options > Run Analytic Apps, clicking "External File" and Browsing to the YXWZ file, then clicking Run.
• Publishing the Analytic App to an Alteryx Server Gallery.  This does not require the user of the App to have Alteryx Designer installed; they do not need to know how to create Workflows in Designer, nor do they have to have a separate Alteryx license to run the App on private Galleries.  Examples of Alteryx Server would be:
  • The public Gallery at http://gallery.alteryx.com  (Note that this instance of Alteryx Server is public and not all capabilities may be used.  Further, you may not want to publish private data to a public server. Users of your Analytic App will need a Gallery Member license.)
  • Your own private Gallery.  (Remember that users of your Analytic App on your own private Alteryx Server Gallery need not have a separate license to run the App.)  
• Publishing the Analytic App to your own private Alteryx Analytics Hub.  This does not require the user of the App to have Alteryx Designer installed; they do not need to know how to create Workflows in Designer.  (Users of the Analytic App will either need a Hub Designer or a Hub User license.)