Outputting multiple files from an app

Question

Hi!

I am about to publish an app to a server that will create three files as outputs but one of those files could be created a large number of times.  I have configured the one Output Data tool and two Render tools to point to a particular placeholder file that is already in place.  Where the one file is to be created a large number of times, it will be suffixed by data within the data.

However, on testing it, the 'Finished' screen requires the user to individually download each file and no files are actually saved in the specified file locations.

Does anyone have any suggestions on why this is the case?

Thanks

Chris

Example.png

patrick_mcauliffe · Answer

The location '_externals\2' is a relative path used in the packaging of the workflow.

It's like if you were to create a zip file containing your workflow and added folders for examples of the outputs within the zip file - that's where _externals exists.  It's just a working directory.

When you look at the assets window, does it have the drive letter listed for all of the files or does it look like this where it starts with just the folder?

And then if you are in the workflow and go to Options -> Advanced Options -> Workflow Dependencies does it list the ProgramData as the file location?

If it does, then change the output path back to the correct location and go through the save process making sure that any asset with (OUTPUT) in front of it is unchecked.

I just walked through this on my server and it exactly replicated and solved the issue you're facing.

If that still doesn't work for you, send me a private message.  It's likely a setting on your machine.

ChrisPayne153 · Answer

Hi Patrick

I am saving to the Gallery from the Desktop.  If i uncheck each output as an asset, I receive errors (FileResourceHandler::EnsureBaseDirExists: Cannot create target directory...) but if i leave them as checked, each output path is altered with one example being '_externals\2\Reconciliation - .xlsx'.

I have used the UNC and there was no difference i.e. it still did output the files in the specified folder.

I am hopeful that the 'externals\2' may be a clue as i have read quite a few posts on this but am yet to find a solution.  Do you have any thoughts?

Thanks

Chris

patrick_mcauliffe · Answer

Are you uploading a packaged workflow or saving to the Gallery from the Desktop?

If you're saving from Desktop check out the options when you save as for "workflow assets".

Same thing when you're exporting the package.

The output files shouldn't be checked as an asset.

You can still make this work in a VM.  Just make sure you have a known path to work with that will exist on the VM.