Cloud Quest #29: Server Log Analysis - Consecutive Error Tracking

[AYXAcademy]

Hi Community,

We posted the solution JSON file to Cloud Quest #28. Check it out and let us know what you think! Send suggestions to academy@alteryx.com or leave a comment below!

Let’s dive into this week's quest!

1. Download the provided JSON file containing your starting data and workflow files.
2. Upload the provided Cloud Quest 28 Start.json file into your Analytics Cloud library.
3. All necessary datasets are contained within Text Input tools in the workflow.

For more detailed instructions on how to import and export Designer Cloud workflow files, check out the pinned article Cloud Quest Submission Process Update.

Scenario:

You are given a sample server log dataset containing timestamps and messages.

Your task is to:

• Identify error messages and extract their 3-digit error codes.
• Calculate the number of consecutive errors for each error entry. Consecutive errors are those occurring without any non-error messages in between.

Solve this problem with as few tools as possible. 

Hint: Practice using RegEx functions in the Formula tool.

Spoiler

A combination of the Filter, Select, Multi-Row Formula, and Formula tool should solve your problem, but not necessarily in this sequence.

If you find yourself struggling with any of the tasks, feel free to explore these interactive lessons in Alteryx Academy for guidance:

• Getting Started with Designer Cloud
• Building Connections in Designer Cloud
• Building Your Workflow in Designer Cloud

Once you have completed your quest, go back to your Analytics Cloud library.

• Download your workflow solution file.
• Include your JSON file and a screenshot of your workflow as attachments to your comment.

Here’s to a successful quest!

Download Start File | Download Solution File

[ggruccio]

Used 4 tools

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Thought about how to do in Formula Tool but not sure I know how to Parse.

[Carolyn]

Solved! I have 3 tools plus a Select. The Select is just to remove the initial, unparsed column, to match with the answer's columns. I'll need a ruling from everyone else if this counts as 3 or 4 tools :)

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[JeffF]

Three tools plus a Select to remove the original column, so four tools.

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[Qiu]

It is fun one

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[JeffF]

Since the hint said to use Regex, I redid it without using Regex. It might be a three tool solution.

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The Select tool renames the original field and changes it to a DataTime, but if we're allowed to rename the field in the Text Input tool, which I didn't do, and are fine with the timestamp as a string, it's three tools.

[alexnajm]

Fun one! Always love a RegEx problem

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[AkimasaKajitani]

My solution!

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[RWvanLeeuwen]

Two tools are essential to answer the questions

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Formula / Regex combined with MultiRow - edit to add that I would recommend against combining these two steps into one convoluted MultiRow

But if the outputs must match, then you will need another two tools

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Filter to keep rows with errors, and Select to drop the original field

Here's my minimal take based off of the functionality that is requested

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[patrick_digan]

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