Run a python script in Alteryx

So, this should be fairly straightforward, but for the life of me I cannot figure it out. I have a Python script and I would like to run it in Alteryx. So I am using the command tool, telling it to run cmd.exe, I am attaching my script in the command arguments box and in the read results box I have added the file to which it should write.

Yet when I go and run it, it opens up the command line box but nothing happens, it seems that it is not picking up the argument and running it.

Any idea on what I am doing wrong?

Thank you!!!

Preparation

Accepted answers

michael_treadwell

The Run Command Tool options are a bit strangely worded so I will just walk through it in case this is your issue:

Write source will take whatever data is coming IN to the tool, that is the data stream that is attached to the input of the Run Command, and write it to the file or connection specified.

The point of this is to dump the data that is currently in Alteryx to a file so that your script can then read the file.

Under 'Run External Program Command:' for a Python script, your command should be Python.exe. If the directory where Python exists is in your system path variable, you can simply type Python.exe, otherwise you will have to give it the full path keeping in mind to quote the string if there are spaces (e.g. "Program Files")

In command argument, you will type the location of your Python script your_python_script.py (Alteryx's default working directory is the directory of the running module so if is easiest to keep your script nearby and simply type "your_python_script.py" instead of the full path) and any - or -- options necessary. Remember to quote this string.

The default working directory for Alteryx is the directory of the running module unlesss set otherwise.

Your Python script should then write to a fileat the end of it's processing.

The Read Results should point to the file written by your Python script. This way, Alteryx can read back in the data that was procesed by the external command.

Clear as mud?

I actually just published a blog that, while not specifically on this topic, does show a couple of different examples of using the Run Command Tool to run an Rscript. This will be very similar to your setup.

https://www.interworks.com/blog/mtreadwell/2016/01/12/speed-your-analysis-alteryx-using-r-and-sqlite

All comments

s_pichaipillai

Hi damiana,

were you able to run the same in the command line (not by Alteryx)

or can you post your module , wanted to see your workflow to check you are passing arguments correctly :-)

--Saravanan

michael_treadwell

The Run Command Tool options are a bit strangely worded so I will just walk through it in case this is your issue:

Write source will take whatever data is coming IN to the tool, that is the data stream that is attached to the input of the Run Command, and write it to the file or connection specified.

The point of this is to dump the data that is currently in Alteryx to a file so that your script can then read the file.

The default working directory for Alteryx is the directory of the running module unlesss set otherwise.

Your Python script should then write to a fileat the end of it's processing.

The Read Results should point to the file written by your Python script. This way, Alteryx can read back in the data that was procesed by the external command.

Clear as mud?

https://www.interworks.com/blog/mtreadwell/2016/01/12/speed-your-analysis-alteryx-using-r-and-sqlite

damiana_spadafora

Michael thank you very much, especially for taking the time to write the instructions in an **bleep**-proof way

It would seem that it is processing the script now, but it runs with error. It just says "The external program Python.exe returned an error code:2"

Any idea on why that might happen?

Otherwise no issues, the help you provided was already brilliant on its own!

Philip

What I needed, just when I needed it. Robot Happy Thank you!

nabegh

Hi Michael, Alteryx is giving me an error that the Read Results file does not exist. The Read Results is what the external command will generate and send back to Alteryx, right? Which menas that in most cases this file will not exist prior to the execution of the command. I appreciate your help

Cassie_DeWitt

Hello, I am attempting to run python in Alteryx and wanted to find out what version of Python you used or would recommend?

jcardoso

Is it possible to do the other way around? Run an Alteryx workflow within a Python script?

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