Alteryx Server Knowledge Base
Definitive answers from Server experts.How to Run In-db Workflows on Server Without Using a Connection File
Prerequisites
- Alteryx Designer and Alteryx Server
- Supported databases with the appropriate driver installed on both the user workstation and the Alteryx Server machine
Some users prefer to not use a connection file (.indbc) due to security concerns but still want to leverage In-DB tools on server.
The process detailed below will need to be repeated on the server machine and any user who plans to author workflows that leverage the In-DB tools with the plan to upload the workflow to Alteryx Server.
Step 1 - Set up the DSN or create the DSN-less connection string
Before configuring In-DB connections, either a DSN will need to be added on both the Server node(s) and user machines OR a DSN-less connection string will need to be written.
- Instructions on how to create a DSN: Click here
- Difference between DSN and DSN-less connections: Click here
- Resource for writing a connection string: Click here
Step 2 - Create a System In-DB Connection in Designer
Note: The below steps should be taken on all Server nodes that are configured as Workers. Failure to do this will result is errors when a workflow that uses an in-db connection runs on the worker that has not been configured.
On the server machine, open Designer and go to Options > Advanced Options > Manage In-DB Connections.
This brings up the Manage In-DB Connections screen.
Create a System connection type and configure the connection following the directions in this link.
If the option to choose System is not available, close Designer, right-click on the Designer icon, and choose 'Run as Administrator'.
Take note of the name chosen for the connection as it will need to be used for any In-DB connections created on the user machines and on the Server. It is best practice to use the same driver and DSN/connection string details for each machine.
Note: All In-DB connections on the Server must be a System type connection.
Additionally, DSNs (if applicable) should also be a System DSN.
Step 3 - Repeat on all Server nodes configured as Workers (in a multi-node environment)
Repeat the process on the Designer for any user who intends to author and publish workflows utilizing In-DB tools. It is essential that the name in the user's Designer In-DB connection matches the Server's In-DB connection exactly.
If in a multi-node environment, the process will also need to be repeated on each worker node.
Once matching In-DB connections are made on all machines (server machine, worker nodes, and user workstations), workflows using In-DB connections can be published to and run on the Gallery.
Additional Resources
