The input & output tools

Welcome to another edition of Alteryx Snack, where we explore essential Alteryx tools in bite-sized reads. This week, we’re covering Alteryx’s In/Out tools—the foundation for importing, exporting, and previewing data within workflows. Perfect for anyone working with real-time data, file directories, or direct data input, these tools streamline your data processes so you can focus on the analysis.

1. Browse Tool

The Browse Tool is your go-to for visualizing and examining data within Alteryx. Simply attach it to the end of any tool or workflow branch to view the dataset in full. You’ll see the records, field types, metadata, and summaries, which help in debugging and understanding data flow.

• Key Features:

  • Offers a preview of the dataset without modifying it.

  • Shows field metadata and sample values.

  • Supports data profiling with field summaries like count, min/max, and null count.

The Browse Tool is especially helpful for reviewing output at each workflow stage, making it indispensable for validation.

2. DateTime Now Tool

The DateTime Now Tool provides the current date and time and appends it as a new field to your data. It’s commonly used to track data processing timestamps, crucial for time-sensitive workflows.

• Key Features:

  • Generates a timestamp field in either date, time, or datetime format.

  • Automates tracking for datasets requiring periodic updates.

For instance, you can add a timestamp to a dataset each time it’s processed to monitor refreshes.

3. Directory Tool

The Directory Tool is perfect for bulk file operations. It provides a list of files in a specified folder, making it ideal for batch processing, folder organization, and automated workflows.

• Key Features:

  • Extracts file paths, names, sizes, and other metadata from a folder.

  • Supports filtering by file type (e.g., CSV, XLSX, TXT).

  • Useful in batch workflows where multiple files need processing.

With this tool, you can dynamically load multiple files without manually inputting each file path, which saves time and ensures consistency across your datasets.

4. Input Data Tool

The Input Data Tool is a core tool for loading data into Alteryx from various sources, including CSV files, databases, and APIs. It’s versatile and can read most data types and formats, making it the most frequently used In/Out tool.

• Key Features:

  • Supports multiple data sources like databases, flat files, and APIs.

  • Allows filtering and selecting columns before import.

  • Provides live updates for data connection errors or issues.

Using the Input Data Tool, you can start building workflows directly from your data source, with the flexibility to add parameters for API calls or database queries.

5. Output Data Tool

The Output Data Tool saves or exports your data to the desired location or format after processing. Like the Input Data Tool, it supports a variety of formats, allowing seamless integration with other platforms and storage options.

• Key Features:

  • Exports data to formats like CSV, Excel, databases, or cloud platforms.

  • Offers overwrite, append, or create file options to control how data is saved.

  • Field type and format customization available for database exports.

This tool ensures your processed data is stored exactly where it’s needed, ready for sharing or further analysis.

6. Text Input Tool

The Text Input Tool allows you to input small, manual datasets directly into Alteryx. This is perfect for entering sample data, reference lists, or small tables directly into your workflow.

• Key Features:

  • Enables quick manual data entry in a spreadsheet-like format.

  • Accepts small datasets, lookup tables, or field names directly.

  • Useful for creating lookup tables without external files.

For instance, you can input a quick lookup table for product codes and descriptions to merge with another dataset, avoiding an additional file reference.

Comparison to Excel Data Handling

Excel also offers methods for handling similar data operations, such as importing data from different sources and displaying datasets. However, Alteryx’s In/Out tools offer a more structured and scalable approach, especially for larger datasets and complex workflows.

Alteryx’s tools are specifically designed for efficiency, large-scale processing, and integration with other platforms, making them more powerful and adaptable than Excel in handling complex data.

Common Use Cases for In/Out Tools

1. Data Logging with DateTime Now: Create a timestamp field for every data import or transformation, which is especially useful in ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) workflows.

2. Batch Processing with Directory Tool: Automatically import multiple files from a directory, ideal for monthly reports, or when handling data split across many files.

3. Manual Lookups with Text Input: Input small tables like currency conversion rates or product lookup tables to use as reference data for merging or updating other datasets.

Best Practices for Using In/Out Tools

• Automate Timestamps: Use DateTime Now for time-stamped records that allow you to track data processing and ensure that the data reflects the latest available.

• Check Directory Settings: For batch processes, make sure the Directory Tool filters for the correct file type. It can be easy to include irrelevant files if the directory is not filtered properly.

• Validate Inputs and Outputs: When using Input and Output tools, confirm field types to ensure they match downstream requirements, especially if connecting to a database where field types are strict.

Snack Pairing: Granola Bars

Granola bars are a convenient snack that provides long-lasting energy in a simple, compact form, much like how Alteryx’s In/Out tools provide simple and efficient ways to handle data input and output. A granola bar’s blend of oats, nuts, and dried fruit parallels the diverse functionality of these tools, each playing a role in sustaining a balanced data flow.

Conclusion

The In/Out tools in Alteryx are the foundation of any efficient data workflow. From basic data import and export to manual inputs and automated timestamping, these tools streamline data handling and ensure that you’re always working with reliable, well-structured data. Whether you’re batch processing, logging timestamps, or adding quick lookup tables, Alteryx’s In/Out tools provide the structure and flexibility needed to build a reliable data pipeline.

With the In/Out tools, you’re setting up your workflows for success, ensuring that data flows seamlessly from start to finish, all while retaining accuracy and ease of use. Grab a granola bar, and let’s get to work—these tools are the powerhouses that keep your data moving.