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Import Data Page

Through the Import Data page, you can upload datasets or select datasets from sources that are stored on connected datastores. From the Library for Data page, select Import Data.

ImportDatasetPage-AAC.png

Figure: Import Data page

General Limitations

Note

For file-based sources, Alteryx Analytics Cloud (AAC) expects that each row of data in the import file is terminated with a consistent newline character, including the last one in the file.

  • For single files lacking this final newline character, the final record may be dropped.

  • For multi-file imports lacking a newline in the final record of a file, this final record may be merged with the first one in the next file and then dropped in theTrifacta Photonrunning environment.

Note

An imported dataset requires about 15 rows to properly infer column data types and the row, if any, to use for column headers.

File and path limitations:

  • The colon character ( :) cannot appear in a filename or a file path.

  • Filenames cannot begin with special characters like dot ( .) or underscore( _).

  • Input file or table paths can have a maximum length of 1024 characters.

Basic Task

1. Connect to sources

During import, AAC identifies file formats based on the extension of the filename.

  • Compressed files are recognized and can be imported based on their file extensions.

  • Filenames that do not have an extension are treated as TXT files.

Upload: AAC can also load files from your local file system.

Tip

You can drag and drop files from your desktop to upload them.

Note

You can upload a file up to 1 GB in size.

Note

When you upload an updated version of a previously uploaded file, the new file is stored as a separate upload altogether. Where the imported dataset based on the previous version is used, you must swap out the old dataset to point to the new one.

Trifacta: If you have enabled Alteryx Data Storage (ADS) for your workspace, you can access files from ADS that you have uploaded to it. These files can become the source for creating your imported datasets.

Note

ADS can be enabled if it is not. For more information, see Configure Storage Environment.

See ADS Browser.

S3: If connected to an S3 instance, you can browse your S3 buckets to select source files.

Tip

For HDFS and S3, you can select folders, which selects each file within the directory as a separate dataset.

See External S3 Connections.

Redshift: If connected to an S3 data warehouse, you can import source from the connected database. See Amazon Redshift Connections.

Databases: If connected to a relational datastore, you can load tables or views from your database. See Database Browser.

Note

For long-loading relational sources, you can monitor progress through each stage of ingestion. After these sources are ingested, subsequent steps to import and wrangle the data may be faster.

For more information, see Overview of Job Monitoring.

For more information on the supported input formats, see Supported File Formats.

New/Edit: Click to create or edit a connection. By default, the displayed connections support import.

Search:Enter a search term to locate a specific connection.

See Create Connection Window.

2. Add datasets

When you have found your source directory or file:

  • You can hover over the name of a file to preview its contents.

    Note

    Preview may not be available for some sources, such as Parquet.

  • Click the Plus icon next to the directory or filename to add it as a dataset.

    Tip

    You can import multiple datasets at the same time. See below.

  • Excel files: Click the Plus icon next to the parent workbook to add all of the worksheets as a single dataset, or you can add individual sheets as individual datasets.

  • If custom SQL query is enabled, select Create Dataset with SQL to enter a customized SQL statement to pre-filter the table within the database to include only the rows and columns of interest.

    For more information, see Create Dataset with SQL.

If parameterization has been enabled, you can apply parameters to the source paths of your datasets to capture a wider set of sources. Select Create Dataset with Parameters. Go to Create Dataset with Parameters. To show hidden files or folders, select Show hidden.

Note

Hidden folder names begin with a dot (.) or underscore (_). In general, these folders are hidden for a reason. File structures may change without notice.

3. Configure selections

When a dataset has been selected, the following fields appear on the right side of the screen. Modify as needed:

  • Dataset Name: This name appears in the interface.

  • Dataset Description: You may add an optional description that provides additional detail about the dataset. This information is visible in some areas of the interface.

Tip

Click the Eye icon to inspect the contents of the dataset prior to importing.

Tip

You can select a single dataset or multiple datasets for import.

Edit settings

You can edit any additional or optional settings for an individual dataset. Perform the following:

Steps:

  1. Click Edit Settings from the card for an individual dataset in the right panel. The dialog box is displayed.

  2. In the dialog box, select the required options and modify the settings.

4. Import selections

You can import one or more datasets. Continue selecting sources, and additional dataset cards are added to the right panel.

Note

If you are importing from multiple files at the same time, the files are not necessarily read in a regular or predictable order.

Note

When you import a dataset with parameters from multiple files, only the first matching file is displayed in the right panel.

In the right panel, you can see a preview of each dataset and make changes as needed.ImportMultipleDatasets-AAC.png

Figure: Importing Multiple Datasets

  • To import the selected datasets, click Continue.

  • To remove a dataset from import, click the X in the dataset card.

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