Running an external process

The Run External Process action allows you to extend the functionality of Data Guru by calling an external executable file within a workflow or macro. You can:

• Define the path to an executable file
• Enter any necessary command line arguments

On the Configuration tab:

1. Enter a name and description.

2. Specify the path of the executable file.

3. Specify arguments as needed.

4. Indicate whether the process must complete before executing the next downstream action.

5. Optionally, add return code behavior and messaging.

The most common application is to call an external executable file to perform additional processing of your data.

Run an external process

1. Drag the Run External Process icon onto the design surface.

2. Enter a Name and a Description to identify this action, then specify the executable and when it is run:

   • Path to Executable – Use the browse icon to locate and select the file to be executed.
   • Command Line Arguments – Enter any parameters to be used with the executable, in the format appropriate for the command.

3. Select Wait for Process Completion if the execution should complete before running the next downstream action.

4. Because executable and batch files typically return integer values such as -1, 0, 1, and so on, use the Return Code Behavior area to define one or more return code behaviors based on the relative success of the external process execution.

   • Return Code(s) - Specify the return code for this behavior.
   • Behavior - choose either Success, Warn, or Error.
   • Message - Specify the message to be included with this return code.