How can you read all files in a directory using one Input Data tool?

Using a wildcard character with file names allows you to read all files in a directory with a single Input Data tool in Alteryx. When you utilize wildcards (e.g., .csv or file_.txt), the Input Data tool can dynamically identify and import all files that match the specified pattern within the given directory. This method streamlines the data import process by eliminating the need to manually specify each individual file, thus saving time and reducing the chances of errors.

In contrast, importing each file manually or specifying an array of file names requires additional steps and is not efficient for handling multiple files. Meanwhile, using a directory path without wildcards would only allow for the import of a singular file at a time if it matches exactly, missing the potential to automatically capture all relevant files in that location. Therefore, utilizing the wildcard character is the most effective approach for consolidating multiple file imports into a single action.