What is the main use of the Join tool in Alteryx?

The main use of the Join tool in Alteryx is to combine two datasets based on a common field. This functionality is essential in data preparation and analysis, allowing users to merge relevant information from different sources into a cohesive dataset. By specifying a key field, the Join tool aligns the datasets based on matching values in that field, enabling users to work with comprehensive data that provides a fuller context for analysis or reporting.

When using the Join tool, it facilitates various types of joins (inner, left, right) which determine how records from the input datasets are included in the output. This is crucial for tasks where data from multiple tables or files need to be integrated while ensuring data integrity and relevance. The capability of combining datasets based on shared attributes is foundational in data workflows, particularly for analytics processes that depend on a unified view of information.

Other options, while addressing different functionalities in Alteryx, do not encapsulate the core purpose of the Join tool. Removing duplicates pertains to data cleaning, summarizing data involves aggregation functions, and sorting data focuses on ordering records. Each of these is achieved using different tools or methods within Alteryx, but they fall outside the specific capabilities of the Join tool.