SSJS Query definition - Update target Data Extension

Question

I have a functioning code through which I update the query text through SSJS. This is working as expected. I am trying to expand on this and want to update the target Data extension as well. Is this possible? I have a template query and using that would like to use it for multiple languages and then create separate data extensions with that data through execution of that query.

I was trying to achieve this through the below code.

var update_status = qd.Update({
  Name: queryName,
  QueryText: query,
  TargetUpdateType: "Overwrite"
  TargetType: "DE",
  Target: {
    Name: languageDEName,
    CustomerKey: languageDEKey
  },
});
var perform_status = qd.Perform();

Would really appreciate any pointers or guidance.

Answer 1

Using WsProxy, you need to supply the ObjectID for the specific QueryDefinition object you are updating. The ObjectID is not the same as External Key or CustomerKey. It is available by copying the URL link to the Query Activity in the Activities tab within Automation studio interface. It's the GUID at the end of the URL. I'm not sure how else to retrieve this, it may not be available programmaticaly.

To update the target you only need to pass the DE name.

Updating via this method does not validate your query. If your target query schema is incompatible with the query, it will fail when you run it.

<script runat="server">
Platform.Load("Core", "1.1.5");
var prox = new Script.Util.WSProxy();
var options = {SaveOptions: [{'PropertyName': '*', SaveAction: 'UpdateAdd'}]};
var data = {
  CustomerKey: "1111111-2222-3333-4444-5555555555",
  ObjectID: "aaaaaaaaa-bbbb-cccc-dddd-eeeeeeeeeee",
  DataExtensionTarget: {
    Name: 'New DE target name'
  }
};
var desc = prox.updateItem("QueryDefinition", data, options);

Write(Stringify(desc));
</script>