Introduction to

Tableau
Agenda
● Introduction to Module
● Introduction to Tableau & Offerings
1. Data Connectivity & Compatibility
2. Data Interpretation & Chart Features
● Setup & Installation of Tableau
● Connecting with Different Databases
● Tableau vs Excel
● Live vs Extract Connections
● Data Types in Tableau
● Viewing Data in Tableau
● Column Formatting
Introduction to Module

● Installing Tableau and understanding initial setup for hands-on

learning.
● Exploring Tableau's seamless connections with various databases for
comprehensive data analysis.
● Mastering dynamic visualization techniques, data types, and effective
column formatting for impactful representation.
Introduction to Tableau: What is Tableau?

● Business intelligence tool for visual data analysis—graphs, reports,

etc.
● Simplifies complex data sets into visual representations
Introduction to Tableau: Tableau’s Offerings

● Tableau Desktop, Tableau Online, Tableau Server, Tableau Reader,

Tableau Public.
● Creation and publishing tools for diverse reporting needs.
Introduction to Tableau: Data Connectivity &
Compatibility

● Connects to various databases: Excel, SQL, Big Data, Cloud systems

(50+ databases).
● Supports spreadsheets, databases, and cloud systems.
Introduction to Tableau: Data Interpretation in
Tableau

● Recognizes dimensions (text, dates, geography) and measures

(numeric values).
● Interface divided into dimensions and measures for chart creation.
Introduction to Tableau: Chart Creation & Features

● Enables creation of 24+ different charts: bar, pie, line, scatter, maps,
and more.
● User-friendly interface, quick chart generation with practice.
Introduction to Tableau: Tableau's Advantages

● Speed, user-friendliness, interactive dashboards.

● Direct connection to multiple databases.
● Easy sharing and publishing globally.
● Strong market presence and recognition by Gartner.
Setup and Installation of Tableau I

● Download Tableau: Visit the Tableau website and download the

desired version (e.g., Tableau Desktop).
● Run Installer: Double-click on the downloaded file to run the
installer.
Setup and Installation of Tableau II

Follow Installation Steps:

● Agree to the license agreement.
● Choose the installation location.
● Select additional preferences if prompted.
● Activation: Enter the product key or sign in to your Tableau account
for activation.
● Completion: Once installed, launch Tableau and start exploring its
features.
Connecting with Different Databases I

● Click on "Connect to Data": Within Tableau, locate and click on

the "Connect to Data" option.
● File and Database Support:
Supported Files: Display of file formats Tableau can connect to
(Excel, CSV, etc.).
Excel Connection: Direct connection to Excel files or other
compatible file types.
Connecting with Different Databases II

● Server Connectivity:
Various Server Options: Access to over 50 different servers (SQL,
Hadoop, Cloud databases, etc.)
Choose specific server types for establishing connections.
Connecting with Different Databases III

● Server Connectivity Steps:

1. Identify the data source type (file or server).
2. Select the desired file type or server from the available options.
3. Enter required credentials or connection details.
4. Establish the connection to start analyzing data within Tableau.
Tableau vs Excel I

Aspect Tableau Excel

Data Visualization Specialized for advanced Basic charts and graphs
visual analytics. functionality.

Complex Analysis Handles complex datasets Limited capabilities for

efficiently. complex analysis.

Ease of Use Requires some learning but Familiar interface, easy for
user-friendly. basic tasks.
Tableau vs Excel II

Aspect Tableau Excel

Data Size Handles large data volumes Struggles with large datasets.
effectively.

Interactivity Highly interactive dashboards Limited interactivity in visual

and filters. elements.

Collaboration Shareable across teams, Limited collaboration features.

enables collaboration.
Live vs Extract Connections I

● Live Connection
○ Connected to Current Data: Provides real-time access to live,
current data.
○ Ideal for Immediate Analysis: Suited for scenarios requiring
up-to-the-minute data insights.
○ Requires Continuous Connection: Depends on an active
connection to the source database or server.
○ Changes Reflected Instantly: Any updates in the source data
reflect immediately in Tableau.
Live vs Extract Connections II

● Extract Connection
○ Snapshot of Previous Data: Takes a snapshot of previous or
static data at a specific point in time.
○ Useful for Offline Analysis: Beneficial when access to live data
or connection isn't available (e.g., during travel).
○ Stored Locally: Data snapshot saved locally allows analysis
without a live connection.
○ Refresh Required for Updates: Updates to the data source
require manual extraction refresh.
Live vs Extract Connections III

● Different Usage Scenarios

○ Live Connection: Suited for real-time data analysis, immediate
insights, and continuous data tracking.
○ Extract Connection: Beneficial for offline analysis, historical
data examination, and scenarios without real-time connectivity.
Data Types in Tableau I

● Number Data Type

○ Represented by a hash symbol (#).
○ Includes numerical values for quantitative analysis (e.g., sales
figures, quantities).
● Text/String Data Type
○ Displayed with the ABC icon.
○ Comprises textual information or strings (e.g., customer names,
descriptions).
Data Types in Tableau II

● Date Data Type

○ Identified by a calendar icon.
○ Contains date values for temporal analysis (e.g., order dates,
event timestamps).
● Geographic Data Type
○ Depicted by a globe symbol.
○ Specifically for geographic elements (e.g., country, city, state,
postal codes).
Data Types in Tableau III

● Boolean Data Type:

○ Represented by true/false values.
○ Used for logical or binary values (e.g., yes/no, true/false).
● Date and Time Data Type:
○ Signified by a combined date and clock icon.
○ Handles date and time information together for detailed
temporal analysis.
Data Types in Tableau: Changing Data Types

● Conversion Method
○ Select the desired column.
○ Click on the data type icon in the dropdown menu.
○ Choose from available data type options (e.g., number, string,
date) to convert column type.
Viewing Data in Tableau I

● Methods to Access Data

○ Drag-and-drop sheets into the Tableau interface.
○ Utilize the "View Data" feature for direct access to source data.
● Using the "View Data" Feature
○ Click the data source or sheet.
○ Choose "View Data" to display the entire dataset.
Viewing Data in Tableau II

● Adjusting Data Display

○ Limit the number of visible records by specifying a count (e.g.,
top 10, 100).
○ Scroll through to inspect column names and data content.
● Hiding/Unhiding Columns
○ Hide unwanted columns by clicking the column heading and
selecting "Hide."
○ Show hidden fields or unhide columns using the "Show Hidden
Fields" option
Viewing Data in Tableau III

● Control Over Data Display

○ Customize data visibility based on specific records or
hide/unhide columns as needed.
● Data Exploration Tools
○ Access the data directly from the source to analyze, assess, or
drag it for visualizations.
Column Formatting in Excel I

● Renaming Column Name

○ Select the column header.
○ Right-click and choose "Rename."
○ Enter the desired column name.
Column Formatting in Excel II

● Copying a Column
○ Right-click the column header.
○ Choose "Duplicate."
○ A copy of the column will appear.
Column Formatting in Excel III

● Splitting Column Values

○ Right-click the column with values to split.
○ Select "Transform" > "Split."
○ Choose the delimiter or specify a custom split.
Thank You