Tableau Desktop Certified Professional Training , study and exam guide
1 Introduction to Tableau
1.1 Overview of Tableau Desktop
1.2 Understanding the Tableau Interface
1.3 Connecting to Data Sources
1.4 Data Types and Hierarchies
2 Data Preparation
2.1 Data Blending
2.2 Data Joining
2.3 Data Aggregation
2.4 Data Cleaning Techniques
2.5 Data Pivoting
3 Building Visualizations
3.1 Creating Basic Charts
3.2 Customizing Charts
3.3 Using Marks and Filters
3.4 Creating Dashboards
3.5 Storytelling with Stories
4 Advanced Visualizations
4.1 Creating Maps
4.2 Using Parameters
4.3 Creating Calculated Fields
4.4 Using Level of Detail Expressions
4.5 Creating Sets and Groups
5 Data Analysis
5.1 Understanding Table Calculations
5.2 Using Quick Filters and Context Filters
5.3 Creating Hierarchies
5.4 Analyzing Data with Trend Lines
5.5 Using Forecasting
6 Performance Optimization
6.1 Understanding Tableau Data Engine
6.2 Using Extracts
6.3 Optimizing Data Connections
6.4 Managing Metadata
6.5 Using Tableau Prep for Data Preparation
7 Collaboration and Sharing
7.1 Publishing Workbooks to Tableau Server
7.2 Using Tableau Online
7.3 Sharing Views and Dashboards
7.4 Managing Permissions and Access
7.5 Using Tableau Mobile
8 Certification Exam Preparation
8.1 Understanding Exam Format
8.2 Practice Questions and Simulations
8.3 Time Management Strategies
8.4 Reviewing Key Concepts
8.5 Taking the Exam
Connecting to Data Sources in Tableau Desktop

Connecting to Data Sources in Tableau Desktop

In Tableau Desktop, connecting to data sources is the foundational step that enables you to visualize and analyze your data. This section will guide you through the key concepts and steps involved in connecting to various data sources.

Key Concepts

Data Types

Tableau supports a wide range of data sources, including:

Data Connection Methods

There are two primary methods to connect to data in Tableau:

Data Blending

Data blending allows you to combine data from multiple sources. For example, you might blend sales data from a SQL database with customer demographics from an Excel file. Tableau automatically identifies common fields and creates a unified dataset for analysis.

Data Joining

Data joining is the process of merging data from different tables based on a common field. For instance, you might join a "Sales" table with a "Products" table on the "Product ID" field to analyze sales by product category.

Example: Connecting to an Excel File

Here is an example of how to connect to an Excel file in Tableau:

        1. Open Tableau Desktop.
        2. Click on "Connect" in the start page.
        3. Select "Microsoft Excel" from the list of data sources.
        4. Browse to the location of your Excel file and select it.
        5. Click "Open" to import the data.
        6. Tableau will display the data in the Data Source pane.
    

Example: Creating a Live Connection to a SQL Database

Here is an example of how to create a live connection to a SQL database:

        1. Open Tableau Desktop.
        2. Click on "Connect" in the start page.
        3. Select your database type (e.g., "MySQL").
        4. Enter the server name, port, and database name.
        5. Enter your login credentials.
        6. Click "Sign In" to establish the connection.
        7. Select the tables you want to work with.
        8. Click "Live" to create a live connection.
    

By mastering these concepts and techniques, you will be well-prepared to connect to various data sources in Tableau Desktop, enabling you to create powerful visualizations and analyses.