Tableau can connect with all the accessible data sources which are broadly used. It can link to Excel files, PDF files, text files, etc. It can also connect to various databases using its ODBC connector. Tableau can connect to web connectors and servers.
Tableaus native connectors can connect to the following types of data sources:
• File Systems: Such as Microsoft Excel, CSV, etc.
• Cloud Systems: Such as Google bigQuery, Windows Azure, etc.
• Relational System: Such as Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, DB2, etc.
• Other Sources: It uses ODBC.
The given below picture shows all of the data sources available through Tableau’s native data connectors.

Connect Live

The Connect Live feature is used in real-time data analysis. In connect live case, Tableau connects with the real-time data source, and it keeps read the data. Thus, the result of the data analysis is up to the second, and the latest changes are reflected in this result. However, on the drawback, it’s the source system as it has to keep send the data to Tableau.

In-Memory

Tableau can also process the data in-memory by caching them in memory, and it not being connected to the source anymore while analyzing the data. Of course, there will be a limit on the amount of data cached depending on the availability of the memory.

Combine Data Sources

Tableau can connect with different data sources at the same time.
For example: In a single workbook, you can connect to a relational source and a flat file by defined the multiple connections. This is also used in data blending, which is a unique feature in Tableau.

Data Connection with Text File

Tableau can connect to the text file data and set up the data sources. Tableau connects to following text files (*.csv, *.txt, *.tsv, *.tab).

How to Make the Connection and Set up the Data Sources

Step1: Open Tableau.
Step2: Below Connect, click on Text File.

Step3: Go to the next screen,
• Select the file you want to connect such as SalesJan2009.CSV
• Click on Open option.

• On the left-hand side of the data source, you will see the CSV file.

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Data Connection with Text File Example

Here is an example which shows the data connection with the text file.

And the worksheet looks like

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Data Connection with Microsoft Excel

Step1: Click on the Microsoft Excel option given in the data tab.

Step2: In the next screen,
1. Select the Microsoft Excel file you want to connect such as sample-superstore.xls.
2. Click on open option.

Step3: It connects the Microsoft Excel file to Tableau. The sheets present in the Microsoft Excel file are shown on the left-hand side of the window.

Step4: You can drag one or more sheets from the sheets data tab such as Orders.

Then the data source looks like the below image:

And the worksheet looks like:

So, this brings us to the end of blog. This Tecklearn ‘Connection with Data Sources’ blog helps you with commonly asked questions if you are looking out for a job in Tableau Desktop. If you wish to learn Tableau Desktop and build a career in Business Intelligence domain, then check out our interactive, Tableau Desktop Training, that comes with 24*7 support to guide you throughout your learning period. Please find the link for course details:

Tableau Desktop

Tableau Desktop Training

About the Course

Tecklearn’s Tableau Desktop Training teach you how to transform raw data into interactive and shareable dashboards using Tableau. Our Tableau Course covers the necessary analytical skills to Advanced data visualizations by incorporating real-world use-case scenarios, labs, and exercises. Some of the topics included are Data Blending, Data Mapping, Graphs, creation of charts, and LOD expression by using different versions of Tableau, such as Tableau Desktop, Tableau Reader, and Tableau Public.

Why Should you take Tableau Desktop Training?

• The average salary of a Tableau Professional ranges between $108,697 to $158,000 per annum -Indeed.com.
• Tableau has been positioned as a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Analytics and Business Intelligence Platforms – Gartner.com.
• Fidelity Investments, Capgemini, EY, Deloitte, EY, JP Morgan, Verizon, Facebook, Dell, General Motors, KPMG, Bank of America and 40,000 other MNCs worldwide across industries use Tableau.

What you will Learn in this Course?

Understanding Tableau
• Why Tableau
• Tableau Product Platforms
• Tableau Architecture
• Tableau Interface
Data Connection with Tableau Desktop
• Features of Tableau Desktop
• Connect to data from File and Database
• Types of Connections
• Data Blending
• Joins and Unions
• Tableau Desktop User Interface
• Basic project: Create a workbook and publish it on Tableau Online
Basic Visual Analytics
• Visual Analytics
• Basic Charts: Bar Chart, Line Chart, and Pie Chart
• Hierarchies
• Data Granularity
• Highlighting
• Sorting
• Filtering
• Grouping
• Sets
Advanced Visual Analytics
• Parameters
• Tool tips
• Trend lines
• Reference lines
• Forecasting
• Clustering
Calculations in Tableau
• Calculated Fields
• Numeric, String, Data, Logical, Addressing and Partitioning
• Table Calculations
Level of Detail (LOD’s) Calculations
Advanced Charts in Tableau
• Box and Whisker’s Plot
• Bullet Chart
• Bar in Bar Chart
• Gantt Chart
• Waterfall Chart
• Pareto Chart
• Control Chart
• Funnel Chart
• Bump Chart
Parameters
• What If Scenarios
• Parameter in CF (KPI control)
• Parameter in Filter (Top N)
• Parameter in reference line
Dashboards and Stories
• Introduction to Dashboards
• The Dashboard Interface
• Dashboard Objects
• Building a Dashboard
• Dashboard Layouts and Formatting
• Interactive Dashboards with actions
• Designing Dashboards for devices
• Story Points
Data Security in Tableau
Optimizations tips and tricks
Interacting with Tableau Server
Working with Tableau JavaScript API

Got a question for us? Please mention it in the comments section and we will get back to you.

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