Tableau Desktop Specialist
What is the order of operations for filters?
(1. Extract Filter 2. Data Source Filter) 3. Context Filter 4. Normal (dimension/measure) Filters
What are the default properties for aggregation and number format?
- Aggregation: Sum - Number Format: Automatic
What is a Live connection?
- Changes are affected immediately - Slow performance on huge data - Poor availability with bad internet connection - Use when the numbers must be correct (presentation) - Represented with the icon of 1 can with a blue check
What is an Extract connection?
- Creates a static snapshot of data from a particular time - Allows you to save and refresh the snapshot - Better performance and portability - Use when exact numbers are not as important (creating reporting structure) - Represented with 2 cans with a blue check and a green arrow
What are the various aggregation functions?
- Sum (default) - Average - Median - Min - Max - Count - CountD (distinct count) - Standard Deviation & Variance
Tableau Workbook
.twb Your project without data
Tableau Packaged Workbook
.twbx Your project with data
How do you create a histogram?
1. Add a continuous measure 2. Use Show Me feature 3. Choose bin size or 1. Right click on the continuous measure 2. Click Create --> Bins 3. Suggests bin size 4. Change to Create a Parameter and create bin size
How do you create joins?
1. Choose your priority table (most important table). This is your PRIMARY table! 2. Figure out which side your PRIMARY table is on - on the LEFT = LEFT outer join - on the RIGHT = RIGHT outer join - both tables equally important and you want only the values that are the same in both tables = INNER join - both tables equally important and you want ALL values in both tables = FULL OUTER join
How do you create a join in the new Relationship Tableau?
1. Click on the first table 2. Click and drag the second table to bring it out next to the first table Then you see the same join experience as in the past
What are the 4 main Dashboard layouts?
1. Default 2. Desktop 3. Tablet 4. Phone
What are the 4 aspects of a wildcard filter on a discrete field?
1. Exactly matches: useful when you know what you are looking for 2. Contains: useful when you don't remember values exactly 3. Starts with (ex. start of phone number) 4. Ends with (ex. end of a web address - .com, . net, etc.)
What is the order of operations for Filters on Extracts?
1. Extract Filter 2. Data Source Filter
What are the 6 dashboard actions? (get to in Dashboard in toolbar)
1. Filter 2. Highlight 3. Go to URL 4. Go to Sheet 5. Change Parameter 6. Change Set Values
How to blend
1. Find the values from the one sheet and bring the level of detail to the second sheet 2. Use the bucket+ icon in the top toolbar to add the second data source 3. Add the other column from the second data source to view 4. An error will pop up 5. Go to Data dropdown and choose "Edit Relationships" --> Custom --> Add --> then choose the 2 columns you want to connect (depending on what the question asks you may have to create a calculated field) (you can also change the same of the columns to match so that there isn't an error)
What tabs do you get when you drop a discrete field into the filter shelf?
1. General 2. Condition 3. Top 4. Wildcard (can create a pattern to filter)
How do you add a reference line?
1. Go to the Analytics pane in left panel 2. Drag reference line to the worksheet or 1. Right click the axis you want to add the reference line to 2. Select "Add Reference Line"
What are the types of references?
1. Line 2. Band 3. Distribution 4. Box Plot
How do you change names of values?
1. Right click field in the left pane of the sheet 2. Click "Aliases" 3. Edit aliases in "Value(Aliases)" column
What are the number functions?
ABS = absolute value CEILING = nearest integer >= the value FLOOR = nearest integer <= the value DIV(11,2) = 5 (returns the integer part of a division) MAX([Sales]) = max of an expression across all records MIN = min of an expression across all records POWER(5,3) = 125 (# raised to a given power) SQRT = square root SQUARE = square ROUND(3.14, 1) = 3.1 (rounds a # to specified number of decimals or an integer)
What is a Combined Axis Chart/Shared Axis Chart?
Allows you to see two or more measures in the same chart - Using a right click to drag fields onto the workspace allows you to choose how you want to use the field (continuous or discrete?) - Click and drag one of the measures to the y axis to combine them into one graph
What are the aggregate functions?
Average Max Min Percentile Sum Count CountD (distinct count)
What is the key upside to relationships.
Because related data sources don't merge tables, data duplication is a thing of the past
BMP
Bitmap Format Default for Windows Includes everything in your view including original Tableau fonts
What is a Full Outer Join?
Both tables are equally important (no primary table) and you get ALL rows from both tables. Unmatched rows remain empty.
What is a Inner Join?
Both tables are equally important (no primary table) and you get only the matched rows/values.
What are the string functions?
CONTAINS STARTSWITH ENDSWITH LEFT RIGHT REPLACE SPLIT
Table Calculations
Calculations made on the output table (applied in visualization)
Segment Filter
Changes the filters on the side of the dashboard
Reference Distribution
Changing the "computation" of average values: 1. Percentages 2. Percentiles 3. Quartiles 4. Stats (standard deviation)
Parameters
Changing the number of elements in a top/bottom set, click the little icon to the top right of the left pan --> Create Parameter...
How to add the set as a filter once the set and parameter are linked?
Click and drag the set to the Filter box in the workspace on the left
Blending
Combines data from multiple tables like joins but is useful when: - a cross-database join is not supported - tables are at different levels of detail - a join will create duplicate data - if you have a lot of data that will cause joins to take a lot of time (make sure to add this second connection to the home page!)
Joins
Combining data from different sources/tables.
What do you do if you need to find the difference between dates?
Create a calculated field with DATEDIFF
How can a measure be discrete? (turned from a continuous measure)
Create buckets (good/bad buckets) by adding a if/else calculated field
What is a Combination Chart/Dual Axis Chart?
Creates a chart with 2 different y axes (dual axis) with two corresponding measures on the same chart - Click and drag one of the measures to the right side (opposite of the y axis) to combine them into one graph with two y axis values - Axes are not automatically synchronized (right click the right axis and click "Synchronize Axis" - good practice) - allows you to edit properties of each measure separately (ex. 1 line chart, 1 bar chart)
What are the conversion functions?
DATE DATETIME FLOAT INT STR([Age]) returns all of the values of the Age measure as strings
.tds
Data Source Your path/directory (default properties, calculated fields) WITHOUT data
Marks
Data points
What is a Right Join?
This JOIN will return all the rows from the right table (PRIMARY table) and any matches from the left table (SECONDARY table) from the condition defined.
Continuous Data
Data that can take on any value. There is no space between data values for a given domain. Graphs are represented by solid lines. - Form: unbroken whole - Color: green - Filtered in a range - Nature: measurable - Generally adds axes to view (unbroken form) - Brings aggregated numbers - Color Mark: 1 gradient color
Discrete Data
Data with space between possible data values. Graphs are represented by dots. - Form: individually separate - Color: blue - Filtered individually - Nature: countable - Generally adds headers to view (creates categories) - Brings level of detail - Color Mark: color palette (all different colors)
What is true of discrete and continuous data 99% of the time?
Dimensions tend to be discrete Measures tend to be continuous
What is another term for a Combination Chart?
Dual Axis Chart
Dynamic Sets
Elements of the set can change automatically when the underlying data changes (General, Condition, Top) Ex. If the data changes for the top 5 most profitable states, the set changes to reflect the new top 5
EMF
Enhanced MetaFile Image Microsoft Windows vector art file Fonts are not original Tableau fonts
Context Filters
Executed before normal filters! Right click field in Filters box and click "Add to Context" (color of the field changes to grey) Allows further filters to be applied to the context filter field
.hyper
Extract file
Italicized Fields
Fields generated by Tableau
Quick Table Calculations
Finds you calculations such as the % of total and the rank of values
Static Sets
Fixed Sets Similar to groups in that the number of static sets does not change
What is R squared?
Gives you information about how your model fits with the data (higher r squared = BETTER!) Always between 0 & 1
How do you change the default aggregation?
Go to left sidebar --> right click "Default Properties" --> click "Aggregation" --> change function
Grouping
Groups values together and puts the rest into an "Other" category
Trend Line
Helps you define your data. Useful to see the relation behind your data points. (Analysis pane in left panel)
Reference Line
Helps you make fast comparisons Ex. average sales reference line
Vector Based File
High resolution even zoomed in
How do you see trend line formulas?
Hover over the line in the workspace or right click, select "Describe Trend Line/Model"
What are the logical functions/conditions?
IF SUM([Sales]) = ___ THEN '___' ELSEIF SUM([Sales]) = ___ THEN '___' ELSE '___' END IIF ([Profit] > 0, 'Profit' , 'Loss' True False IF (_____ AND/OR _____) THEN _____ END IF NOT ____ THEN ____ END
IN/OUT of set
IN: what is in the set OUT: everything else outside of the set
What are the date functions?
ISDATE ___ = TRUE (validates the date) DATEDIFF (difference in 2 dates based on what you specify) DATEPART (tells you the part of the date you want) DATEPARSE (tells how to parse the date) DATENAME (names what you tell it to ex. month) DAY (number day) MONTH (number month) YEAR (number year) TODAY (today's date) NOW (today's date and time)
How do you increase and decrease granularity?
Increase granularity by dropping fields into the color, shape, and size Marks card boxes Decrease granularity by removing fields from the Marks card
Where do you find the different dashboard layouts?
Left panel --> Dashboard pane --> Size
What is a story point?
Like a "slide" to a slideshow. Can only have 1 sheet or dashboard per story point
What is the default connection type in Tableau Desktop?
Live
Which connection type allows you to edit the excel file and then see the changes in Tableau immediately?
Live! (For Extract you need to refresh the Extract to see the changes)
What is the layer name of the new relationship layer called?
Logical Layer/Relationship Canvas (new default)
How many sheets should you have per dashboard?
No more than 4-5 sheets per dashboard
Can you have a story in a sheet/dashboard?
No, but vice versa is true. You can have sheets/dashboards in your story
Can you have two sets in the filter box?
No, you must create a combined set with the 2 individual sets!
Measure
Numerical data
Data Source Page
Opens when you connect to a data source 1. Left Panel 2. Commissary 3. Data grid 4. Metadata
What is a p-value?
P = Probability Probability that the result obtained was due to chance. If P < 0.05 that means there is a < 5% probability that the result occurred by chance = SIGNIFICANT (Small p-value = GOOD) Always between 0 & 1
.tdsx
Packaged Data Source Your path/directory (default properties, calculated fields) WITH data
How are trend lines by default?
Per pane and per column
What layer name is the old join layer called?
Physical Layer/ Join Canvas
Manual Sort
Rearranging the order of fields by dragging then next to each other
What is the new way Tableau does joins?
Relationships are a dynamic, flexible way to combine data from multiple tables for analysis. You don't define join types for relationships, so you won't see a Venn diagram when you create them. Think of a relationship as a contract between two tables. When you are building a viz with fields from these tables, Tableau brings in data from these tables using that contract to build a query with the appropriate joins. - No up-front join type - Automatic and context-aware - Flexible (You don't need to use LOD expressions such as FIXED to deduplicate data in related tables.)
Computed Sort
Right click the field name in top row/column section of workspace and select "Sort" Options of Sorting: 1. Data Source Order 2. Alphabetical Order 3. Manual Sort 4. Field 5. Other condition based sorting (ex. sorting states based on sum of profit) Also in Toolbar
How do you edit a Trend Line?
Right click the line, "Edit trend lines" to change the model type, set polynomial degree, change options
How do you show the parameter as a slider/type in on the right side of the workspace?
Right click the parameter in the left panel and select "Show Parameter"
What should you do to your data first in the exam?
Save the data source connection by going to the worksheet area, right clicking on the data source name, and clicking "Add to Saved Data Sources". Now the Data Source is at the bottom of the start page! Saves time!
What is the first thing you need to do when selecting a continuous filter?
Select an aggregation function Then, select a range of values (because values are NOT separate buckets (see Aggregation for the types)
What is another term for Combined Axis Chart?
Shared Axis Chart
Sets
Similar to groups but they have more flexibility and advanced features (can create conditions, go from the top __ of the list, etc.)
How does Tableau aggregate data?
Tableau aggregates measures at the current level of detail (LOD)
What is the main requirement of unions?
Tables must be the same structure! This means that each table must have the same number of columns, the same column names, and the same data types for those columns in both tables.
TIFF
Tagged Image File Format Default for MAC Includes everything in your view including original Tableau fonts Since the test is in Windows you won't be able to see TIFF
Combined Set
Takes multiple sets and combines them (top 5 and bottom 5 profits of states)
Dimension
Textual data & IDs
Reference Bands
The area between 2 reference lines (bottom and top)
What are NULL values in a join?
The empty rows in a join that don't match
Granularity
The level of detail in the model. Breaking our data points into smaller pieces
How do you know that an exam question is wanting you to create a union?
The question asks you to find the Sales in both 2018 and 2019. Same data structure = union!
What is a Left Join?
This JOIN will return all rows from the left table (PRIMARY table) and any matching records from the right table (SECONDARY table) from the condition defined.
What is a main difference between joins and relationships?
Unlike with joins, relationships do not merge tables together. Instead, we simply set up the relationship then use the fields in the view. Tableau automatically figures out the join type, the right aggregation, and how to handle NULLS.
In a dashboard, where do you put the most important information/the core idea?
Upper left corner
How do you save space in your sheets?
Using colors in your sheet title
Start Page
Welcomes you to Tableau 1. Connect 2. Open 3. Discover
Cross Database Join
When required tables are not stored in the same database (if columns have the same name, Tableau creates a join on those. You can also edit the relationship)
When do you use blending?
When you have 2 tables at different levels of detail from either the same or different data sources
Can you sort by fields that aren't in your view?
Yes, in the sort pop up, choose a different "Field Name"
What are the 7 dashboard objects?
1. Web Page 2. Images 3. Text 4. Button/Navigation 5. Extension 6. Blank 7. Download
What do you do if you only need the number part of an id?
1. right click the name of the column 2. Click "Custom Split" 3. The separator is "_", split to 2 4. Hide 1st two columns (right click, hide) NOTE: the split columns are calculated fields that don't exist in the data 5. Change the new ID field to a number (whole) 6. Rename the field
What kind of field can you only add a reference line to?
A continuous field!
Hierarchy
A group organized by rank (ex. Region, State, City, Postal Code) on the left panel Click and drag the fields on the left under others to create hierarchy and name
Calculated Field
A new field that can be computed from other existing fields - arithmetic operations - tab conversions - conditions
What do reference lines represent?
A number (average, min, max)
Story
A series of sheets or dashboards that work together to present information
Union
A way to combine your data by appending rows from one table to another. You can union 2 or more tables
What are other words for text table?
Crosstab Pivot Table
What are the Level of Detail (LOD) functions?
{FIXED [Segment], [Category] : SUM([Sales])} Most powerful, computes an aggregate using only the specified dimensions (specifically set) {INCLUDE [Segment], [Category] : SUM([Sales])} Computes an aggregate using a specified dimension and view dimensions (includes a dimension in a current view while it calculates in the aggregate) {EXCLUDE [Segment], [Category] : SUM([Sales])} Computes an aggregate excluding the specified dimension if present in the view (excludes from view)