Tableau Desktop Specialist Certification
Data Source File Types
- .tds (Data Sorce) - .tdsx (Packaged Data Source)
Workbook Data Types
- .twb (Workbook) - .twbx (Packaged Workbook)
Bar Chart
- 0+ Dimensions; 1+ Measures - Compare data across categories - Place a dimension on the Rows shelf and a measure on the Columns shelf, or vice versa
Scatter Plots
- 0+ Dimensions; 2-4 Measures - Visualize relationships between numerical variables - 1 Measure on Columns shelf; 1+ Measure(s) on Rows shelf - When you plot one number against another, the resulting chart is analogous to a Cartesian chart, with x and y coordinates
Joins
- A method of combining data based on common fields - Increases number of columns - Join a max of 32 tables - Can cause data loss or duplication - Combines data, and then aggregates
Measaure Names
- Autogenerated field - Discrete field that contains the names of all the measures in the data pane
Measure Values
- Autogenerated field - List of all continuous measure values
Discrete
- Blue - Creates Headers - Usually Dimensions
What can you add a reference line to?
- Calculated Fields - Measures
What are valid ways to show Mark Labels in a visualization?
- Click on Analysis in the Menu bar and choose Show Mark Labels - Drag the measure to the Text label in the Marks Card - Click on the Show Mark Lables icon in the Toolbar
Unions
- Combine two or more tables by appending values (rows) from one table to another - Increases number of rows - When field names in the Union do not match, then both field names are present in the Union, but contain several null values
Blends
- Combines data from multiple sources - Brings in additional info from a secondary data source and displays it with data from the primary data source directly in the view - An asterik (*) in a view with blended data indicates multiple values - Never truly combines data - Results are aggregated to the appropriate level, and the results are presented visually together in the view - Aggregates, and then combines data - Always LEFT join
Line Charts
- Connect individual data points in a view - Provides a simple way to visualize a sequence of values and are useful when you want to see trends over time, or to forecast future values
3 features of Dimensions
- Contain qualitative values (names, dates, geographical data) - Dates are most placed in dimensions by default for relational data sources - Affect level of detail in the view
.tds
- Data Source - Info necessary to connect to the data, but no visualizations - Data source type - Connection information - Groups, sets, calculated fields, and bins - Default file properties (formats, aggregation, and sort order) Use Data Source (.tds) if everyone who will use the data source has access to the underlying file or database
What is stored in a .tds file?
- Data connection information - Calculated fields - Metadata edits
What device options are available in the Device Preview section?
- Default - Phone - Tablet - Desktop
Relationships
- Define how tables relate to one another. - Relationships dynamically adjust the SQL join type applied between tables based on the fields used in your visualization. - Default method for combining tables - Can be used across tables with different levels of detail - Flexible and adaptable - Cannot be formed between tables from data sources published to Tableau Server/Online - Cannot be formed based on calculated fields
What are valid Dashboard size options?
- Fixed Size - Automatic - Range
Continuous
- Green - Creates Axes - Usually Measures
Which URL prefixes are permitted when creating a URL Action?
- HTTP - HTTPS - FTP
Which are valid reasons to use Tableau Data Extract (.tde) over Live Connections?
- Help improve performance - Fast to create - Support additional functionality like Count Distinct
What are valid Layout Container types when using Dashboards?
- Horizontal Container - Vertical Container
Benefits of using Data Extracts
- Improved performance - Faster to work with - Ability to use data offline
When exporting a worksheet as an image, which formats are available?
- JPEG - Windows Bitmap (.bmp) - PNG
Connections
- Live (default) - Extract (saved subset)
What are valid ways to make the font more readable?
- Make the font color sharper/darker than the background - Use a clear and readable font - Increase the font size
Auto-generated Fields
- Measure Names - Measure Values - Latitude - Longitude - Number of Records
Combined Axis Chart
- On a Dual Axis chart, the two axes can cause confusion and the dfiference in scale can lead to misunderstandings - Right click on Dual Axis chart; Click Combine Axis -- Shows same values on each axis - Or create a line graph and drag second Measure onto the y-axis
.tdsx
- Packaged Data Source - Contains all info in the data source (.tds) file, as well as a copy of any local file-based data or extracts - A single zipped file Use Packaged Data Source (.tdsx) if you want to share your data with people who do no thave access to the underlying data
.twbx
- Packaged Workbook - A single zip file that contains a workbook along with anly supporting local file data and background images - Includes data and visualizations Best for sharing with those who don't have access to the data
What are valid ways to make either rows or columns bold without affecting the other?
- Right click on rows or columns and choose format. In the font option, click Bold. - Choose Format from the Menu bar and select row or column, and then select Bold under the header option.
What are valid ways to copy a worksheet visualization as an image?
- Right click on worksheet visualization; Click Copy > Image - Click on Worksheet in Main Menu; Click Copy > Image
Table Calculations
- Running total - Percent difference - Difference - Percent of total - Rank - Percentile
Extract Connection
- Saved subset - Can use filters/et.c to get a subset of a large dataset - Resides in Tableau - Creats a .hyper file Advantages: - Supports large data sets - Help improve performance - Support additional functionality (ex. allows you to compute Count Distinct) - Provide offline access to data - Full refresh or incremental refresh (only rows that are new since previous refresh)
Quick Filters
- Single value (list, drop down, slider) - Multiple values (list, drop down, custom list) - Wildcard match
Sets
- There are two types of sets: dynamic sets and fixed sets. - The members of a dynamic set change when the underlying data changes. - Dynamic sets can only be based on a single dimension.
If you are working with a huge dataset, what are strong reasons to use a context filter?
- To include only the data of interest - Improve query performance
Context Filter
- Top N or Bottom N filter - Dependent numerical filter - Can improve performance
How to add Totals to a view
- Use Analytics Pane - From the Analysis Tab in the Menu bar on the top
Dual Axis Chart
- Used to compare multiple measures - Two independent axes layered on top of each other - Useful for analyzing two measures with different scales
What are valid ways of grouping data?
- Using the Labels in the View - From the Dimensions shelf - Using Marks in the view
Which calculations do not need a quick table calculation?
- Variance - Standard Devation They are available by default
What are compelling reasons to use a Stacked Bar Chart?
- Visualize parts of a whole - Visualize complex info with fewer bars/marks
What are valid objects when creating a dashboard?
- Web page - Extension - Image - Text
.hyper
- When you create a new extract, it uses the .hyper format instead of the .tde format. - Creates larger extractracts - Creates and refreshes extracts faster - Experience better performance when interacting with views that use extract data sources
.twb
- Workbook - Workbooks hold one or more worksheets, plus zero ro more dashboards and stories - Visualizations, but no copy of the data
Noodle
- line between two tables signifying the relationship - hover over the noodle to display a summary of the relationship - double click on the noodle to re-open the Edit Relationship window
What is the default duration for animations?
.3s
____ files are shortcuts for quickly connecting to the original data that you use often
.tds
You have cleaned a data source, created calculated fields, and renamed columns. You want to save these changes for future use cases. Which would best satisfy this requirement?
.tds file
Which of the following is not a Tableau file type?
.tdx
Which of the following file types contains a Tableau Workbook along with local data?
.twbx
A single zip file that contains a workbook along with any supporting local file data and background images. This format is the best way to package yoru workbook for sharing with others who don't have access to the original data.
.twbx file
Tableau auto-generates __ dimensions and __ measures
1 dimension; 4 measures
How to create a Histogram
1 measure
Order of Operations
1) Extract Filters 2) Data Source Filters 3) Context Filters (Sets, conditional filters, top N, Fixed LOD) 4) Dimension Filters (Include/Exclude LOD, data blending) 5) Measure Filters (Forecasts, table calculations, clusters, totals) Table Calc. Filters (trend lines, reference lines)
What is the default number of rows that are possible to view in the View Data window?
10,000
What is the maximum number of Column in a Table?
16
Creating a scatter plot requires a minimum of how many measures?
2
For Bullet Graphs, we need at least __ measures
2
What is the least number of fields possible for a Bullet Graph?
2 Measures
As a general ebst practice, how many categories can a pie chart display effectively?
2-5
We can join a maximum of ______ tables in Tableau
32
Which of the following can you use to create a calculated field that returns data independent of the data granularity in a view?
A FIXED LOD calculation
Go to URL
A Go to URL action is a hyperlink that points to a web page, file, or other web-based resource outside of Tableau
What would you use to connect to multiple tables in a single data source at once?
A Join
By definition, Tableau displays Measures over time as ____
A Line
When you add 2 or more tables to the Canvas, what is created?
A Relationship
Which of the following fields will have AGG in front of it when you add it to the view?
A calculated field with the formula SUM([Profit])
If you have bar chart with a single bar, but you want to subdivide that bar into multiple categories, what should you add to your view?
A dimension
Parameter
A global placeholder value such as a number, date, or string that can replace a constant value in a calculation, filter, or reference line. Ex. A calculated filed that returns True if Sales is greater that $500,000, and otherwise returns false
You add SUM(Profit) to the Columns shelf. What will it create?
A horizontal axis
Suppose you have a bar chart. When we group labels in a view, which of the following happens?
A new mark (bar) is created, which consolidates all members of the group
Data Pane
A pane on the left side of the workbook that displays the fields of the data sources to which Tableau is connected. The fields are divided into dimensions and measures. The Data pane also displays custom fields such as calculations, binned fields, and groups. You build views of your data by dragging fields from the Data pane onto the various shelves that are a part of every worksheet.
What is a Story Point?
A single worksheet or dashboard A story is a sequence of visualizations that work together to convey information. Each individual sheet (worksheet or dashboard) in a story is called a story point.
Level of Detail (LOD) Expression
A syntax that supports aggregation at dimensionalities other than the view level. With level of detail expressions, you can attach one or more dimensions to any aggregate expression. Select a dimension and a measure (hold down ctrl/cmd), use Context menu and select LOD
After setting up two data source connections, how can you create a blend?
Add at least one field from the primary data source to your view. Then, in the Data pane, click the data source that you want to designate as the secondary source and click the broken link icon
Incremental Refresh
Adds rows that are new since the previous refresh
A field that shows average home values for the US in 2016 is most likely a?
An aggregated measure
In a calculated field, this will be interpreted as a comment:
Anything after // will be treated as a comment
Which of the following uses a primary and secondary data source?
Blending
In the Data Pane, Discrete values are which color?
Blue
Primary Data Source
Blue
What happens when field names in the Union do not match?
Both field names are present in the Union, but contains several null values. You can merge the non-matching fields into a single field using the merge option to remove the null values.
If you have a dashboard and are displaying its filter, how can you rearrange it?
By clicking on the 2 lines on top and dragging the filter
What functions can be used on string to create a measure?
COUNTD
Alias
Can only be created for dimensions - not measures
Combo Chart
Combining two chart types in the same visualization Ex. Combining line and bar chart on dual axis
Which of the following descriptions below describes a Tableau Story?
Contains a sequence of worksheets or dashboards that work together to convey information
Left Join
Contains all values from the left table and corresponding matches from the right table When a value in left doesn't have corresponding match from right, you will have null values
Right Join
Contains all values from the right table and coresponding matches from the left table When a value in right doesn't have corresponding matches from left, you will have null values
Inner Join
Contains values that have matches in both tables
You would like a view that displays a filter allowing you to select the state, and use a Set to display the top 5 products with the greatest total sales within the selected state. What type of filter should you use to filter on the state?
Context Filter
When you drop a continuous field on Color, Tableau displays a quantitative legeld with a ____ range of colors
Continuous
Bins can be created for which type of field?
Continuous measure
Aliases
Create for members in a dimension so that their labels appear differently in the view
By default, what does Tableau do when you connect to a data source?
Creates a live connection
Type
Data type (number (decimal), number (whole), date & time, date, string, boolean, geographic). Each column in a dataset has a Type.
Date Parts and Values
Date Part = Discrete (Sales in Q3, irrespective of year) Date Value = Continuous (Sales in Q3 2015)
In the Data Pane, what sections do you have?
Dimensions, measures, sets and parameters
____ will only create a header. ____ will create header and axis both.
Dimesions; Measures
If you decide you want to see all of the marks in the view at the most detailed level of granularity, what can you do?
Disaggregate the measures
What is the default path for all supporting files, data sources, icons, logs, etc.?
Documents > My Tableau Respository
Canvas
Drag sheets from data source onto the canvas
Role
Either a dimension (qualitative) or a measure (numeric). Each column in a dataset has a Role.
As of Tableau 2018.3, Tableau is only available on a Windows Operating System?
False
When creating Hierarchies in Tableau, you are limited to three levels of hierarchy?
False
When creating a union between tables, what will happen if the field names do not match?
Fields in the union that do not have matching field names will contain null values
What is the difference between normal calculated fields, and the calculated fields created after Data Blending?
Fields used in Blends must first be aggregated
How to change Tableau Repository location
File > Repository Location -- chose a new location
You have a dashboard and you want to add a feature so that selecting an element on one of the worksheets on the dashboard causes a change on another worksheet in the same dashboard. What features will do this? (select all that apply)
Filter Action.Highlight Action
Which of the following is NOT a Tableau Field data type?
Float
How can you add color to Marks in the view?
From the Data pane, drag a field to Color on the Marks Chard
Which join will always include all rows from both tables?
Full Outer
In the Data Pane, Continuous values are which color?
Green
What chart type uses binned data?
Histogram
You created a group by selecting field labels in a view. How can you remove members from the group?
In the Data pane, right click the group and select edit Group
How to create Sets
In the Data pane, right-click a dimension and select Create > Set
The number of marks will (increase/decrease) when you increase the number of Dimensions in a view?
Increase
By default, measures placed in a view are aggregated. What type of aggregation is applied?
It depends on the context of the view
You start with a blank worksheet and add a continuous field to the row shelf. How will this new field change your view?
It will add a vertical axis
Data blending simulates a traditional _____ join
Left
A blend is most similar to which type of join?
Left Join
Layout Containers
Lets you group related dashbaord items together so you can quickly position them
What are the Mark Types?
Line, Square, Density, Gantt Bar etc
.tde file
Local copy of a subset or entire data set that you can use to share data with others, when you need to work offline or improve performance
What do you use to edit the shape, color, and text of visualizations?
Marks Card
In Tableau, Data Blending is where you?
Merge data from two or more sources within a Tableau Worksheet
You have SUM([Minutes of Delay]) in your view. If aggregate measures is unchecked, what will the view show instead of SUM([Minutes of Delay])?
Minutes of Delay
Where can you add new shapes?
My Documents > My Tableau Repository > Shapes
Automatic folder created by Tableau in the Documents folder.
My Tableau Repository
Field Name
Name of field in Tableau
Remote Field Name
Name of field in original data source
Which fields are best used as Dimensions?
Names; Categories
Is it possible to add both a Dashboard and a Worksheet at the same time to a Story Point?
No
Is SUM a table calculation?
No - it's an aggregate function
Manual Sort
No matter how the data changes, the values will always stay in the order we kept stuff in
Relationships are represented by _____ and operate at the _____
Noodles; Logical Layer
If you use a percent difference Quick Table Calculation, what value will be the first data value?
Null
What data types can trend lines be used with?
Numeric or date fields
Secondary Data Source
Orange
Padding
Padding lets you precisely space items on dashboard, while borders and background colors let you visually highlight them. Inner padding sets spacing between item contents and the perimeter of the border and background color; outer padding provides additional spacing beyond the border and background color.
Which of the following Data Pane items cannot be dragged onto the Filters Shelf?
Parameters
You just created a histogram and want to be able to change the size of the bins dynamically. How can you satisfy this requirement?
Parameters
Data Granularity
Referes to level of detail for a piece of data
How can you change the Default Aggregation for a measure?
Right click the measure > Default properties > Aggregation
How can you format numbers as currency?
Right-click a measure or axis in the view and select Format. Then in the Format pane, click the Numbers drop down menu.
Which chart type will best visualize the relationship between two continuous measures?
Scatter plot
What steps should you take to add a phone view to a dashboard?
Select Device Preview, then select Phone for Device Type, then click the button labeled "Add Phone Layout"
Wildcard Search
Set up criteria to automatically include tables in a Union
What is .tds?
Shortcuts for quickly connecting to the original data.
You have a scatter plot showing sales on the x-axis and profit on the y-axis, with each dot representing a different product subcategory. You want to show how the points on the scatter plot vary based on Net Profit, a third continuous variable. Which would be most appropriate? (Select all that apply)
Size and Color
What shape does a Heat Map use by default?
Square
Dimensions containing ____ and ____ cannot be continuous
String; Boolean
In order to avoid any confusions, what should you do after creating a dual-axis chart?
Synchronize the axes
Which of the following is NOT a Tableau Desktop Application?
Tableau Express.
_____ enables us to create workbooks/views/dashboards/data sources in Tableau Desktop, and then publish this content to our own server
Tableau Server
Most viewers scan content starting at the ______ of a page
Top left
In Tree maps, the size begins with the largest rectangle on the ________ and the smallest rectangle on the ________
Top left; Bottom right
Which chart does the Size option on the Marks Card not work?
Tree map
A Tableau Workbook can contain multiple sources from different source systems?
True
Can you extend the functionality of Tableau through Third-Party companies?
True
In the Data Pane, you can choose "Group by Folders" or "Group Data Source Table"?
True
When using data source Fields in Calculated Fields, the Square brackets are optional?
True
You can add additional Color palettes to Tableau?
True
Area Charts
Typically used to prepresent accumulated totals over time and are the conventional way to display stacked lines
Interactive elements that you can add to a dashboard for users include:
URL actions and filter actions
What can be used to combine the rows from one table with the rows from a second table?
Union
A method of appending values (rows to tables). You can use this method if both tables have the same columns. The result is a virtual table that has the same columns but extends vertically by adding rows of data.
Union-ing
The most important items on a dashboard should be positioned where?
Upper Left
If you want to replace one Field with another without breaking your worksheet, you?
Use the Replace Reference feature
Data Blending
Useful when you need to change how the data source is configured on a sheet-by-sheet basis, and when you want to combine databases that don't allow relationships or joins
How does Tableau know at which level to aggregate values?
Values are always aggregated at the level of granularity in the worksheet
Diverging Palette
When there are both negative and positive values for a field, the default range of values will use two color ranges
When is an axis created for the visualization?
When we drag a continuous field to the row/column shelf
Is it possible to add a field to more than one hierarchy?
Yes
Reference Lines
You can add reference lines, bands distributions, or box plots to any continuous axis in the view. You can add a reference line at a constant or computed value on the axis.
Which of the following is the best reason to use an extract instead of a live connection?
You need to apply aggregation that takes too long when using a live connection
What is the best reason to create a saved data source as a .TDS file?
You want to save the default field properties such as number formats and sort order
Each column in a dataset has...
a Role and a Type
Calculated Field
can serve as a dimension or a measure; appear in the data pane with an '=' sign next to them
A histogram shows the distribution of ________ data by creating bins that are _________.
continuous, discrete
Live Connection
default
Tooltip
details box that appears when you hover over different points in a visualization; you can edit to include static and dynamic info
Data Grid
preview data
Toolbar
top of the screen; use to access commands, and analysis/navigation tools