Database Reference
In-Depth Information
data dashboards on the Web would require me to learn a programming language like D3 or
Processing. Having done just enough programming in engineering school (if Fortran still
counts as programming) and beyond to feel up for the challenge, I set about to see what I
could do.
In the early stages of learning to code, a contact of mine recommended that I download
Tableau Public, the freely available version of the data visualization PC software, and experi-
ment with the user interface. I did, and after watching a few online training videos, I was
amazed at what I could do in my very first session. I began creating data visualizations and
embedding them in a WordPress site, and connecting with an online community of enthusi-
asts and experts.
Tableau Products
Chances are you bought this topic because you already have one or more Tableau products
and you'd like to learn how to use them better. For those who aren't already familiar with the
different data visualization
software products Tableau offers
, there are four main types:
Tableau Desktop
A Windows application that comes in two editions (Personal and Professional), and is
most useful for analysts and business users. Personal allows connection to files and local
saving only, while Professional also allows individuals to connect to a wider variety of
data sources and save to your own server, Tableau Online servers, or Tableau Public serv-
ers.
Tableau Server
Best suited for enterprise-wide deployments, this is a business intelligence system for se-
cure access to enterprise data and user interaction via web portals on a company intranet
(requires Desktop Professional).
Tableau Online
A new hosted solution for storing and accessing data dashboards in the cloud (requires
Desktop Professional), this is geared toward consultants and companies.
