Before you start to use Tableau, you will need data. Data comes in many different shapes and sizes, from Microsoft Excel files to databases. Data is all around us, and more and more companies need the ability to see and understand their data, which is Tableau’s focus. Tableau Desktop has a variety of data connection options, from files to databases to saved data connections. This chapter will explore how to connect and use different data sets within your Tableau workbook.
1.1 Connecting to Data
When you first open Tableau, you will see the Start Page. The Start Page consists of three panes: Connect, Open (and recently connected workbooks), and Discover.
Within the Connect pane, you can see four sections: Search for Data, To a File, To a Server, and Saved Data Sources.
1.2 Searching for Data
The Search for Data option allows you to connect to a data source that has been published onto your Tableau Server or Tableau Online platform.
Problem
You want to connect to a data source on your Tableau Server/Online instance.
Solution
On the Start Page, click Tableau Server:
This will ask you to log in to your Tableau Server instance. (For more information, refer to your Tableau Server Administrator.)
Once you have connected to your Tableau Server ...
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