Connect To and Transform Data24% of the exam
Live connections, extracts and published data sources
Decide between a live connection and an extract (including Tableau Bridge and virtual connections on Tableau Cloud), configure and reopen .hyper extracts safely, connect to published data sources with the right permission, and replace a data source without losing your work.
Connect to data sources: Identify data source; Determine live connection vs. extract; Connect to extracts; Connect to files; Connect to relational databases; Connect to published data sources from a Tableau Server or Tableau Cloud site; Replace the connected data source with another data source for an existing chart or sheet.
~7 min read · 11 practice questions ·
What the exam expects
- Decide between a live connection and an extract from freshness, performance, functionality and whether Tableau Cloud can reach the data.
- Configure and connect to extracts: storage (Logical or Physical Tables), aggregation, hidden fields, and the safe way to reopen or relocate a .hyper file.
- Connect to published data sources on Tableau Server or Tableau Cloud, read why an entry is unavailable, and work on a local copy.
- Replace the data source for a whole workbook or one sheet, and predict what carries over.
- Connectors are taught in Connectors for files and relational databases; live versus extract basics in the Desktop Foundations unit Live connections and extracts.
Key terms:
- Extract: a subset of the data saved separately from the original, in .hyper format.
- Tableau Bridge: the client that connects Tableau Cloud to private network data, live or by extract refresh.
- Virtual connection: a shared central access point to data, optionally with data policies.
- Published data source: a data source on Tableau Server or Tableau Cloud that many workbooks share.
- Replace Data Source: a Desktop command that redirects a workbook's fields to another data source.
Key facts
Tableau Cloud and local data
- Detail
- Cannot reach it directly; use Tableau Bridge
Default extract storage
- Detail
- Logical Tables
Physical Tables
- Detail
- Disables extract filters, aggregation, Top N and sampling
Hidden fields
- Detail
- Excluded from the extract
Data source structure
- Detail
- Stored in the .tds, not the .hyper
Gray entry in Search for Data
- Detail
- No Connect permission, or Catalog asset not yet ingested
Embedded data source
- Detail
- Usable only inside its workbook; own refresh schedule
Replace Data Source
- Detail
- Desktop only; at least one field in the view
Replace compatibility
- Detail
- Relational to relational, or cube to cube
Sources for this section (4)
- Why can't Tableau Bridge give a Tableau Cloud workbook a live connection to an Excel file on a file share?
- When does Tableau recommend Physical Tables storage for an extract?
- What does Deactivate the extract do when Tableau cannot find a saved extract?
The questions are free to read. Answers with their sources and self-grading are included with the pack.
Keep reading with the Tableau Data Analyst pack
- Core concepts
- Exam traps
- Worked scenario
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- All 30 lessons of the Tableau Data Analyst guide, with reading progress
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