What is Tableau?
Tableau is the fastest-growing platform for visual analytics on the market. It allows users to simplify raw data into a format that’s easy to access and understand by those working at any level of an organization. Even non-technical Tableau users can create customized dashboards and worksheets with the help of this versatile tool. It’s relied on by teachers, students, Data Scientists, Analysts, executives, and business owners for their end-to-end analytics needs. This is why Tableau is considered to be the leading analytics platform for business intelligence.
Some of Tableau’s most remarkable features include its capacity for data blending, real-time analysis, and data collaboration. Because Tableau does not require programming skills or technical expertise to operate, users of all backgrounds can easily work with this software. It can be installed directly onto one’s hardware from a web download and be operational in just twenty minutes.
For those passionate about analyzing and visualizing data, Tableau offers many benefits. Tableau users from various backgrounds, even those who have limited technical abilities, can work with its flexible front end features to perform basic go-to metrics as well as more complicated analytic techniques. This tool incorporates R and Python integration, predictive capabilities, rapid cohort analysis, and complex calculations so that Data Analysts and Data Scientists can execute nuanced quantitative analyses and then share the resulting visualizations.
Tableau’s dynamic software makes the process of using data to both ask and answer questions an intuitive one. The visuals that drive analysis allow users to continue to ask “Why?” even when this question grows in scope or complexity. In addition, sharing these visual results within a company, organization, or business can lead to more informed decision-making, greater collaboration, and more successful business outcomes.
Tableau is also well-known for its active online community, which will be explored in this article.
Tableau Community
Tableau prides itself on its vibrant online community, which was created to help users from around the globe connect with one another, exchange ideas, network, and share their data visualizations.
For those who are interested in joining Tableau’s online community, there are multiple ways to do so:
- Tableau offers a range of “community projects” designed to help Tableau users learn new data visualization skills and to help others along the way. These projects are generally offered weekly or monthly. Some supply datasets, whereas others require users to have their own data. Certain projects focus on Tableau Prep, whereas others require Tableau Desktop. Community projects such as Makeover Monday, in which leaders of a community project supply the community with a set of data as well as a visualization, then ask community members to make improvements to the initial chart.
- Some users elect to connect on social media via X (formerly known as Twitter). Those who show interest in Tableau on X can connect with one another, as well as connect with Tableau (@Tableau) and Tableau Public (@TableauPublic). They can also use X to comment on others’ work, as well as to take part in conversations centered around Tableau. The X hashtag for the Tableau Community is #datafam, and those seeking feedback on their work can use #datafamfeedback to let others know they are seeking feedback.
- Tableau Public provides a free, public web space where users can upload Tableau workbooks. Those interested in having a public account can also elect to download the desktop version of Tableau Public, then make a Tableau Public account on their website. This option is especially helpful for those hoping to share their visualizations publicly, as well as Tableau users who wish to check out innovative visualizations and follow those who create them.
- LinkedIn is also a great resource for Tableau users to connect with one another. Some users who publish data visualizations on Tableau Public also display them on LinkedIn as well, which can lead to greater professional visibility.
- Tableau’s community blog helps Tableau users learn more about the corporate culture at Tableau. Topics on the blog provide information about Tableau’s values, mission, and products. In addition, Tableau’s corporate blog provides examples of how Tableau is being used internally, as well as by customers.
Tableau Community Forums
Tableau users from around the world connect with one another in Tableau’s Community Forums. The Forums create a communal space where Data Analysts working with Tableau can interact with one another and exchange ideas about how to best leverage this platform. Forum users can pose questions on specific topics, and find answers from others in the community.
Forums are available for first-time Tableau users, as well as for students and teachers, and Developers. In addition, if you cannot find a topic on a discussion Forum, then users can build their own Forum with a designated chat space. Tableau users can also see which topics are trending on the Forums, browse featured groups, pose specific questions pertaining to Tableau products, or enter a discussion on a variety of topics, such as geocoding, calculations, and upgrades.
Thousands of Tableau users rely on the Forums for information, support, and a sense of community. There are currently over 450 user groups and 195K questions in the Community Forums.
There are many components to Tableau Community Forums, such as:
- Q & A. Tableau users can ask a question directly to community experts who are using the Forums for specific support and guidance. For those who posted questions that were not answered, Tableau also has an option for users to reach out to Tableau Support for additional help.
- Tableau user groups. Those who wish to join a Tableau user group can do so either in-person or online. These groups help peers working with data to connect with others who share the same passion. Groups are available around the world and are searchable by topic as well as location.
- Viz of the Day. Tableau Public displays a visualization each day, which others can view for inspiration.
- Product ideas. Those who are interested in submitting an idea directly to Tableau can do so on their product idea page. Users can also browse other ideas and vote on those they want to see incorporated into future product iterations.
Data visualization need not be a solitary trade. With the help of Tableau’s vibrant online community, those working in data analytics can receive support, feedback, and guidance from others working on similar projects so that they never feel alone in the visualization process.
Hands-On Tableau Classes
For those who want to learn how to create stunning and engaging data visualizations, maps, charts, and graphs using an industry-standard platform, Noble Desktop’s Tableau classes are a great starting point. These small group classes are available in-person in NYC, as well as in the live online format. Tableau-focused courses teach students skills like how to spot the most optimal datasets to connect to, as well as how to analyze, filter, structure, and visually represent data.
In addition, a variety of live online Tableau courses are also currently available from top training providers. These interactive classes are taught in real-time and provide all learners with access to an instructor who is live and ready to provide feedback and answer questions. Courses are offered for novice Tableau users, as well as those with more advanced data visualization skills. Classes range from seven hours to five days in duration and cost $299- $2,199.
Those who are interested in finding nearby Tableau classes can use Noble’s Tableau Classes Near Me tool. This handy tool provides an easy way to locate and browse more than three dozen of the best Tableau classes currently offered in the in-person and live online formats so that all interested learners can find the course that works best for them.