1. What is Tableau?

Tableau is a powerful data visualization tool used for transforming raw data into interactive,
visually appealing dashboards and reports. It helps in analyzing data, making data-driven
decisions, and presenting insights in a way that is easy to understand. Tableau connects to
various data sources, such as Excel, SQL databases, and cloud platforms, allowing users to
drag and drop data into the interface for quick analysis. It provides a user-friendly
environment, making it ideal for both technical and non-technical users. The ability to create
stunning visuals with minimal effort makes Tableau one of the leading tools in Business
Intelligence (BI).

2. What is a Tableau reporting tool?

Tableau reporting tool is a part of Tableau’s suite that allows users to create, share, and
visualize reports from data. The primary goal of Tableau reporting is to provide meaningful
insights by presenting data in a visually interactive format like graphs, charts, and tables. This
helps stakeholders easily interpret data patterns and trends, making decision-making faster
and more effective. The tool supports live connections to databases or extracts, enabling real-
time reporting or scheduled reports. Additionally, Tableau's reporting capabilities allow for
in-depth analysis and drill-down features to explore the data in more detail.

3. What do you understand by Business Intelligence?

Business Intelligence (BI) refers to the technologies, tools, and practices used to collect,
analyze, and present business data to help organizations make informed decisions. It
encompasses a range of activities, including data mining, reporting, querying, and data
visualization. BI tools like Tableau and Power BI provide interactive dashboards, reports, and
visualizations that help identify trends, patterns, and insights in the data. The aim of BI is to
convert raw data into actionable insights that can improve business performance, optimize
processes, and guide strategic decisions.

4. What is the difference between Power BI and Tableau?

Power BI and Tableau are both popular BI tools, but they have key differences. Power BI is
typically favored for its cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and seamless integration with
Microsoft products like Excel and Azure. It offers a wide range of pre-built templates and
allows for quick, straightforward report creation. On the other hand, Tableau is known for its
advanced data visualization capabilities and flexibility in designing custom visuals. Tableau
also has a more robust handling of large datasets and complex data models. In terms of
deployment, Power BI is cloud-centric, while Tableau offers both cloud and on-premise
options, giving it more flexibility in some use cases.

5. What are the different Tableau Products?

Tableau offers several products catering to different aspects of data analysis and visualization.
Tableau Desktop is for creating and building reports and dashboards. Tableau Server allows
sharing and collaborating on reports across organizations. Tableau Online is the cloud-based
version of Tableau Server, allowing for similar collaboration capabilities in the cloud. Tableau
Prep is used for data cleaning, transformation, and preparation before analysis. Additionally,
Tableau Reader allows users to view and interact with Tableau reports offline. Each of these
products serves different purposes in the data analysis and sharing workflow.

6. What are the different data types in Tableau?

In Tableau, the main data types include string (text), number (integer, float), boolean
(true/false), date/time (for handling dates and time-based data), and geographical dimensions
(such as latitude and longitude). The most common data types in Tableau are numbers and
strings, which are used for creating charts and aggregations. Dates and times are critical for
time series analysis, and geographical data types are used to create map visualizations.
Tableau automatically assigns these data types when data is imported, but users can change
them to suit specific analysis needs.

7. What is the difference between Measures and Dimensions in Tableau?

In Tableau, the difference between measures and dimensions lies in how the data is used in
analysis. Measures are quantitative fields that can be aggregated, such as sales, revenue, or
profit. These fields typically appear in the "measure" section of Tableau. Dimensions, on the
other hand, are categorical fields that describe data, such as product categories, customer
names, or dates. While dimensions are used to slice and filter the data, measures provide the
actual numerical values that are aggregated or analyzed. This distinction helps Tableau create
meaningful visualizations and analyze data from multiple perspectives.

8. What are the different file extensions used in Tableau and what are their
significance?
In Tableau, there are several key file extensions: .twb (Tableau Workbook) is the main file
format that saves Tableau dashboards and sheets. .twbx (Tableau Packaged Workbook) is a
compressed version of the .twb file that includes the data source, making it easier to
share. .tds (Tableau Data Source) contains metadata about the data source and can be used to
save reusable data sources. .hyper is the file format for Tableau’s data extracts, storing data in
a highly compressed format for improved performance. Each extension serves a specific
purpose related to saving, sharing, and optimizing Tableau files.

9. What data sources can you connect to Tableau?

Tableau can connect to a wide variety of data sources, including relational databases like SQL
Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and Teradata. It can also connect to cloud-based data
sources like Google BigQuery, Amazon Redshift, and Salesforce. Tableau can connect to
Excel, CSV, and text files, as well as web data connectors, JSON, and Hadoop. Additionally,
Tableau supports live connections to these data sources, allowing real-time updates and data
interactions. This flexibility makes Tableau a versatile tool that can be used in diverse data
environments.

10. What kinds of connections can you build with your dataset in Tableau?
In Tableau, there are two primary types of connections you can build: live connections and
extract connections. A live connection links Tableau directly to the data source, ensuring that
any updates or changes in the data are immediately reflected in the Tableau visualization.
Extract connections, on the other hand, involve creating a snapshot of the data that is stored
locally in a .hyper file. This extract is often used to improve performance by reducing the
load on the live database, especially when working with large datasets. You can also combine
live and extract connections in a blended approach for different parts of your analysis.

11. What are the different types of joins available in Tableau?

Tableau supports several types of joins when combining data from different tables. These
include inner joins, left joins, right joins, and outer joins. An inner join only returns data that
exists in both tables, while a left join returns all data from the left table and matching data
from the right table. A right join is the opposite, returning all data from the right table and
matching data from the left table. An outer join returns all data from both tables, filling in
nulls where there is no match. Choosing the right join type depends on the analysis
requirements and how you want to combine your data.

12. What's the difference between joining and blending?

Joining and blending in Tableau both serve the purpose of combining data from different
sources, but they work differently. Joining involves merging tables within a single data source
using keys to combine them into one dataset. This is a more straightforward approach and
works when the data is within the same database. Blending, on the other hand, occurs when
data comes from different sources (e.g., one table in a SQL database and another in an Excel
file). Blending uses a common field, known as a linking field, to combine data from multiple
sources at a higher level of aggregation.

13. How to view SQL generated by Tableau Desktop?

To view the SQL query generated by Tableau Desktop, you can navigate to the "Performance
Recording" feature in Tableau. Alternatively, you can use the "View Data" option in the
worksheet or dashboard to see the raw data and the corresponding SQL query Tableau is
using to pull the data. If you want to see the SQL generated for a specific action, you can also
go to the "Data" menu, click "New Custom SQL," and then Tableau will show you the SQL
generated behind the scenes. This is helpful when troubleshooting or optimizing queries.
 14. What is the difference between the Tableau Worksheet, Dashboard, Story, and
Workbook?
In Tableau, a Worksheet is where you create individual visualizations, such as charts, graphs,
and tables, using your data. A Dashboard is a collection of multiple visualizations from
different worksheets, presented together on a single screen for a broader view. A Story is a
series of sheets or dashboards that are linked together in a sequence to tell a data-driven
narrative. A Workbook is the entire Tableau file that contains all of the sheets, dashboards,
and stories, along with the data source. The main difference lies in the level of aggregation—
worksheets are individual visuals, dashboards group them, stories sequence them, and a
workbook is the container for all these elements.

15. What is the difference between a discrete and a continuous value in Tableau?
In Tableau, discrete and continuous values differ in how data is represented. Discrete values
are distinct, individual items, like product categories or states, which Tableau treats as
categorical data. They are shown as distinct points on the axis and often appear in different
colors or categories. Continuous values, on the other hand, represent a range or interval, such
as sales revenue or time. These values are treated as continuous numerical data and are
plotted along an axis without breaks. Continuous values are typically used for trends or
analysis over time, while discrete values are used for grouping and segmentation.

16. What are groups, sets, and parameters in Tableau?

Groups in Tableau allow you to combine related dimension members into a single group. This
helps simplify analysis and visualization by consolidating similar items, like grouping certain
states or products together. Sets are custom subsets of data that allow you to define a group
based on conditions or logic, enabling you to dynamically select data points based on specific
criteria. Parameters are dynamic variables that allow users to change values in calculations,
filters, or reference lines. They can be used to create interactivity and enhance dashboards by
allowing users to control the analysis based on their input.

17. What is the difference between sets and groups in Tableau?

The main difference between sets and groups in Tableau is that sets are dynamic and can
change based on specific conditions or filters, while groups are static collections of data. A
group is a manual or predefined collection of members, such as grouping certain regions or
products together. A set, on the other hand, is a collection of data points that can be based on
conditions or a specific subset of data, such as top N products or all customers with sales
above a certain threshold. Sets can be used in calculations and are often dynamic, adjusting
automatically as data changes.

18. What is a calculated field and how do we create it in Tableau?

A calculated field in Tableau allows you to create new data by applying formulas, logical
expressions, or aggregations on existing fields. To create a calculated field, you can go to the
"Analysis" menu, select "Create Calculated Field," and then write the formula based on your
requirements. For example, you could calculate profit margins by subtracting costs from
revenue. You can also use built-in functions like SUM, IF-THEN statements, and string
manipulation functions to customize your calculations. Calculated fields are useful for
creating new insights that aren't directly available in the data.

19. What are the different data aggregation functions in Tableau?

Tableau offers several data aggregation functions, such as SUM, AVG (Average), MIN
(Minimum), MAX (Maximum), COUNT, and COUNTD (Distinct Count). These functions
allow you to aggregate your data based on the type of analysis you want to perform. For
example, SUM is used to calculate the total value, AVG calculates the mean, and COUNT
gives you the total number of records. Additionally, COUNTD provides the count of unique
values, while MIN and MAX return the smallest and largest values, respectively. These
functions are essential for summarizing data in meaningful ways.

20. How can you display the Top Five and Bottom Five values in the same view in
Tableau?
To display both the Top Five and Bottom Five values in the same view in Tableau, you can
use table calculations or create a calculated field. First, you can create two filters: one for the
top five values using a "Top N" filter, and another for the bottom five values using the same
approach but with a filter for the lowest values. Alternatively, you can create a combined
calculated field that groups top and bottom N values, and then use it as a filter. Using dual-
axis charts or combined bar charts allows you to show both sets of values in a single
visualization, making comparisons easier.

21. What is the difference between Tableau Heat Map and Tree Map?
A Tableau Heat Map is a type of visualization where data values are represented using color
gradients, typically showing the intensity of the values in a matrix. It's great for spotting
trends and patterns, particularly in large datasets. A Tree Map, on the other hand, displays
hierarchical data as nested rectangles, with the size and color of each rectangle representing
the data's value. Tree Maps are useful for comparing proportions within a hierarchy, while
Heat Maps are best for visualizing the relationship between two dimensions or categories,
based on intensity.

22. What is the Level of Detail (LOD) Expression in Tableau?

Level of Detail (LOD) expressions in Tableau allow you to perform calculations at different
levels of granularity. There are three types of LOD expressions: FIXED, INCLUDE, and
EXCLUDE. FIXED calculates the value at a specified level of detail, regardless of the
dimensions in the view. INCLUDE adds additional dimensions to the level of detail in the
calculation, while EXCLUDE removes certain dimensions from the calculation. LOD
expressions are useful when you need to perform aggregations that are different from the
default level of granularity in your visualization, providing flexibility in your analysis.

23. How do you handle Null values in Tableau?

In Tableau, null values can be handled in several ways depending on the desired outcome.
You can replace null values with a default value by using the ZN() function (for numeric
fields) or the IFNULL() function. Additionally, you can filter out null values by creating a
filter to exclude them from the analysis. If null values represent meaningful data (e.g.,
missing information), you may want to leave them in your visualization, but format them in a
way that is clearly identifiable, such as displaying them as "N/A" or "Unknown." Null
handling ensures that your data is clean and the analysis is accurate.

24. How do you use the DATEADD function to add or subtract time from a date
field?
The DATEADD function in Tableau allows you to modify a date by adding or subtracting a
specific interval. The syntax for DATEADD is: DATEADD('unit', number, date), where 'unit'
can be a year, quarter, month, day, hour, minute, etc., the 'number' is the amount you want to
add or subtract, and 'date' is the date field you are modifying. For example,
DATEADD('month', -3, [Order Date]) will subtract 3 months from the order date. This
function is helpful for time-based analysis, such as calculating trends over different time
periods.

25. What is the difference between the COUNT and COUNTD functions in Tableau?
COUNT and COUNTD are both aggregation functions in Tableau, but they serve different
purposes. COUNT is used to count the number of records in a field, including duplicates. It
simply counts how many rows there are for a specific field. COUNTD, on the other hand,
stands for "Count Distinct," and it counts only unique values in a field, ignoring duplicates.
For example, if you have a list of customers and some customers appear multiple times,
COUNT will return the total number of rows, while COUNTD will return the number of
distinct customers.

How would you distinguish between Reference Band and Bollinger Bands?
Reference Band in Tableau is used to visually highlight a range of values within a chart,
based on some measure. It allows you to add context around the data, such as marking a
specific range that is of interest or denoting acceptable limits. For example, you can use a
reference band to show the range of average values or a target range. Bollinger Bands, on the
other hand, are a financial charting tool used to measure the volatility of a stock or asset.
They consist of a moving average line and two standard deviation lines. Bollinger Bands are
more complex and are used in financial analysis to understand the price range and volatility.

27. When would you use the SCRIPT_REAL functions in Tableau?

SCRIPT_REAL functions in Tableau are used when you need to execute custom R or Python
scripts to perform more advanced calculations or modeling that Tableau cannot handle
directly. These functions are particularly useful when working with statistical analysis,
machine learning models, or other complex calculations that require external processing. For
example, if you need to run a regression analysis or apply a machine learning algorithm on
your data, you would use SCRIPT_REAL to call an R or Python script from Tableau, and the
result would be returned to Tableau for further visualization or analysis.

28. What are the different ways to optimize a Dashboard's Performance?

To optimize dashboard performance in Tableau, you can focus on reducing the number of
data points, using aggregated data instead of raw data, and limiting the number of filters
applied. Reducing the complexity of calculations and minimizing the use of complex table
calculations can also help. Using extracts instead of live connections can improve
performance by reducing the query time. Avoid using too many quick filters and instead,
consider using parameters for greater control. Additionally, you can reduce the number of
marks on the view by using summary data and optimize your data source connections for
speed.

29. Prepare on calculations and LOD functions.

Calculations in Tableau are used to create new fields based on your existing data, such as
mathematical operations, logical conditions, or string manipulations. These calculations can
be performed at different levels of granularity, using standard calculated fields or more
advanced features like Level of Detail (LOD) expressions. LOD expressions—FIXED,
INCLUDE, and EXCLUDE—allow you to control the level of granularity at which the
calculation is performed, independent of the view’s context. For example, FIXED lets you
calculate values for each region regardless of what’s in the view, INCLUDE adds more
dimensions to the calculation, and EXCLUDE removes some dimensions. Mastering these
functions ensures that you can perform granular and accurate analyses.

30. Prepare on your current project what you keep on your resume.
When preparing your resume, highlight key projects you’ve worked on that showcase your
technical skills and problem-solving abilities. For example, in your current or most recent
project, you could mention how you used Tableau to build interactive dashboards or how you
optimized business KPIs through data visualization. Focus on specific achievements such as
improving decision-making, enhancing team efficiency, or automating data reports. Also, be
sure to mention the tools and technologies used, the impact on the business, and any
collaborations with cross-functional teams. Ensure your resume demonstrates the relevance
of your experience to the roles you are applying for.

31. Prepare on Tableau Server.

Tableau Server is a centralized platform used for sharing, managing, and collaborating on
Tableau workbooks and dashboards within an organization. It allows users to securely publish
and share Tableau content across teams, enabling collaboration and data-driven decision-
making. Tableau Server also offers features like user permissions, scheduled data refreshes,
and integration with other systems. It's essential to be familiar with concepts such as setting
up and managing Tableau Server, creating user roles, permissions, and groups, and
configuring data sources for scheduled extracts. Knowing how to troubleshoot performance
issues and ensure the server is optimized for efficiency is also important.