Preface

When Tableau was first introduced, it was a dramatic paradigm shift away from tabular reports and extensive cycles of data integration that produced results long after relevant decisions could have been made. Tableau disrupted the paradigm for visually interacting with data, and it continues to offer a unique paradigm – one which makes it easy and intuitive (and fun!) to be hands-on with data, to receive instant visual feedback with every action, and to ask questions and uncover insights in a natural flow of thought and interaction. The result is an ever growing #datafam, a community that loves Tableau for its simplicity, beauty, and ability to make working with data fun!

Beyond the core paradigm, Tableau continues to innovate – incorporating new features and new paradigms to make the task of seeing, understanding, and acting upon data even easier and more enjoyable than ever! With data model and multi-fact analysis, viz extensions, AI integration (including Tableau Agent and Tableau Pulse), Tableau continues to push the boundaries of how analysts, business users, and decision makers interact with data.

We’ll look at Tableau through the lens of understanding the underlying paradigm of how and why Tableau works, in the context of practical examples. Then we’ll build on this solid foundation of understanding so that you will have the tools and skills to tackle even the toughest data challenges!