Understanding the Data Source

The Data Source is the final result of all the actions (Join, Union, Split, Pivot, and more) when connecting to a dataset, and all the customization you can apply afterward (Hide, Rename, Add Aliases, and so on). The goal for your Data Source is to be as performant, simple, and easy to understand as possible.

A Data Source can be a Live connection

, an Extract 

, or published on Tableau Server

. But no matter the type of connection, you will always find the same elements.

Data Sources elements

Four different elements comprise the Data Source:

• Dimensions
• Measures
• Sets
• Parameters

Dimensions and Measures are mandatory in Tableau. You'll always find them. They have at least one field, and that field has a data type. 

Note

It's essential to understand the difference between Dimensions and Measures. Everything is explained in ???Chapter 2, The Tableau Core. 

Sets and parameters are your creation. A Data Source can have no sets and no parameters. Sets are explained in the section...