Creating live data connections and extracts

We covered some data connection basics beginning in Chapter 2. In Tableau, data can be connected live or extracted. Before learning how to create these connections, it’s important to learn the benefits of each of them based on the separate features you look for when working with data connections.

Live versus extracted connections

Data can be connected live or static (or extracted). There are many considerations you need to consider with these connection types and how it impacts your needs and the performance of the workbooks. The following section will cover the major aspects of live versus extracted connections.

Data recency

Live connections mean the data flows into Tableau Desktop as soon as the source data is updated. With extracts, the extract needs to be refreshed to show updated data. The data freshness is fully dependent on when it was last updated or refreshed.

When the freshness of the data is vital, a live...