Tableau Architecture (Desktop)

Tableau Desktop is the core development tool in the Tableau ecosystem. It allows users to connect to data, process it, and create interactive dashboards.

Main Components of Tableau Desktop Architecture

Tableau Desktop architecture is divided into three major layers:

1. Data Connection Layer

This layer allows Tableau Desktop to connect with various data sources like:

• Databases (MySQL, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Oracle)

• Cloud Storage (Google Sheets, Snowflake, AWS Redshift)

• Local Files (Excel, CSV, JSON)

• APIs & Web Data

Two Ways to Connect to Data:

• Live Connection – Queries the database in real-time (data updates instantly).

• Extract Connection – Takes a snapshot of data for faster performance.

2. Data Processing & Query Layer

This is the brain of Tableau Desktop, responsible for:

• Running SQL queries behind the scenes.

• Filtering and aggregating data for visualization.

• Optimizing performance with data extracts and caching.

Key Components in This Layer

1. Data Engine (Hyper Engine)

• Handles large datasets and runs queries fast.

• Supports extract-based analysis for better speed.

2. VizQL Server (Visualization Query Language)

• Converts user actions (drag-and-drop) into database queries.

• Transforms query results into charts, tables, and dashboards.

Example:
An analyst wants to see yearly revenue trends:

• VizQL Engine sends a SQL query to the database.

• Data Engine fetches results and calculates total revenue.

• The final output appears as a line chart in Tableau Desktop.

3. Visualization & Presentation Layer (UI & Dashboards)

This layer is responsible for displaying and interacting with data.

Main Features:

• Drag-and-drop interface – Users create reports easily.

• Filters & Drilldowns – Allows interactive data exploration.

• Charts & Dashboards – Supports bar charts, maps, heatmaps, etc.

Example:
A marketing team wants to analyze website traffic by region:

• They drag ‘Country’ onto a map → Tableau creates a heatmap.

• They apply filters → Can see data for specific months.

• They publish the dashboard for team collaboration.

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How Tableau Desktop Works

1. Connects to a data source (Database, Excel, Cloud)

2. Extracts or queries data

3. Processes data using VizQL Engine

4. Applies filters, calculations & aggregations

5. Generates charts, graphs, and dashboards

6. Saves or shares reports with others

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Summary of Tableau Desktop Architecture