Intelligent extracts
This section will discuss what a Tableau Data Extract (TDE) is as well as how to efficiently construct an extract.
Understanding the Tableau Data Extract
A Tableau Data Extract (TDE) is a proprietary compressed data source created by Tableau Desktop. A TDE can be stored locally and accessed by Tableau to render visualizations. Consider the following points; they make a .tde
file an excellent choice for improved performance:
- A TDE can be quickly generated at an aggregate level:
- See the walkthrough of the Extract Data dialog box.
- A TDE is a columnar store:
- Relational databases typically store data using a Row store methodology. A columnar store records as sequences of columns.
- In the following example, note that Row store is excellent for returning individual rows, whereas Column store is much better for returning aggregated data:
Table | |||
Instrument |
Store |
Price | |
Row 1 |
Selmer Trumpet |
North |
$3500 |
Row 2 |
Conn French Horn |
East |
$4500 |
Row 3 |
Getzen Trombone... |