Order of operations

Isn't a data blend the same thing as a left join? This is a question that new Tableau authors often ask. The answer, of course, is no, but let's explore the differences. The following example is simple, even lighthearted, but does demonstrate serious consequences that can result from incorrect aggregation resulting from an erroneous join.

Exercise: a data blend vs a left join

One day, in the near future, you may move to fulfill a lifelong desire to open a brick and mortar store:

Let's assume that you will open a clothing store specializing in pants and shirts. Because of the fastidious tendencies you developed as a result of year's of working with data, you are planning to keep everything...