After spending Day 2 delving into the theory behind data cleaning and reshaping, it was time to dive into Tableau Prep for Day 3.
Using the "Preppin' Data" Challenges, we got to work, tackling tasks like splitting fields, filtering data, pivoting, joins, unions, grouping, and more. By day's end, the group felt very comfortable with the tool.
However, rather than jumping straight in with your data preparation, you should plan your process first.
Follow these steps to be a pro with your data prep.
Know Your Data: Before diving into data cleaning, it's essential to get to know your data. You should study what the data represents, where it comes from, and any potential issues or quirks within it. Understanding the context and the story the data tells is like examining a treasure map before you start the adventure; it helps you navigate the journey more effectively. Make notes and annotate if this helps you.
Desired State: Determine how you want your data to look and behave after cleaning. This is your "desired state." It's like having a vision of a perfectly clean room before you start tidying up. Knowing where you're headed helps you stay focused and ensures your data is prepared just the way you need it.
List Your Prep Steps: Create a detailed list of the specific steps you'll take to clean and prepare the data. This is like making a checklist for tasks you need to complete when getting ready for a big event. Your list should include actions like removing duplicates, handling missing values, and standardizing formats. Listing your prep steps keeps you organized and ensures nothing is missed.
Follow Your Steps: Once you have your prep steps outlined, follow them systematically. Think of it as following a recipe to bake a cake; each step is essential to achieve the desired result. Execute your data preparation tasks one by one, ensuring that your data moves closer to the "desired state" you've defined. Following your steps helps maintain consistency and quality in your data, making it ready for analysis.
Data preparation and cleaning often consume a significant portion of a data analyst's time, and Tableau Prep makes this process much more efficient but not without proper planning.
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