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Install Tableau Desktop

Let’s learn how to Install Tableau Desktop and kick-start your data analyst career. If you’re breaking into the data industry, learning that data visualization is important in data science, or unlocking the power of data for the first time… Welcome, or maybe you’re deep into the realm of understanding the nuanced differences between Tableau VS Powerbi or reading our comprehensive guide to APIs, we are glad to have you.

The latest 2019.1 installer is similar to the installation below of 10.2! Not much has changed here since earlier days, either. Any version will work with this install guide.

Installing Tableau Desktop on Windows

  1. Download Tableau Desktop.
  2. Click the file to begin.
  3. Agree to the terms.
  4. Install.
Install Tableau desktop agree to terms of the license agreement.
Install Tableau Desktop Step: Left-click the checkbox to agree to the license agreement, then click install.

  • Click install, wait for the installation to finish, and this will only take a few minutes.
  • Install Tableau Desktop progress bar
    Install Tableau Desktop: The Progress bar shows Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 x64 Redistributable being installed.

    Type in registration info, first name, last name, email, organization, and geographic information.

  • Already have a key? Click ‘Activate Tableau’ if you already have your desktop key.
  • Type your Tableau Desktop Key ‘TDXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX’
  • Tableau Developer tip: TD means Tableau Desktop, TS means Tableau Server, be sure to use the TD license key for Tableau Desktop. If you see TS, ask your Tableau Consultant or Admin for the correct license!


  • You’re done!
  • Tableau desktop installation completed message
    Tableau Desktop installation is now complete!

    Is the Tableau Desktop Installation Completed?

    Suppose you’ve just completed installing Tableau Desktop or want to learn more; feel free to follow along on our other blog posts. Thanks!

    We appreciate you checking out our how-to-install Tableau desktop tutorial.

    Best Practices for Installation and Optimization

    Tableau Desktop, a powerful data visualization and business intelligence tool, empowers organizations to turn raw data into actionable insights. Whether you’re a data analyst, a business professional, or an aspiring data wizard, Tableau Desktop can be your trusty companion in the journey to unlock the potential hidden within your data. However, harnessing its potential begins with the installation process, followed by a thorough understanding of best practices for optimal performance and productivity.

    In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the art of installing Tableau Desktop, emphasizing critical installation best practices and techniques that will set you on the path to success.

    Chapter 1: Preparing for Installation

    Before embarking on the Tableau Desktop installation journey, it’s paramount to establish a solid foundation, ensuring a smooth and successful deployment of this powerful data visualization and business intelligence tool. This chapter thoroughly explores the critical aspects of preparation, guiding you through the necessary steps to ensure that your Tableau Desktop installation is well-informed and optimized.

    1.1 System Requirements: The Cornerstone of a Stable Environment

    Tableau Desktop, a sophisticated and resource-intensive application, demands an environment that can accommodate its complexities and facilitate its seamless operation. Therefore, the initial step in your Tableau journey is to evaluate your hardware and software meticulously, validating that they meet or exceed Tableau’s specified system requirements.

    Embarking on this journey without considering these prerequisites is akin to setting sail without a sturdy vessel. Inadequate system specifications can lead to many complications, ranging from sluggish performance, poor data governance controls, and frustrating crashes to outright installation errors. A comprehensive understanding of your system’s capabilities and Tableau’s demands is non-negotiable.

    Take the time to delve into Tableau’s official documentation, where you’ll find a detailed exposition of the requisite system specifications. Consider processor speed, memory (RAM), disk space, and graphics capabilities. Moreover, don’t overlook the critical role that your operating system plays in this equation; ensure that your OS is compatible with Tableau Desktop’s requirements.

    By meticulously scrutinizing and aligning your system with Tableau’s prerequisites, you set the stage for a robust and efficient installation. The systematic assessment of your hardware and software ensures that Tableau Desktop will operate at its full potential, unleashing the power of data analysis and visualization without hindrance.

    1.2 License Considerations: The Key to Unlocking Full Potential

    Tableau Desktop’s capabilities are vast, and to harness them to their full extent, a valid Tableau Desktop license key is an absolute necessity. This pivotal document grants you access to the myriad features and functions of Tableau Desktop, ensuring you can explore, analyze, and visualize your data with confidence and precision.

    With various licensing options available, it’s imperative that you select the one that perfectly aligns with your specific needs and budget. Your choice will depend on factors such as the scale of your data analysis projects, the number of users requiring Tableau access, and the degree of collaboration your organization demands. Thus, before proceeding with the installation process, carefully deliberate on these factors to make the most informed selection.

    Additionally, for those new to Tableau Desktop and who wish to explore its capabilities without immediate financial commitment, Tableau offers a generous 14-day free trial. This trial period is a golden opportunity to delve into Tableau’s features, experiment with data visualizations, and evaluate its potential to meet your organization’s objectives.

    By being equipped with the appropriate license, you will ensure that your Tableau Desktop installation experience is legitimate and comprehensive, facilitating a seamless transition into data analysis and visualization.

    In Conclusion

    Preparation is the keystone of a successful Tableau Desktop installation. By meticulously evaluating your system’s compatibility and selecting the most suitable license option, you establish a robust and reliable foundation for your Tableau journey. Ensuring that your hardware and software are up to the task and acquiring the appropriate license sets the stage for a Tableau Desktop experience that is efficient, productive, and enriched with the full spectrum of data analysis and visualization capabilities.

    Chapter 2: Installation Process – Navigating the Path to Data Discovery

    Now that you have diligently prepared your system and taken care of license considerations, you’re well-equipped to embark on the exciting journey of installing Tableau Desktop. The installation process is a pivotal step in harnessing the potential of this powerful data visualization and business intelligence tool. This chapter will guide you through installing Tableau Desktop while emphasizing best practices for a smooth and optimized experience.

    2.1 Downloading the Installer: Your Gateway to Tableau Desktop

    The first step in the installation process involves acquiring the Tableau Desktop installer, your gateway to the world of data-driven insights. To do this, head to Tableau’s official website, where you’ll find a designated section for downloading the installer. Selecting the version that aligns with your specific operating system is imperative—Tableau Desktop is available for both Windows and macOS platforms.

    Before downloading, ensure you have a stable and secure internet connection. The Tableau Desktop installer is a substantial file, and a reliable connection is essential to prevent interruptions during the download process. The integrity of the installer file is crucial to the subsequent steps, and disruption could potentially lead to corrupted files and installation errors.

    2.2 Running the Installer: Navigating the On-Screen Odyssey

    With the Tableau Desktop installer securely downloaded, it’s time to begin the installation process. Begin by locating the downloaded installer file and double-click on it. This simple action initiates the installation wizard, which will deftly guide you.

    As you progress through the installation wizard, one of the critical steps is to read and comprehend the license agreement presented to you carefully. This agreement is the formal legal contract between you and Tableau, outlining the terms and conditions for using the software. Acceptance of this agreement is non-negotiable, as it is a prerequisite for proceeding with the installation.

    Throughout the installation, you can select installation options, such as the installation path and preferred data sources. These custom installation options allow you to fine-tune Tableau Desktop to your specific needs, a practice highly recommended to optimize your experience with the software.

    2.3 Custom Installation Options: Tailoring Tableau to Your Needs

    Customization is a powerful tool during the installation process, enabling you to tailor Tableau Desktop to your specific requirements. These options become crucial for organizations and individuals with unique data analysis needs.

    You can choose the installation path during installation, ensuring that Tableau Desktop is stored in the directory that aligns with your file management practices. This choice can impact future updates and maintenance, making it an essential consideration.

    Additionally, you can specify your preferred data sources, streamlining the data connection process. You optimize efficiency and expedite data analysis by selecting relevant data sources for your projects.

    Furthermore, consider any additional features or components that may enhance your Tableau experience. These could include specific connectors, drivers, or sample workbooks that align with your data sources or industry. Customizing your installation in this manner ensures that you are well-prepared to harness the full potential of Tableau Desktop.

    In Conclusion

    Installing Tableau Desktop is not merely a technical procedure; it’s the gateway to unlocking the power of data-driven decision-making. By meticulously downloading the installer, navigating the on-screen instructions, and taking full advantage of the custom installation options, you will lay a solid foundation for a productive and optimized Tableau Desktop experience. Your journey towards insightful data visualization and analysis begins with this installation process, setting the stage for your future success.

    Chapter 3: Post-Installation Best Practices – Unleash the Full Potential of Tableau Desktop

    Congratulations! With Tableau Desktop now successfully installed on your system, you’ve taken a significant step toward harnessing the immense power of data visualization and analysis. However, the installation is just the beginning of your Tableau journey. Post-installation setup and best practices are essential to maximize its capabilities and ensure an optimized experience. In this chapter, we will explore the critical aspects of post-installation, offering insights and guidance to set you on the path to data-driven success.

    3.1 Activation and Registration: Unveil the Full Spectrum of Features

    With Tableau Desktop installed, the first post-installation step is to activate and register your product. This pivotal process is critical to unlocking the full spectrum of features and capabilities Tableau Desktop offers.

    Activate your Tableau Desktop using the valid license key that you ensured you had during the pre-installation phase. Activation validates your software and grants you full access to the array of features Tableau has to offer. It’s a crucial step for both new users and experienced Tableau enthusiasts.

    Once activated, don’t overlook the importance of registering your product. Registration validates your Tableau Desktop and entitles you to software updates and support from Tableau. Staying up-to-date with the latest features and improvements is vital to ensure you’re equipped with the most advanced data analysis and visualization tools.

    3.2 Data Sources and Data Preparation: The Foundation of Analysis

    One of Tableau’s distinguishing strengths lies in its ability to connect seamlessly with diverse data sources, from databases to spreadsheets and cloud services. To optimize your Tableau Desktop installation, it’s essential to configure data connections to your preferred sources and prepare your data for analysis. This foundational step will significantly enhance your analysis experience.

    When configuring data connections, ensure you set up connections to the most relevant and up-to-date data sources. This practice minimizes data latency, providing accurate and timely information you analyze. Additionally, consider data cleaning, structuring, and indexing to speed up the analysis process. Clean data prevents inaccuracies and enhances the precision of your visualizations, while structured and indexed data accelerates data retrieval and analysis.

    3.3 Performance Optimization: Achieving Peak Efficiency

    To attain peak performance and efficiency with Tableau Desktop, consider implementing the following best practices:

    Adjust caching settings for faster data retrieval: Caching frequently used data can significantly speed up the analysis process. Configure your caching settings to ensure the most relevant data is available for analysis.

    Manage extract refresh schedules based on data volatility: If you are working with data that changes frequently, consider adjusting the extract refresh schedules to align with the data’s volatility. This ensures that your data remains up-to-date without excessive refreshes.

    Utilize data source filters to limit retrieval: Data source filters are powerful tools to refine your queries. Implement them judiciously to restrict the amount of data retrieved, optimizing performance.

    Regularly clean and optimize your workbooks and dashboards: Periodically review and refine them to ensure they remain efficient and effective. Remove unnecessary elements and streamline your visualizations to enhance user experience.

    3.4 Security Measures: Safeguarding Your Data

    Data security is a paramount concern, and Tableau Desktop offers robust security options to protect your data assets. Implementing security best practices is essential to safeguard sensitive information and maintain data integrity. Some critical security measures include:

    Encryption: Leverage encryption features to secure data during transmission and storage. Encryption ensures that your data remains confidential and protected from unauthorized access.

    Permissions settings: Utilize permissions settings to define who can access and manipulate your data and dashboards. Restrict data access to only those who require it, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure.

    Implementing robust security measures is fundamental to post-installation best practices, ensuring that your data assets remain confidential, protected, and accessible only to authorized personnel.

    In Conclusion

    Post-installation best practices bridge the Tableau Desktop installation and your journey into the world of data-driven insights. By activating and registering your product, configuring data connections, optimizing performance, and implementing robust security measures, you set the stage for an optimized Tableau experience. In this post-installation phase, you refine your setup, ensuring you are fully equipped to explore, analyze, and visualize data with confidence, precision, and the utmost security. Your Tableau journey is now poised for success.

    Download Tableau Desktop

    Download Tableau Desktop

    Download Tableau Desktop with these easy steps below.

    Downloading Tableau Desktop is quick and easy. Start your adventure below and follow along with the steps and screenshots, and begin your Tableau Desktop download in a few minutes.

    Steps to quickly download Tableau Desktops

    Be patient with installs and let them run in peace. Installing Tableau Desktop only takes a few minutes.

    1. Go to the alternative download site and pick accordingly.
    2. download tableau desktop pick operating system

      Download Tableau Desktop quickly by going to the alternative download site, and pick your operating system requirements.

    3. Left click on any link to begin the download.

      download tableau desktop windows 64bit

      To download Tableau Desktop 64bit v10.2.2 – left click on the link.

      • We are picking Tableau Desktop 64bit to download for our windows computer.
      • 250-450mb’s this should not take that long to download on any cable or fiber internet. If you’re at the office, make sure to ask your IT team if it’s OK to install Tableau Desktop on your computer.
    4. downloading tableau desktop on google chrome

      Downloading Tableau Desktop takes just a few minutes.

    5. download tableau desktop

      Downloading Tableau Desktop on Chrome completed.

    Are you done downloading Tableau Desktop?

    After you download Tableau Desktop, begin installing the software on your local computer.

    Tutorial 1: Download Tableau Desktop – completed!

    Tutorial 2: Install Tableau Desktop

    Tableau Server Automated Dashboard Image or Images

    Tableau Server Automated Dashboard Image or Images

    We show you How to do Tableau Server Automated Dashboard Image or Images using Tab admin. While offering Tableau Services, you’re bound to create a few tabcmd solutions!

    While working at tableau.com, our founder started using PowerShell to bulk automate dashboard content and focused on iterating things from tabcmd due to its simplicity.

    You can begin using spreadsheets and the Tableau repo as a data source. This is easy to change into something more robust as you simultaneously scale this tableau server automation solution across your sites, projects, or everything.

    Tableau provides the tabcmd command-line utility, which you can use to automate site administration tasks on your Tableau Server site—for example, creating or deleting users, projects, and groups.

    Note: The tabcmd utility is included with the Tableau Server. However, its installer is not included. Download the installer from the Tableau website if you want to run it on a computer other than the initial server node. For more information, see Install tabcmd.

    keyboard and mouse used to automate dashboard images off of tableau server
    Thanks for visiting our Tableau Server Image Automation blog.

    There are many ways to solve this workload; this is one version of the solution, likely legacy since recent updates. We will find out as the application grows; there are no complaints yet.

    This chunk of code is “user-friendly” enough for non-technical experts to automate images off the Tableau server. We start by explaining this and how it works and leave comments in the code.

    Tableau Server automation is helpful.

    Are you ready to automate pulling PNG from the Tableau Server? This is your helpful guide.

    It’s possible to use it to maintain an automated process… Which means hands-free automation.

    It’s a 100% successful script to automate content since 2015.

    Don’t stress out your hands; manual clicking is not a strategy.

    hands hitting desk with coffee and keyboard because manually trying to get images off of tableau server is time consuming
    Keep your hands and arms relaxed. The code will help you automate the process using the Tableau Servers repo.

    It’s enjoyable to pick up a new language if you have the time or like new puzzles; we will use PowerShell.

    Automate Dashboard Image or PNG Export Script

    Please Note that the hashtag is a comment in PowerShell, and the script will not see this. You paste the code to win.

    The code is pasted into a .txt and saved as a .ps1. Save and close after you add your edits and environment variables. 

    We can’t offer you a .ps1 file because that would not work as a download; .ps1 files can have funky stuff, so be advised. However, this has been seen by thousands and used hundreds of times daily by 30+ clients. Ping

    Update: I will come and upgrade the code to explain each segment.

    We hope this helps you overcome the hard request! Scraping images or whatever you need for automated Tableau server content can be accomplished with this code below. Have fun!

    #Comment – Read Comments, Edit Variables, Run it!

    .#_______________________________Start here
    # PNG EXPORT Script
    # A PowerShell script to pull down pngs of Tableau “views”
    #
    # Created By – Tyler Garrett
    # Email – tyler@dev3lop.com
    # Version 1
    #
    #
    # || NOTES ||
    # Create Directory C:\POSH\PNGExport
    # This directory will store all content
    # Script expects Tableau Bin directory to be set in Environment Variable Path
    #_______________________________

    #________________________________
    # Set variables
    #________________________________
    $TS = “http://localhost” #Server
    $username = “admin” #tableau server account
    $pass = “admin” #tableau server password
    $pgUSR = “readonly” #readonly account password must be setup beforehand
    $pgPW = “admin” #postgres password
    $SiteF = “BeepTest” #site you’re pulling PNGs from
    $ProjectF = “ProjectTest” #project you’re pulling PNGs from
    #_______________________________
    cd C:\POSH\PNGExport
    #_______________________________
    #————–=====================]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]
    #¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦
    # |
    # Query postgresql and build CSV with workbook URL (3 steps)|
    # |
    #¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦
    # |
    # 1.Connection info |
    # |
    #¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦

    #Commented – Open connection to database to query repo

    Set-Location “C:\POSH\PNGExport”
    function Get-Stuff
    {
    [CmdletBinding()]
    param (
    [string]$connectionString,
    [string]$query
    )
    Write-Verbose’ Getting Tableau Server Extract’
    $connection = New-Object -TypeName System.Data.Odbc.OdbcConnection
    $connection.ConnectionString = $connectionString
    $command = $connection.CreateCommand()
    $command.CommandText = $query
    $adapter = New-Object System.Data.Odbc.OdbcDataAdapter $command
    $dataset = New-Object -TypeName System.Data.DataSet
    $adapter.Fill($dataset)
    $dataset.Tables[0]
    }
    #¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦
    # |
    # 2.Query PostgreSQL |
    # |
    #¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦

    #Commented Utilize Driver and funnel query to repo through.

    $connectionString = ‘Driver={PostgreSQL ANSI(x64)};Server=localhost; Port=8060; Database=workgroup; Uid=’+$pgUSR+’; Pwd=’+$pgPW+’;’
    $query = @”
    SELECT
    v.view_url
    FROM _views v
    INNER JOIN _workbooks w on (w.id=v.workbook_id)
    INNER JOIN _sites s on (s.id = v.site_id)
    WHERE s.name = ‘$SiteF’
    and w.project_name = ‘$ProjectF’
    “@
    #¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦
    # | Don’t change anything in the syntax around the query above, I tried and it broke.
    # 3.Build CSV to be used for tabcmd from the above query|
    # |
    #¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦
    Get-Stuff -connectionString $connectionString -query $query | `
    Select-Object -Skip 1 -Property view_url | `
    Export-Csv -Path “C:\POSH\PNGExport\Reports.csv” -NoTypeInformation -Delimiter “;”
    #————–=====================]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]
    #_________________________________
    # Loop through CSV from above and export those views as PNG files
    # -replace is used in the loop to save the file name with out a “/”
    # because this value isn’t allowed in a file naming convention
    # error output will be generated in the folder
    #_________________________________

    #Comment Loops in Powershell to export PNGs

    #Comment: pay attention to this looping process; you can tabcmd your way through anything.

    #NOTE: Change Paths

    tabcmd login -s $TS -u $username -p $pass -t $SiteF
    ForEach ($wb in @(Import-Csv -Path C:\POSH\PNGExport\Reports.csv | select -expand view_url) )
    {
    Try
    {
    $newwb = $wb -replace “/”, “_”
    tabcmd export $wb –png -f $newwb 2>> C:\POSH\PNGExport\TabCmdGetWbErr.txt
    }
    Catch
    {
    Write-Error -Message “Error occurred: $_”
    }
    }
    #_________________________________
    # Convert PNG to BMP – helps people who are moving these photos into Powerpoint
    # Comment the Dir *.png…. line out of the script if you want to keep them as PNG files
    #_________________________________
    Dir *.png | rename-item -newname { $_.name -replace ‘\.png$’,’.bmp’ }
    tabcmd logout
    #_______________________________End here

    End of your Tableau Server Automated Dashboard Image Script

    As we said, Tableau server automated dashboard images are straightforward with the correct code & explained in detail!

    Let us know if you run into issues.

    4 Steps – How to Embed Google Data Studio in iFrame

    4 Steps – How to Embed Google Data Studio in iFrame

    If you need to embed Google Data Studio reports in an iFrame on your website, we have that solution here with screenshots below.


    How to embed google data studio steps.

    1. Click File
    2. Click Embed report
    3. Click ‘copy to keyboard.’
    4. That’s it. Celebrate. You’re done. It’s free and there’s no monthly fees or subscription.
    5. Screenshots below!

    The embed google data studio code – iframe

    The code for embedding google data studio in an iframe is very easy.
    <center><iframe style=”border: 0;” src=”http://XXXXXXX” width=”500″ height=”900″ frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen=”allowfullscreen”></iframe></center>

    Google Datas Studio Embed is packed with mobility.

    Everyone is focused on reoccurring revenue and missed the functionality most users request. From easy embeds, to free ability to share across the organizations without a hefty pricing punch.

    Google Data Studio has a lot of sharp swords in its disposal, for now lets focus on the mobility.

    Squeeze down the browser to see how responsive everything is without any programming or clicks.

    Google helps the world take a huge step in the right direction, as currently you have to build multiple iterations in Tableau Desktop – or your end users are stuck with a static mold or automatic sizing that doesn’t work for all devices because most users utilize large font sizes on their computer without even understanding what DPI settings are.

    Hey, we only built this to offer a free solution because companies are trying to earn revenue off of this easy to do feature. Let us empower you to do this and you can save your bucks for another day.

    Feel free to poke around after you finish embedding your google data studio report.

    Embedding Google Data Studio Screenshots

    Let us know if you need help. Advice is free! For solutions please see our business intelligence page!

    Embed google data studio in two clicks, step 1

    Embed google data studio clickthrough. It’s only two clicks away!

    Embed google data studio in two clicks, step 2

    Step 2 copy to clipboard! Embedding google data studio is too easy, thanks Google.

    How to Create a Schema in your MySQL Workbench on Mac OS

    How to Create a Schema in your MySQL Workbench on Mac OS

    Let’s create a Schema in your MySQL Workbench on Mac OS.

    Welcome to a quick and user-friendly guide to generating your first schema in MySQL.

    By the end of this blog, you will understand how to generate a MySQL schema.

    A schema is necessary for importing CSV files or JSON files because our end objective is uploading CSVs and performing custom SQL, and pushing that content into Tableau Desktop.

    Our following blogs will help you with importing a CSV into MySQL on your Mac OS.

    If you don’t currently have MySQL on your Mac OS – follow our other tutorial on how to install MySQL on your Mac.

    You’re creating a schema – not a database!

    Firstly we are going to want to understand the verbiage used in the product and the difference between database and schemas.

    After you’ve downloaded MySQL workbench – we will want to begin bringing in data for Tableau consumption.

    MySQL has Schemas in the database!

    I’m sure you’re familiar with what a database is, if not, here’s the definition.

    A database is a structured set of data held in a computer, especially one that is accessible in various ways.

    In the MySQL – you can build multiple ‘folders’ in your database, called schemas.

    Schema VS Database

    A database is your primary container; it contains the data and log files, and all the schemas within it.

    You always back up a database; it is a discrete unit on its own.

    Schemas are like folders within a database and are mainly used to group logical objects together, which leads to ease of setting permissions by the schema.

    Creating a Schema in MySQL Mac OS

    Let’s talk about the point and click methods first.

    When you have your workbench open – you’ll notice a place on the bottom left labeled “SCHEMAS,” and that’s where we want to click right to build a new Test Database!

    create schema on mysql mac os mysql workbench alt text

    Creating your first schema on your Mac OS MySQL.

    Setting up your MySQL Schema on your Mac

    Let’s start setting up your MySQL Schema.

    Name your MySQL schema “Test_Schema1.”

    schema name settings for test schema on mysql

    After you right click to create your schema – rename your MySQL schema.

    Use UTF-8 for your collation.

    What is UTF-8 Collation?

    From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

    UTF-8 is a variable width character encoding capable of encoding all 1,112,064 valid code points in Unicode using one to four 8-bit bytes.

    The encoding is defined by the Unicode standard and was initially designed by Ken Thompson and Rob Pike.

    The name is derived from Unicode (or Universal Coded Character Set) Transformation Format – 8-bit.

    We will use UTF-8 for this schema.

    utf8 collation selection on mysql macos alt text

    MySQL refers to UTF8 as a common choice. For our needs – let’s use the UTF8 default.

    Click apply – which is on the bottom right of the screen.

    Left click apply.

    Left click to apply.

    Wrapping up your schema build in Mac OS MySQL Workbench

    Let’s wrap up your schema creation in MySQL.

    If you’ve followed along you will see this window.

    schema creation on mysql for Mac OS

    MySQL generates SQL, shows it to you, and maybe that’s easier for you in the future?

    This leads us to our next topic.

    Using SQL – instead of the GUI!

    Using SQL to generate a Schema in your Mac OS on MySQL Workbench

    Using SQL is an alternative to the clicks we just gained your first schema. Woot!

    Most GUI steps on MySQL will uncover SQL that you’ve generated VIA using a built-in wizard.

    The native features in MySQL offer a glimpse into creating your first schema.

    CREATE SCHEMA `Test_Schema1` DEFAULT CHARACTER SET utf8 ;

    You can copy and paste this code into a query on MySQL.

    If you have MySQL Workbench open, you have a query open!

    Paste your code and build Test_Schema2.

    creating a schema in mysql query in SQL

    Change your Schema1 to Schema2. Click the lightning bolt to execute the query.

    Now you should have two SCHEMAS – be sure to click the refresh button, and both will be present.

    It will look like this screenshot below.

    schema refresh button on mysql Mac OS

    Click the tiny refresh button.

    Get used to clicking the refresh button on MySQL Workbench and all other database GUI interfaces.

    You’re making changes to something living and breathing on your computer, and right now – you have a database on your computer. Congratulations!

    Again, the refresh is a normal process, don’t worry if you don’t see your work – especially if you’ve not refreshed your GUI interface, also known as your MySQL Workbench!

    Did you expect it would be this easy to create a Schema in your MySQL Workbench on Mac OS?