Database connections (SQL Server, PostgreSQL) in Tableau - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the first step to connect Tableau to a SQL Server database?

Open Tableau, select 'Connect to Data', then choose 'Microsoft SQL Server' from the list of connectors. Enter the server name and authentication details.

beginner

How do you connect Tableau to a PostgreSQL database?

In Tableau, select 'Connect to Data', then choose 'PostgreSQL'. Enter the server address, database name, username, and password to establish the connection.

intermediate

What authentication methods can you use when connecting Tableau to SQL Server?

You can use Windows Authentication (integrated security) or SQL Server Authentication (username and password).

intermediate

Why is it important to know the database server's port number when connecting Tableau to PostgreSQL?

Because PostgreSQL listens on a specific port (default 5432), and Tableau needs this port to communicate with the database server correctly.

beginner

What is a live connection in Tableau when connecting to SQL Server or PostgreSQL?

A live connection means Tableau queries the database directly in real-time, showing the most current data without storing it locally.

Which Tableau connector should you select to connect to a SQL Server database?

A MySQL

B PostgreSQL

C Microsoft SQL Server

D Oracle

To connect to SQL Server, you must select the 'Microsoft SQL Server' connector in Tableau.

What default port does PostgreSQL use that you might need to specify in Tableau?

A 5432

B 1433

C 3306

D 1521

PostgreSQL uses port 5432 by default.

Which authentication method uses your Windows login credentials to connect Tableau to SQL Server?

A SQL Server Authentication

B Windows Authentication

C OAuth

D Basic Authentication

Windows Authentication uses your Windows login to connect securely.

What does a live connection in Tableau mean?

A Tableau queries the database in real-time

B Data is refreshed once a day

C Data is imported and stored in Tableau

D Data is exported to Excel

A live connection means Tableau queries the database directly each time you interact with the data.

Which information is NOT required to connect Tableau to PostgreSQL?

A Server address

B Database name

C Username and password

D Tableau workbook file path

The Tableau workbook file path is not needed to establish a database connection.

Describe the steps to connect Tableau to a SQL Server database.

Think about what information Tableau needs to reach the database.

Explain the difference between a live connection and an extract in Tableau when connecting to databases like PostgreSQL.

Consider how Tableau accesses and stores data in each mode.