Tableau Extract Versus Live Connection Decision Guide
Choose the connection type with trade-offs and a test.
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[VERIFY] is an editorial flag, not a blank to fill. Wherever the prompt shows [VERIFY], check that item against a reliable source before you use it.
Help me choose between a live connection and an extract in Tableau. Data source and size: [DATA_SOURCE_AND_SIZE]. How fresh data must be: [FRESHNESS]. Number of users and peak times: [USERS]. Database performance and who manages it: [DATABASE_NOTES]. Where the workbook will be published: [PUBLISH_LOCATION]. Give your recommendation first with the two main reasons and the one condition that would change it, and a hybrid option if relevant. Then a table of pros and cons comparing speed, freshness, load on the database, offline use, size, refresh scheduling and governance. Do not claim speeds; the test decides. Test plan: build both, define ten typical interactions, time each with several repetitions, and decide what difference is meaningful, using a log with Action, Live time, Extract time and a decision rule. Involve the database administrator before testing against a production system, and list questions for the database and Tableau administrators [VERIFY]. Credentials are handled by the owner, not pasted here.
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