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Data Analytics with R, Tableau and Excel – Choose the best tool for you!

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In this tutorial, we will discuss briefly about Data Analytics with R, Tableau, and Excel. We will also study the concept and major features of these tools for a proper understanding.

So, let’s start the tutorial on Data Analytics with Excel, R, and Tableau.

What is Data Analytics?

Data Analytics is a scientific method of interpreting and analysing the data. With the help of data analytics, organisations are able to gain insights about their product and the market.

Advantages of Data Analytics

  • Basically, it detects fraud and flaws by keeping a close vigil.
  • It helps in refining financial processes by increasing visibility and granting better control.
  • Data Analytics reduces risk by being predictive instead of being reactive to the environment.
  • It innovates and also creates new models for growth.
  • Data Analytics helps in improving IT economics by increasing the agility and flexibility of systems.
  • It reduces the cost of managing systems and operations.
  • Make quicker, cost-effective decisions.
  • Multiple Data Analytics tools like R, SAS or SPSS.

Introduction to Data Analytics with R, Tableau, and Excel

Let’s start our tutorial with discussing about the R programming language

1. What is R?

R is an open source tool. It is used by the Data Scientists for developing statistical software and data analysis. R is a GNU project which is similar to the S language. Hence, we can consider R as an alternative implementation of S.

A C.L.I is a user interface to a computer’s operating system in which the user responds to a visual prompt. Hence, R provides an open source route. One of the most important things of R is that it produces the best publication quality post. This is because R is available as free software under the terms of the Free Software Foundation’s GNU.

R Applications

  • Many data analysts and research programmers use R as it is the most prevalent language. Hence, one can use R as a fundamental tool for finance.
  • We can use R as a programming tool as it is in use by many quantitative analysts. Depending on the strategy that you might adapt, R provides help for importing data and cleaning it.
  • R also provides you with the package ‘Shiny‘ that allows the development of web-applications. You can embed your graphs and plots in these applications.
  • R is best for data Science because it gives a broad variety of statistical operations.R provides a robust environment for carrying out statistical computing.Since R stems from S, it can be considered as an alternate form of it.

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2. What is Tableau?

According to Fortune, Tableau has “pioneered the concept of visual analytics”.

Nowadays, Tableau is popular in data science circles. It is an interactive data visualisation company that is based in Seattle. It has released its first public offering in 2013. The basic idea behind the development of Tableau software was to make spreadsheets, charts and dashboards that could be easily interacted by using GUIs.

Clients and Products in Tableau

2.1. Desktop Version

It is used by users to collect data. And on its basis, they perform queries without having to write the code. Further, one can also navigate and visualise the data easily.

2.2. Tableau Server

It is used to access the data by users of the organisation through a browser or mobile.

2.3. Online Version

It is used to call the hosted version of Tableau Server that doesn’t need to be set up.

2.4. Tableau Reader

It is used to publish interactive data online.

2.5. Public Version
It easily lets users access files saved on Tableau Desktop. Only Tableau Reader and Public are free.

3. What is Excel?

Microsoft Excel is a tool used for developing spreadsheets. Using Excel, you can perform calculations on the data, data graphing, create pivot tables, etc. If we compare excel with R and Tableau, Excel might seem outdated. Also, it’s said that it is still quite popular for two reasons:
  • accessibility
  • usability

Also, Excel helps in making presentation and reports by integrating it with MS office components. Considering how highly popular the Office suite is, this is an advantage.

We can also use excel for managing, manipulating and presenting data as it offers a number of functions for statistical analysis:
  • descriptive
  • inferential

It provides a standard spreadsheet that you can use for a variety of tasks like updating databases. Excel can also be useful in collating data for analysis using a number of other software.

Excel Features

For data analysis, four features of Excel are particularly useful as it is having a number of built-in statistical functions, which includes tests. Also, it offers an add-in Data Analysis ToolPak. At last, pivot tables offer an easy way to generate summaries and organise data for tasks as they are very beneficial for carrying out cross-tabulations, creating contingency tables.

Comparing Data Analysis Tools: R, Tableau, and Excel

Let’s delve into the realm of data analysis with R, Tableau, and Excel. These tools offer distinct advantages and functionalities, catering to different needs in the field of data science. R, an open-source tool, serves as the backbone for statistical software development and data analysis. Its versatility and robustness make it a preferred choice among data analysts and researchers, offering a wide range of statistical operations and a conducive environment for statistical computing. Additionally, R’s integration with various packages facilitates the development of web applications, further enhancing its utility in the data science domain.

Moving on to Tableau, it stands as a pioneer in the realm of visual analytics, revolutionizing how data is perceived and interpreted. With its intuitive interface and interactive features, Tableau empowers users to create dynamic dashboards and visualizations, enabling deeper insights into data patterns and trends. Whether it’s the desktop version for data collection and analysis or the online version for seamless accessibility, Tableau offers a comprehensive suite of tools to meet diverse analytical needs.

Let’s now shift our focus to Excel, a ubiquitous tool known for its accessibility and usability in data management and analysis. One of the reasons for Excel’s popularity is its integration with the Microsoft Office suite. From performing calculations and creating pivot tables to managing and presenting data, Excel offers a versatile platform for various analytical tasks, complemented by its built-in statistical functions and analysis tools.

Summary

We have studied Data Analytics with R, Tableau, and Excel. I hope this blog helped you in understanding Data Analytics. If you feel any queries related to the tutorial, feel free to ask in the comment section.
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