Server Flashcards
What is a .twb?
Tableau workbook- Workbooks hold one or more worksheets and dashboards, and always refer to data outside of the workbook itself
What is a .twbx
Packaged workbook- Packaged workbooks contain a workbook along with any supporting local file data sources and background images.
What is a .tde?
Tableau data extract- Extract files are a local copy of a subset or entire data source that you can use to share data, work offline, and improve performance and functionality.
What is a .tds?
Tableau data source- Data source files are shortcuts for quickly connecting to data sources that you use often.
Does a .tds file contain data?
No- a .tds contains the information necessary to connect to the data source, as well as modifications you’ve made in the data window like groups, calculated fields, etc.
What is a .tdsx?
Tableau packaged data source files- Packaged data source files are zip files that contain the data source file (.tds) as well as any local file data sources such as extracts (.tde), text files, Excel files, Access files, and local cube files. This format is helpful when you need to create a single file that you can then share with others who may not have access to the original data stored locally on your computer
What is the gateway server/ Load Balancer? (5)
The gateway is the door to get into Tableau Server. It is responsible for load balancing, routing requests to other components, processing static content requests, and houses the tile cace. Use of this component is required, regardless of if an external load balancer is configured.
What is the application server? (4)
The app server creates the main interface for Tableau Server. It handles server logins, works directly with the repository for user/group/permission management. Use of this component is required. Can be multi-threaded.
What is the API Server? (2)
Used mostly for the REST API. Use of this is optional. It is enabled by default but can e turned off with tabadmin. Single threaded.
What is the Repository? (8)
The repository is the PostgreSQL database. It stores metadata about server (users, groups, permissions, etc.), stores published workbooks and associated files (.csv, Excel, Access). Repository metadata can be accessed for reporting purposes. It can be configured to use internal SSL. A cluster can have a maximum of two repository processes: 1 active and one passive. A cluster can have a preferred repository specified as the active one. Use of htis component is required.
What is the VizQL Server? (8)
The VizQL server renders visualizations for Tableau. Hs the same components and functionality as Tableau Desktop. When a view is requested it: Loads the workbook from the repository, connects to the appropriate data source, pulls only the data needed to generate the visualization, sends the completed visualization to the client. Includes built-in caching to improve performance for subsequent users requesting the same visualization. Use of this component is required. Multi threaded, can have multiple instances on a single server.
Data Server (6)
Data server acts as a proxy between requests for data (from VizQL server or desktop) and individual data sources. It allows centralized management of your data connections and centralized driver deployment access (also supports ODBC). Allows multiple workbooks to use the same data extract or live connection. Used for published data sources. Does not store any data. Used only in systems that include published data sources, so use of this component is optional, but it is alays installed and available for use. Multi threaded, can have multiple instances on a single server.
Data Engine (6)
The Data Engine queries .tde files, which are extracts (snapshots) of a database. Can have an unlimited number of processes. All processes are active/active and stateless, read/write. Takes advantage of parallel and vectorization query processing. Query results are cached to the cache server. Used only in systems that include extracts, so use of this component is optional, but it is alays installed and available for use. Multi threaded, can have multiple instances on a single server.
File Store (3)
Manages storage and replication of extracts. Uses postgres streaming replication. Used only in systems that include extracts, so use of thiscomponent is optional, but it is always installed and available for use.
Backgrounder (5)
Controls tasks to ensure server is running smoothly and efficiently. Handles scheduled data refreshes when data engine is used. Removes temporary extract files. Handles subscription schedules. Use of this component is required. Single threaded, can have multiple instances on a single server.
