Visualize Live MySQL Data in Tableau

Tableau is a visual analytics platform transforming the way businesses use data to solve problems. When paired with the CData Tableau Connector for MySQL, you can easily get access to live MySQL data within Tableau. This article shows how to connect to MySQL in Tableau and build a simple chart.

The CData Tableau Connectors enable high-speed access to live MySQL data in Tableau. Once you install the connector, you simply authenticate with MySQL and you can immediately start building responsive, dynamic visualizations and dashboards. By surfacing MySQL data using native Tableau data types and handling complex filters, aggregations, & other operations automatically, CData Tableau Connectors grant seamless access to MySQL data.

NOTE: The CData Tableau Connectors require Tableau 2020.3 or higher. If you are using an older version of Tableau, you will need to use the CData Tableau Connector for MySQL. If you wish to connect to MySQL data in Tableau Cloud, you will need to use CData Connect Cloud.

Connect to MySQL in Tableau

Open Tableau and click More under Connect -> To a Server. Select "MySQL by CData," then configure the connection and click "Sign In."

The Server and Port properties must be set to a MySQL server. If IntegratedSecurity is set to false, then User and Password must be set to valid user credentials. Optionally, Database can be set to connect to a specific database. If not set, tables from all databases will be returned.

Discover Schemas and Query Data

1. Select CData from the Database pull-down menu.
2. Select MySQL from the Schema pull-down menu.
3. Drag the tables and views you wish to visualize onto the join area. You can include multiple tables.
4. Select Update Now or Automatically Update. Update Now lets you preview the first 10,000 rows of the data source (or enter the number of rows you want to see in the Rows text box). Automatically Update automatically reflects the changes in the preview area.
5. Click the tab for your worksheet. Columns are listed as Dimensions and Measures, depending on the data type. The CData Tableau Connector discovers data types automatically, allowing you to leverage the powerful data processing and visualization features of Tableau.
6. Drag a field from the Dimensions or Measures area to Rows or Columns. Tableau creates column or row headers.
7. Select one of the chart types from the Show Me tab. Tableau displays the chart type that you selected.

Using the CData Tableau Connector for MySQL with Tableau, you can easily create robust visualizations and reports on MySQL data. Download a free, 30-day trial and get started today.