Key data analyst tools
As you are learning, the most common programs and solutions used by data analysts include
spreadsheets, query languages, and visualization tools. In this reading, you will learn more about
each one. You will cover when to use them, and why they are so important in data analytics.
Image of a woman holding a laptop and standing next to a toolbox
Spreadsheets
Data analysts rely on spreadsheets to collect and organize data. Two popular spreadsheet
applications you will probably use a lot in your future role as a data analyst are Microsoft Excel and
Google Sheets.
Digital worksheets structure data in a meaningful way by letting you
Collect, store, organize, and sort information
Identify patterns and piece the data together in a way that works for each specific data project
Create excellent data visualizations, like graphs and charts.
Databases and query languages
A database is a collection of structured data stored in a computer system. Some popular Structured
Query Language (SQL) programs include MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, and BigQuery.
Query languages
Allow analysts to isolate specific information from a database(s)
Make it easier for you to learn and understand the requests made to databases
Allow analysts to select, create, add, or download data from a database for analysis
Visualization tools
Data analysts use a number of visualization tools, like graphs, maps, tables, charts, and more. Two
popular visualization tools are Tableau and Looker.
These tools
Turn complex numbers into a story that people can understand
Help stakeholders come up with conclusions that lead to informed decisions and effective business
strategies
Have multiple features
- Tableau's simple drag-and-drop feature lets users create interactive graphs in dashboards
and
worksheets
- Looker communicates directly with a database, allowing you to connect your data right to
the visual
tool you choose
A career as a data analyst also involves using programming languages, like R and Python, which are
used a lot for statistical analysis, visualization, and other data analysis.
As you will continue to learn, data analysts have a lot of tools to choose from. This is a first look at
some of the possibilities, and you will explore all of these tools in-depth throughout this program.
REINFORCE, REFINE