New learner

[AnhTu]

What make alteryx become so useful for data analysis ? How would you compare alteryx to the other similar tool such as Tableau, Microsoft Power Query, Python? 

[caltang]

Tableau -> Data Visualization

Python -> Data wrangling & Analytics

Microsoft Power Query -> ETL

If you want to compare Alteryx on an apple to apple basis, a fair comparison would be with Microsoft Power Query in your tool list. Alteryx is much faster, easier to use, and less restrictions on data sizes before your PC crashes due to extensive lag. 

If you compare it with Python, Alteryx wins in some aspects of data wrangling in speed and ease of use. But Python triumphs in doing certain things such as XGBoost, SHAP Analysis, advanced analytics, etc. Of course... why compare when you can use the Python tool in Alteryx itself. The best of both worlds. Prep your data easily with Alteryx and ingest into Python too for complex models and bam, instant success.

Tableau is part of the SALT stack. Snowflake, Alteryx, Tableau. Storage, ETL, more ETL, Viz in that order. It's not directly comparable, more so a complement and necessary add-on if you want to visualize your data. Of course, you can look at PowerBI and Qlik too, but for Qlik... they just recently got Talend so not sure if that's still best practice.

In any case, Alteryx is a solid tool. It's the swiss knife of data analytics I would say.

[MySam]

Hello,

As someone who struggles with technology, what tips or tricks can you give that will help with learning Alteryx a little easier?

[caltang]

My advice would be to start from the Academy! Work your way up and try to gamify your process by getting badges, completing weekly challenges, and even getting certified by the end of your course!

Here's some best practices that I've linked below:

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/General-Discussions/Best-Practices-in-Alteryx/m-p/1197904/highlight... 

Lastly, I know that you're stepping out of your comfort zone in learning something new especially since you struggle with technology. You're doing great. The jobs of the future will require you to know technology and know it well. The good news is you're doing it. The not so good news is, you have to keep doing it until you get comfortable. 

I would say, get a buddy to learn Alteryx with you and gamify the process with each other. Find a mentor and get building! Spending 30 minutes a day will get you very far.