Analyzing and Visualizing Data in Looker

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/analyzing-and-visualizing-data-in-looker

Introduction

### Course Review: Analyzing and Visualizing Data in Looker In the era of big data, the ability to understand and visualize data is essential for making informed decisions. Coursera’s course “Analyzing and Visualizing Data in Looker” provides valuable insights into how to effectively explore, analyze, and visualize data using Looker—a modern analytics platform that's rapidly gaining traction among data professionals. Here, I will outline the course’s structure, content, and my recommendations for whether you should enroll. #### Course Overview "Analyzing and Visualizing Data in Looker" is expertly designed for individuals who wish to step into the realm of data analytics without the heavy reliance on SQL that many traditional tools demand. The course promises to equip you with the skills needed to navigate Looker’s user-friendly interface, perform in-depth data exploration, and create impactful visualizations and dashboards. #### Course Syllabus Breakdown 1. **The Looker platform** - This introductory module is a gateway into the Looker ecosystem, detailing its key components and the overall user interface. You will become familiar with the layout, enhancing your comfort level as you venture deeper into data analysis. 2. **Data analysis building blocks** - Understanding dimensions, measures, and filters is critical to data analysis. This module lays a strong foundation for creating robust queries—key for any aspiring data analyst. 3. **Working with Looker content** - Here, you’ll learn how to utilize dashboards and visualize multiple data points simultaneously. The ability to curate Looker content effectively is emphasized, making this module central to your future endeavors in data presentation. 4. **Customizing Explores** - This module dives into more sophisticated data manipulation techniques, such as pivoting and writing table calculations. These skills are invaluable as you learn how to create new metrics, allowing for deeper insights into your data. 5. **Creating new Looker content** - Learn to craft individual reports and comprehensive dashboards. This hands-on experience encourages the combination of visualizations for a holistic view of your data. 6. **Sharing Looker data with others** - Last but not least, this module covers how to share or export your findings with stakeholders. Communication is key in data analysis, and you'll finish the course well-equipped to present your findings clearly and effectively. #### Course Evaluation The course is thoughtfully structured, enabling learners to build upon their knowledge progressively. Each module is packed with practical exercises that ensure you not only learn but also apply what you have gained in real-world scenarios. I found the variety of topics particularly engaging. Transitioning from basic explorations of the Looker platform to more advanced customization allows for a comprehensive learning journey. The inclusion of best practices for sharing data is crucial, as effective communication is often as important as the analysis itself. #### Recommendations I highly recommend "Analyzing and Visualizing Data in Looker" to anyone who wishes to enhance their data analysis skills. This course is particularly suitable for: - **Aspiring Data Analysts:** If you're looking to enter the field, this course provides a strong foundation. - **Business Analysts:** Understanding how to visualize and interpret data can make a significant impact on your work. - **Project Managers and Decision Makers:** Gaining insights into data analytics will aid in making informed decisions based on factual evidence rather than intuition alone. #### Conclusion Ultimately, "Analyzing and Visualizing Data in Looker" on Coursera is a crucial stepping stone for anyone eager to dive into the world of data. With its comprehensive syllabus, engaging content, and practical applications, this course will not only enhance your understanding of Looker but also equip you with the necessary skills to make data-driven decisions effectively. Enroll today, and take the valuable opportunity to become proficient in one of the leading modern analytics platforms!

Syllabus

The Looker platform

This module provides an overview of the Looker user interface and its key components for data explorers.

This module reviews three data analysis building blocks - dimensions, measures, and filters.

This module explores the use of dashboards for multiple visualizations and boards to curate Looker content.

This module explores pivoting data in Looker to turn a selected dimension into several columns. The module also covers the writing of table calculations to instantaneously create new metrics and offset calculations to programmatically reference values from other rows or columns in your query results to calculate new values.

This module explores the creation of single, stand-alone reports (Looks) and dashboards, which can be used to combine individual visualizations.

This module explores how you can share or export content from Looker.