If a Data Analyst wants to remove trailing spaces from a string field named Category, which function should be used?

The correct function to use for removing trailing spaces from a string field in Tableau is RTRIM. This function specifically focuses on the right end of the string, removing any excess spaces that appear after the last character, thereby ensuring that the string is trimmed correctly at the end.

In the context of data cleaning and preparation, eliminating trailing spaces is crucial because such spaces can lead to data quality issues—affecting comparisons, aggregations, and overall analysis. The RTRIM function is part of standard SQL syntax and functions similarly across various programming languages, making it a reliable option for data analysts.

Although TRIM also removes spaces, it does so from both ends of the string. For the specific need to address trailing spaces only, RTRIM is the most appropriate choice. The other options, REMOVE and STRIP, are not standard functions recognized in Tableau for trimming strings.