What is the purpose of a data extract in Tableau?

The purpose of a data extract in Tableau is primarily to optimize performance for queries and visualizations. When you create a data extract, Tableau pulls a snapshot of the data from the original data source and stores it in a highly optimized format. This transformation allows for faster querying and improved performance, especially when working with large datasets.

By leveraging extracts, Tableau can search through the data more efficiently, enabling quicker interactions such as filtering, sorting, and crafting visualizations. This is especially beneficial in scenarios where live connections to the data source may be slow or constrained due to network limitations or data volume.

The other options do not accurately reflect the main benefits of using a data extract. For instance, while a data extract may provide a static view of the underlying data, its primary distinction is not about being static but about the performance enhancements it offers. Additionally, extracts do not serve as a real-time data input, and while they can act as a form of backup, this is not their intended primary purpose. Therefore, optimizing performance is the key reason for utilizing data extracts in Tableau.