What is the significance of using data extracts in Tableau?

Using data extracts in Tableau is significant primarily because they improve performance when working with large datasets. Extracts are a snapshot of data optimized for speed, allowing you to work with substantial volumes of data without the performance lag that can occur with live connections to databases, especially when the data source is remote or requires complex queries.

When an extract is created, Tableau pulls data from the original data source into a file that is stored locally or on Tableau Server. This reduces the load on the database during analysis and allows for faster query responses and smoother interactions when creating visualizations. As a result, users experience quicker refresh times, enabling them to analyze and visualize data more efficiently compared to consistently retrieving data from a live connection.

In contrast, live data connections can be beneficial for real-time data analysis but may lead to slower performance due to constant communication with the data source. The other answer choices relate to different functionalities in Tableau: customizing data visuals pertains more to the design aspect of dashboards and reports, and connecting with additional data sources deals with integration capabilities rather than performance enhancement. Thus, the focus on the performance boost offered by data extracts is what makes this answer the most significant.