Programming R within Tableau

In continuation of my earlier post on Integrating R with Tableau, now I need to explore how to program R within Tableau. 

R script needs to be used as a Table Calculation,  

and needs to be used as one of the 4 functions,

1. SCRIPT_BOOL
2. SCRIPT_INT
3. SCRIPT_REAL
4. SCRIPT_STR

Let me take a simple sample case to explain the same, I am using using_r_within_tableau.twbx downloaded from Tableau site for demonstration purpose.

Using the 0. 5 plus 7 as a data source. It has got 3 predefined measured, where 'Five' and 'Seven' holds value 5 and 7 respectively.

The 3rd measure 'R script for 5 + 7' adds up 'Five' and 'Seven' using R script. As I am adding 2 integers, I am using SCRIPT_INT. MIN aggregation is used on 'Five' and 'Seven' for Table Calculation, it could have been MAX or anything else also.

I initiate Rserve.

When I put these 3 measures, they add up and show correct result.

Further details and the sample Tableau file can be obtained from Tableau tutorial site.

Before I finish, I would like to draw a comparison between Power BI and Tableau with respect to using R. Power BI gives us the flexibility of using R charts (like ggplot etc) through R Visual, whereas in Tableau we get Integer / Real / Boolean / String values through Table Calculations.

In my personal opinion, I find Power BI more suitable for integrating with R.

Integrating R with Tableau

I have earlier used R with MS Power BI, and have decided to try out this R with Tableau. So as the first step I need to integrate it with Tableau.

As the first step I need to install Rserve : install.packages("Rserve")

Rserve is a package which enables applications like Tableau to use R without initializing each time, in other words, it is the connector between Tableau Desktop and R.

I am using RStudio for the ease of my purpose.

And then I run library(Rserve);Rserve() to start Rserve. My R environment is now ready to be used with Tableau.

I am using how_to_integrate_r_and_tableau.twbx downloaded from Tableau site for demonostration purpose.

When I open the 'Regression' worksheet, it shows me an error, it is unable to access the R service.

I am using my localhost as the R service, and I mention that in the External Service Connection.

The default port for R is 6311.

Now my R and Tableau should be integrated. And to test that if I open the 'Regression' worksheet, it works properly this time.

However the next worksheet 'Outlier' throws an error that 'there is no package called mvoutlier'. 

As R is package based, I need to install package mvoutlier.

And now the Outlier report starts working.

Further details and the sample Tableau file can be obtained from Tableau tutorial site.