2.b) Qlik Sense App Overview

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive overview of Qlik Sense, focusing on how to create folder connections, load and manage tables, explore the Table Viewer, navigate the Qlik Sense Hub, and customize app details. By following these steps, you will gain practical skills to effectively use Qlik Sense for data visualization and analysis.

Step 1: Create a Folder Connection in Qlik Sense

Creating a folder connection allows you to easily access data files stored on your system.

1. Open Qlik Sense Hub.
2. Locate the Data Load Editor:
   • Click on the "Data Load Editor" option from the main menu.
3. Add a Connection:
   • Click on "Create new connection."
   • Select "Folder" from the list of connection types.
4. Configure the Connection:
   • Enter a name for your connection.
   • Browse to the folder where your data files are stored.
   • Click "Create" to establish the connection.

Practical Tip: Ensure that the folder you are connecting to contains the necessary data files in compatible formats (like CSV or Excel).

Step 2: Load and Name a Table

Once your folder connection is established, you can load data into your Qlik Sense app.

1. Select the Data Source:
   • In the Data Load Editor, choose the folder connection you just created.
2. Load Data:
   • Select the files you want to include in your app.
   • Click on "Load data" to import the information.
3. Name Your Table:
   • After loading, you can rename your table for easier identification.
   • Use the syntax:

     LOAD 
     [Column1],
     [Column2]
     FROM [YourFile.qvd] (qvd);
     

   • Replace [Column1], [Column2], and [YourFile.qvd] with your actual column names and file name.

Common Pitfall: Double-check the data types and ensure that your columns are correctly defined to avoid loading errors.

Step 3: Explore the Table Viewer

The Table Viewer lets you visualize and manage the tables you've created.

1. Access the Table Viewer:
   • Navigate to the "Table Viewer" from the Data Load Editor.
2. Inspect Your Tables:
   • Review the structure of your loaded tables, including columns and data types.
3. Make Adjustments:
   • You can modify field names or data types as necessary for your analysis.

Real-World Application: Use the Table Viewer to identify any discrepancies in your data structure before proceeding with visualizations.

Step 4: Navigate the Qlik Sense Hub

The Qlik Sense Hub is the central interface for managing your apps and data.

1. Open the Hub:
   • Launch Qlik Sense and go to the Hub.
2. Explore Your Apps:
   • You will see a list of apps. Click on any app to open it.
3. Create New Apps:
   • Use the "Create New App" button to start a new project.

Practical Tip: Familiarize yourself with the layout and available options in the Hub to optimize your workflow.

Step 5: Customize App Details

Personalizing your app can enhance usability and aesthetics.

1. Add Thumbnail/Image:
   • Click on the app to open it.
   • Select the "Edit" option to modify app details.
   • Upload an image file to use as a thumbnail.
2. Edit App Name:
   • Change the app name to reflect its purpose clearly.
   • Ensure the name is concise and descriptive for easier identification.

Common Pitfall: Avoid overly complex names or images that can confuse users; keep it simple and relevant.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you've learned how to create folder connections, load and manage tables, navigate the Qlik Sense Hub, and customize your app. These skills will enhance your ability to work efficiently within Qlik Sense for data analysis and visualization. For further learning, consider exploring additional resources or videos related to Qlik Sense.