Today, on the first day of Dashboardweek, we were given the task of running an API query in Alteryx and then visualizing it in Tableau. This API provides data on crime statistics in the UK.

All of this was quite doable in the time allotted. When I retrieved the data from the API, I wanted to first get an overview in Tableau and then adjust the API query if necessary. Tableau didn't want it that way, however, and an error crept in. The window for the calculated field just stopped opening. It also stopped showing up on one of the other monitors.

In the following, I would like to briefly describe the problem that arose and how I dealt with it

I uninstalled Tableau, reloaded it on the laptop, and rebooted the system. The troubleshooting took a lot of time and nerves.

So much for the initial situation!

I was very unhappy with what I had and didn't really know how to handle it. Cheer up and take a short break for a moment. Tableau finally worked again and about a third of the time was still available. The most important thing in a situation like this is to make the best of what you have. It doesn't have to be perfect, you don't have to implement all the ideas you've developed. You should still make a plan, because if you keep working out of your head now, it won't bring success. Take at least 10-15 minutes to gather the most important things you already have and get an overview of how you're going to implement them. I ran out of time to develop the workflow for the API query, so I referred to the data I could easily process in Tableau. Finish one subtask before starting the next, and limit yourself to the most meaningful data you have available. Don't worry about the details, they will be added to the dashboard as time allows.
Conclusion: I got quite sweaty when Tableau didn't want to work the way I was used to. I consider this a great learning experience as it can often be similar in the real world.