Looker Tutorial

What is Looker?

Looker is a Business Intelligence software tool which is a solution to the businesses to analyze, capture, and perform the data functionalities. It is specifically a cloud-based platform that is designed to explore and analyze the data. It provides its extensible to small scale, and large scale companies glean the value from the data. Looker uses the data modeling language, which includes a predefined framework. It can work quickly and connect with multiple resources without using other back-end requirements.

Looker allows the creation of customized visuals and provides the flexibility to choose from the blocks with templates. Looker is called a complete platform as it is self-contained as it would not integrate with many other databases and other BI platforms. In simpler terms, Looker tools help us define the data and look at the company's operational metrics to improve the organization's growth by performing analysis. It is the platform on which both data analysts and business teams can rely on for exploring and building the strategies for the improvement in the businesses or an enterprise.

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Features of Looker

The organizations need Business Intelligence tools to review and run their operational workflow by conducting the analysis. Data analysts and the business teams will ensure to use the tools that have multiple features in it. Let us have a quick review of the features available in Looker.

Creation of beautiful and modern data products: new data products have to be created and implemented based on the development and integration of an organization. Looker provides the flexibility and capability to build new data products quickly. With Looker 7, you can make data experiences using the Looker components.

• Owning of architecture: Looker provides an opportunity to build up your success by designing your architecture. This happens by performing optimization, based on the performance, infrastructure costs, and many more metrics. It is feasible to give a choice to build your stack of development.
  
• Spark conversations with data: Looker extensively helps discover the business's insights using the dashboards available. It has the ability where comparison of data between multiple sources is allowed in one place.
  
• Advanced alerting: This feature of providing alerts to the analysts is available in this tool. This is mainly to ensure that small errors will not lead to big problems, which will be hard to solve.
• Removing obstacles to insight : You can quickly get more valuable insights by filtering data from the dashboard. Moreover, you can begin data in every discussion with the ability to look after the solutions that you need right away from Slack.
• Boost performance while reducing costs : Looker is a popular BI tool that helps search, share, and visualize data better. It helps to make many informed business decisions. Moreover, Looker offers many dominant features that help to improve performance and productivity, reduce costs, and manage enterprise-level distribution.
• Create superior data products faster : Looker provides many pre-built UI components through which you can look at new kinds of data experiences. Also, you can boost workflow development at a higher rate. Hence, it helps increase the company's revenue and improve the product's benefits. In this way, Looker can build high-quality products much faster.

Apart from this, we have many other features in Looker. A few of them are listed below:

• It provides reports, graphs, and charts that are exportable and fully customized.
• It correctly works on real-time data analysis to explore and make efficient business decisions.
• It uses the extensible modeling language called LookLM, which allows us to define the dimensions and measures.
• It establishes live connections to any SQL database or any other infrastructure.
• Looker uses an interface that is browser-based and includes customized dashboards.
• It is a self-learning database that consists of some self-service features as well.
• Data transformations in Looker will happen based on the queries in SQL.
• It is easier to build dashboards in Looker which are compatible to work on any device.

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The architecture of Looker

Looker uses a database architecture that includes a Linux server. In Looker, the Linux server is used for establishing multiple connections. Looker can be either hosted by Looker or could be customer-hosted. Using a Looker hosted instance, installation, configuration, and management of Looker is natural and is handled by Looker instance.

Looker consists of many components like Analytics database, Linux, Looker internal database, user clients, and external communications. Connections are established by using these components.

The analytics database connects the Looker to the databases. It makes use of SSH tunneling and SSL connections to ensure security by providing encrypted connection and extra authentication. The authentication and user-based protocols are available for client and web-based access.

Looker uses a Linux server and resides by running on a Linux based operating system with java runtime. Security is enabled in the entire Looker deployment via a firewall or VPC (Virtual Private Cloud). External communications are established that include looker usage, error reporting, Git integration, and subscription management. Looker internal database uses My SQL database for large deployments and clustered configurations. The looker application is independent of the location where the data resides.

You can choose HyperSQL by default which acts like an in-memory database for the Looker application's internal databases. Sometimes, the size of the database may grow exponentially, and it may lead to performance-related issues. Therefore, to conquer these issues, you need to use a MySQL database instead of a HyperSQL database. Further, you can minimize Looker's heavy traffic control by placing a Looker node's cluster next to the load balancer.

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How does Looker work?

Looker is a tool that uses SQL to generate the queries and submit them against the database connection. SQL queries are formulated based on the LookML project that includes the specific relationships between the columns and tables in the database.

The following steps represent the working of Looker.

• Viewing the query: The SQL tab is used in the data section to check and review what Looker sends to the database to retrieve the data. The query can be viewed in the SQL Runner, which will be available in the form of links.
  
• The canonical form of Looker query: The looker query can be represented in a canonical form by defining the measures, explores, views, dimensions. Filter expressions can also be specified in Looker.
  
• Running Raw SQL: Looker uses SQL Runner, a unique feature that allows you to run any SQL against the database connections set up in Looker.SQL Runner. It helps in investigating the query as every query generated in Looker is a complete functional SQL command.
  Examining the URL's query components: Examining the URL will provide the five fundamental elements after running the SQL query. These components include the model, explore, fields to query and display, sort field and order, filter fields, and values.
• Installation of Looker:
  To perform any operation or functionality in Looker, Looker has to be installed. The installation process varies based on the hosting selected. The installation procedure of customer-hosted Looker is represented below:

Install Looker

• Adding the Looker to the server
• Configuration of the start-up options available in Looker
• Configuration of SSL certificate to enable security using https.
• Include port forwarding for the URL
• Allow looker support to access the instance.
• Complete the set up of looker monitoring
• Complete the setup for looker backups
• Ensuring that all the necessary services can be accessed by Looker
• Install the rendering software.
• Validate if the looker instance can accommodate the looker action Hub.
• Enable security using secure database access
• Database Configuration for Looker
• Establishment of Looker connectivity to the database.
• Testing the database connectivity
• Configuration of sign up options in Looker

Some of the organizations will use Looker hosted installations. This does not require the installation of Looker as it is installed inbuilt. All the other steps except step 1 have to be done in a Looker hosted interface.

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What are the Looker blocks?

Looker blocks are called as the building blocks. It consists of the pre-built pieces of LookML (Looker Modeling language) that helps in analytics. It provides the flexibility to use the same code the next time instead of starting from the beginning. It also customization of the available pieces of code or LookML to meet the expected business specifications. Looker is called the start point from SQL patterns to the different available and built data models for all the modes of enterprises. It is, therefore, well known for its flexible data modeling in Looker, which is quick enough to handle the operations in all convenient ways.

Looker blocks use the Looker marketplace to install them quickly and easily. When deploying a block using the Looker marketplace, it is essential that the Looker admin has to enable to the Marketplace and Local project import Labs features to perform any function. A looker marketplace is a centralized location that involves all the activities like deploying, finding, and managing the different looker content. The looker content could be either looker blocks, plugins, applications, and visualizations.

There are many different looker blocks available to choose from. Some of the blocks are listed below:

• Analytic Blocks: Analytic blocks are the looker blocks that help in designing the patterns for different types of analysis. It is the best practice for analysis purposes.
  
• Source Blocks: Source Blocks work on the analytics part for a third-party data source. Some of the third party data sources are Stripe, Salesforce, Zendesk. The analytics is based on the schemas which are produced by Looker ETL's partners. 
  
• Data Blocks: Data blocks are the unique set of blocks in Looker that includes the data sets and the data model. The data blocks in Looker include the public data sources like Demographic data, exchange rate data, economic indicator data, geographic mapping data, weather data daily.
  
• Data Tool Blocks: Data Tool Blocks include the different techniques available to perform the data analysis based on the specific types of data available.
  
• Viz Blocks: Viz blocks include different pre-built types of visualizations. It allows us to create or add new custom visualization types based on the need.
  
• Embedded Blocks: Embedded blocks include the different types of techniques available for embedding the data into desired custom applications based on the business requirements.

What is a LookML

LookML is a functional dependency language describing volumes, clusters, computations, and data relationships within the SQL database. Looker utilizes a model in LookML to build SQL queries against a fixed database. Further, LookML language helps in data modelling by offering many predefined data types and syntax. Thus, its clear and simple syntax makes learning LookML much easier for everyone.

Differences between Tableau and Looker

Tableau and Looker are the business intelligence tools that offer their services to transform the data into actionable intelligence that will help make improvised decisions using some business strategies. To optimize business processes efficiently, business intelligence tools integrate and help drive revenue by making fact-based decisions.

TABLEAU:

Tableau is a business intelligence tool that helps users create reports efficiently and quickly by analyzing large volumes of data.

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LOOKER: 

Looker is a business intelligence software that allows multiple operations in real-time, like exploring, sharing, and analyzing data by the user.

Let us have a quick review of the differences between Tableau and Looker.

1. Integration:

Tableau: Tableau can integrate different data sources like SQL databases, Google Analytics, Spreadsheets, CSV, etc.It is also flexible to connect with R to provide full-fledged control to the tools.

Looker: Looker is a powerful tool that integrates with third-party applications, SQL databases. The third-party applications can be Amazon, Green Plum, Athena, etc.

2.Speed:

Tableau: Tableau is the fast processing tool that allows users to create the required visualization reports in a few minutes. It will enable the reports to be shared in both online and offline modes.

Looker: Looker is a slow processing tool that takes hours to process the data and reports. The sharing of the stories will take relatively more time when compared with Tableau.

3. Data Modeling: 

Tableau: Tableau uses two different models, like a snowflake and dimensional models, used in data warehouses. These models help in improving the performance of the queries as they integrate with multiple data sources.

Looker: Looker uses the LookML data model, which is a replacement for SQL. LookML data model is more powerful, flexible, and reusable when compared with SQL.

4. Data Visualization:

Tableau: Tableau allows visualization of data that can be created in the form of dashboards, graphs, and worksheets. Tableau includes automated templates that would enable the users to create dashboards easily with the drag and drop features.

Looker: Looker helps in the creation and configuration of charts and graphs with drop and drag function. It also includes a mapping feature that allows non-technical users to prepare high data visualizations.

5.Security:

Tableau: Tableau provides security to the reports, worksheets, dashboards as and when required. Permissions will be given to the specific users to access the reports.

Looker: Looker provides an option to change the admin panel's security settings like Google authentication, two-factor authentication, HDAP, and HTML sanitization.

6.Reporting:

Tableau: Tableau is considered as the best tool that allows users to create customized reports based on the user and business requirements. It has the flexibility to create, publish the reports and dashboards and reports in multiple output formats based on the needs.

Looker: Looker only allows users to use standard reporting templates. It also includes ad-hoc reporting that allows building custom reports based on user specifications.

7. Pricing:

Tableau:  Tableau includes subscription plans to the users. A single user can use Tableau for a subscription price of $70.

Looker:  Looker also has some set of subscription plans. The pricing would range between $3000 to $5000 per month for ten users.

Looker Applications:

The following are the various Looker applications that help businesses to operate smoothly.

Sales Analytics :

Looker allows you to manage every sales stage using controlled and personalized workflows. Further, it will enable you to arrange account leads, opportunities, and links immediately. Also, it helps you increase support and upselling, and at the same time, it reduces swirling. It also allows you to integrate data to get meaningful insights that enable stakeholders.

Web-based Analytics :

You can use Google Analytics to access the trusted data to support your team by sharing the same. You can enhance visibility into sales and marketing areas through a single accuracy point. Further, you can do an in-depth website analysis using cross-property analysis, build schedules, and active groups.

Digital Marketing Analytics :

It helps you catch the money spent on Ads throughout the channels using a cross-channel-based blended dashboard. Further, it allows you to personalize various reports through Google Ads, Insta Ads, Facebook Ads, etc. It helps you do many informed bid modifications on the spot associated with agile ad performances.

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Why is Looker Better Compared to Business Intelligence Tools

Power BI vs Looker :

Power BI is a powerful business intelligence tool with an intuitive and easy-to-use user interface. Also, it helps you customize dashboards, visuals, and data tools and collaborate with your teams. It supports data sources from SQL databases, Azure, cloud platforms, etc.
Looker, on the other hand, is also a BI and data visualization tool. It offers interactive dashboards that help you conduct real-time analysis and build reports. It can easily connect with multiple data sources, and to write SQL queries, it uses LookML language.

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Sisense vs Looker :

Sisense is a popular data analytics platform that allows customers and employees to access data discovery and analytics. Further, it offers both on-premise and cloud-based database connections. Also, it uses in-chip technology for data processing.
Looker offers web-based data analytics solutions to businesses that allow them to discover, visualize, and share various data insights. It helps enterprises to look into the data to gain metrics and other business insights. Further, its central modelling layer helps you to describe various business rules accessible for both users and the following processes.

MicroStrategy vs Looker :

MicroStrategy is a BI platform based on the cloud. It provides multiple capabilities to find the right solutions and insights within the data analysis. Further, its main semantic layer requires skilled IT resources that navigate blocks and restrict the various activities.
Looker is a popular data platform under Google Cloud that helps to find and navigate data for better understanding. Its LookML modelling layer, accessible to users, allows many users to coordinate.

Qlik vs Looker :

Many larger entities with solid teams choose the Looker platform to enhance their performance levels. Further, Looker provides a powerful LookML data model that offers reusability and flexibility and replaces SQL.
A customized in-memory database is needed for collecting data for both QlikView and Qlik Sense. Both are popular data exploration and data analytics reporting platforms. QlikView is traditional, whereas QlikSense is a modern data exploration platform.

Looker Pricing :

Looker is more than just a simple BI tool which doesn't reveal its pricing system openly. It provides a variety of customized plans based on the number of users to meet multiple business needs. It offers a subscription-based pricing model starting from around USD 3,000, according to a third-party website.
Moreover, its pricing is designed to fit different business sizes. Further, the pricing specialists directly work with the business users to ensure them the best pricing structure.

Looker Certification :

The following are the best Looker certifications that provide much value to certificate holders. These credentials will give much weight to industry experts.

Why should I become Looker certified 

After getting Looker certification, you will be-

• An expert in Looker with complete data visualization skills.
• You can add this certification to your profile after clearing the certification test.
• Become a Looker data community expert.
• Get more opportunities with a good pay package.
• It will give the ability to develop robust models.
• It will make you an expert in debugging & managing LookML code.

What are the prerequisites for clearing the Looker Certification exam

There are no specific prerequisites to take the Looker Certification exam. But having skills in data analytics and BI will be an added advantage. Please go through the exam details and the topics to cover, followed by training. Then you will get complete knowledge of the Looker certification.

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Conclusion :

Looker is the most robust and innovative data-driven software that helps business organizations in driving businesses efficiently. Now that you have an idea about the basic concepts about the features, architecture, and working of Looker, you will need to learn more deeply to gain an in-depth knowledge of Looker. I hope the information in the tutorial is helpful. Assuming that it has given a basic idea, I would like to inform you that learning and understanding Looker is a plus in Business Intelligence. For any queries/questions related to the topic, we are here to help you resolve them.