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The data analytics field uses various kinds of tools and technologies to provide benefits to organizations. These tools are responsible for gathering information from the data sets, analyzing data, and making informed decisions. The data analysts use different ranges of software and programming languages that unify processes, automate tasks, and improve analytical abilities. Out of numerous data analytics tools, the most important ones are SQL and Excel for data analysis. These tools are generally used at different points of the data analysis.

Must-Have Data Analyst Tools

Below tools listed below are prevalent in the data analysis industry and are frequently used to solve different challenges faced during the process of data analysis. It is also considered among the best tools for data analysts.

1. Excel- It is one of the data analytics tools for beginners. The versatile nature and ease of using this tool make it a demanding tool for all data analysis professionals. This tool helps to execute tasks like organizing, summarizing, and data visualization. Let’s break down its offerings for a detailed understanding.

• Data Organization- With the help of this tool, data analysts can input, filter, and organize the data sets in rows and columns.
• Pivot Tables- It facilitates rapid data summarization, thus simplifying the process of creating insights from large data sets.
• Formulas and Functions- Microsoft Excel comprises various functions for statistical analysis, mathematical calculations, and data manipulation. Examples of some common functions are VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, INDEX, MATCH, and several statistical formulas.
• Conditional Formatting- This feature of Excel permits easy recognition of trends or outliers in data sets by formatting cells based on particular criteria.
• Data visualization- Excel enables the generation of basic graphs and charts such as line graphs, bar diagrams, and histograms to furnish data precisely.

2. SQL- It is counted among the advanced tools for data analysts. SQL is the standard language for managing and manipulating databases. The data analyst working with large volumes of data sets mostly gets stored in relational databases. It makes SQL indispensable. It permits analysts to query and retrieve data efficiently. This makes it an ideal tool for dealing with structured data sets. The key feature of the SQL includes

• Data Pulling- It permits the user to pull particular data from the databases using different commands. These commands can be SELECT, FROM, WHERE, etc.
• Data Wrangling- SQL supports the updating, deleting, and inserting of data with commands like UPDATE, DELETE, INSERT, etc. This makes it easy to work with normalized databases. 
• Joins- It is also capable of blending multiple tables using JOIN functions. It permits the data analyst to work with normalized databases. 
• Aggregation Functions- It provides built-in functions such as SUM, COUNT, AVG, MIN, MAX, etc. It permits data analysts to summarize and group data.
• Data Filtering and Sorting- By applying different conditions, SQL facilitates data sorting, and limit the output to a specific number of rows. 

3. Tableau- It is one of the powerful tools for data visualization, helping data analysts create visually appealing infographics and shareable dashboards. The versatility of this tool comes from its ability to get connected to various platforms like databases, spreadsheets, cloud services, etc. It makes Tableau an ideal tool for data presentation in a digestible format.

• Data Connectivity- It helps in connecting with multiple data sources and promotes real-time data analysis. 
• Interactive Dashboards- It can produce interactive dashboards that offer deeper insights, with just a few clicks.
• Drag and Drop Interface- It helps in generating attractive visuals without any requirement to write code.
• Advanced Visualization- Tableau supports visualization like heat maps, box plots, and waterfall charts. 

4. PowerBI- There are many data analysis tools and techniques that have similar functions. But, still, their existence is due to their unique credibility in the data analysis process. PowerBI is one such tool that has similar offerings like Tableau. As Microsoft is the developer of PowerBI, it can be easily blended into any of the Microsoft tools like Excel. So, the data analysts who are already working in the Microsoft ecosystem can opt for this tool for data visualization.

• Real-Time Data Access- This tool also gets connected with a variety of data sources and gives real-time access to data.
• Data Transformation Tools- It involves a Power query for data cleaning and transformation.
• Customizable Reports- It promotes easy reporting i.e., shared across teams and organizations. 
• Integration with Excel- PowerBI smooth blending with Excel offers an added benefit for individuals with Excel proficiency.

Conclusion

With the revolution of data analytics field, the range of tools and technologies of data analysis will continue to evolve. SQL and Excel for data analysis remain a foundational tool for everyday data analyst’s work activities. Data visualization tools like PowerBI & Tableau improve analysts’ ability to work with larger data sets and present appropriate findings. However, data analyst tools Excel, etc. make the profile of the aspiring individuals competitive and ideal in the eyes of recruiters.