Looker

Looker is a modern enterprise business intelligence and data analytics platform acquired by Google in 2020 and now part of Google Cloud. It allows teams to explore, analyze, and share real-time business analytics using a powerful semantic modeling layer called LookML.

Key Features:

1. LookML - A modeling language that defines metrics, dimensions, and relationships in a Git-versioned layer above your database.

2. Embedded analytics - Embed Looker dashboards and reports directly into your applications.

3. Data governance - Single source of truth for metrics across your organization.

4. Looker API - Programmatically access all Looker features via REST API.

5. Scheduler - Schedule report delivery via email, Slack, or webhooks.

The below example shows a LookML model definition and how to query Looker via its API.

It gives the following output,

Returned 10 rows
  2024-01-15 | Acme Corporation    | $12,450.00
  2024-01-14 | TechStart Inc       | $8,920.50
  2024-01-13 | Global Retail Ltd   | $7,340.00

Looker vs Looker Studio (Data Studio):

Looker - Enterprise-grade BI platform with LookML semantic layer, data governance, embedded analytics, and Looker API. Requires a paid license.

Looker Studio - Free, self-serve data visualization tool ideal for simple dashboards and reports. Best for individual analysts and small teams.