# Explorer

The Explorer is a powerful and flexible tool designed to **perform exploratory data analysis** in an easy-to-use interface, using either a no-code visual query tool, or SQL. 

It provides an easy way to check table contents and get the insights you need to decide what to build next—including data you have [loaded through the Data Processing Engine](/en/product/dpe/actions/load/index) into the Lakehouse Manager, and data you reach through the entry points below.

## Finding tables in the Explorer

In the Explorer you can list and open tables in three ways:

- **Folders** — browse the folder hierarchy.
- **Datasets** — browse by dataset. A **Shared Datasets** category is also listed here when other projects in your organization have [shared datasets](/en/product/lakehouse-manager/datasets/index.md?id=cross-project-sharing-beta) with this project. Shared dataset tables can only be queried using the SQL editor.
- **Direct query** — when a data source has **direct query** enabled, it appears in this list. You can select it and explore tables **directly** in the Explorer, without importing or loading those tables into the Lakehouse Manager first.

![explorer with sql](picts/explorer-overview.png)

The Explorer is a collaborative tool. You and your team can work on multiple tabs at the same time, and you can see the queries of your teammates by switching to their tabs. You can only edit the tabs that you created: your teammates' tabs are in read-only mode.

> The Explorer only displays results in the form of a table. If you want to create charts and visualizations, use the [Analytics Manager](/en/product/am/index.md)

* [How to explore your data using the visual builder](#how-to-explore-your-data-using-the-visual-builder)
* [How to explore your data using the SQL editor](#how-to-explore-your-data-using-the-sql-editor)

---
## How to explore your data using the visual builder

The visual builder interface offered in the Explorer is the same as the one used to build queries in the [Analytics Manager](/en/product/am/index.md). Discover how to use it on the link below.

> [**Use the visual builder**](en/product/am/queries/visual)

---
## How to explore your data using the SQL editor

The SQL editor interface offered in the Explorer is the same as the one used to build queries in the [Analytics Manager](/en/product/am/index.md). Discover how to use it on the link below.

> [**Use the SQL editor**](/en/product/am/queries/sql) 

---
###  Need help? 🆘

> At any step, you can ask for support by reaching out to us on the Data Platform Channel within the [Discord Server](https://discord.com/channels/850031577277792286/1163465539981672559). you can also find a step by step guide towards joining our discord server in the [support](/en/support/index.md) section.