Mode Analytics

Where Code Meets Dashboards

Mode launched in 2013 targeting a gap in the market: data analysts wanted a tool that let them write SQL and Python but also build shareable dashboards. Most BI tools forced a choice — code or drag-and-drop. Mode said "both." ThoughtSpot acquired Mode in 2023 to add code-based analytics to its search-driven platform.

The Analyst Workflow

Mode's workflow is unique. Start by writing a SQL query against your data warehouse. The results populate a dataset. Run a Python or R notebook against that dataset for statistical analysis or machine learning. Then drag the output into a visual report builder with charts and filters. The whole chain lives in one workspace, version-controlled and shareable. For analysts, this flow is addictive — no more copying data between tools.

Report Builder vs Code

The visual report builder is solid but not spectacular. It covers bar charts, line charts, scatter plots, tables, and pivot tables. For quick dashboards, it does the job. But if you need Tableau-level formatting control or complex interactive filters, Mode falls short. The real value is the code layer underneath — being able to run a logistic regression in Python and visualize the output in the same document.

Where Mode Struggles

Business users don't love Mode. The interface assumes you're comfortable with SQL, or at least aren't afraid of it. The Explorer mode (simplified interface for non-coders) exists but feels like an afterthought. This limits Mode's reach — it's a tool for the data team, not the whole organization. That's fine if your analysts produce dashboards for others to consume. It's a problem if you want self-service analytics for everyone.