Which tool is typically used for data blending in Alteryx?

The Union Tool is used for data blending in Alteryx because it allows users to combine multiple datasets with similar structures into a single output. This tool is particularly effective when dealing with data sources that share similar fields or columns. It works by stacking datasets vertically, meaning that it concatenates the rows from different sources, maintaining a single column schema.

When you are blending data from various sources that need to be analyzed together, the Union Tool simplifies this process, allowing a user to merge datasets easily without the need to pre-process them into a common format. This functionality is crucial when working with large datasets from different origins that require integration for unified analysis.

Other tools mentioned, like the Join Tool, are more suitable for merging datasets based on matching fields, which is not the focus of blending. The Data Blending Tool is a less common reference in the Alteryx ecosystem, as blending is primarily achieved through the use of the Union Tool. Lastly, the Data Cleansing Tool is designed for cleaning and preparing datasets, rather than for blending or merging them.