Do more with APIs in Tableau 10, enter our hackathon

Tableau 10 includes a number of API improvements. And these new APIs are all about opportunities—opportunities for new integrations with Tableau, and the opportunity to win a fu

Update: Tableau 10 is here! Download now to try out the feature outlined below.

Tableau 10 includes a number of API improvements. And these new APIs are all about opportunities—opportunities for new integrations with Tableau, and the opportunity to win a full conference pass to TC16!

Let me tell you about both the APIs and our WDC v2 hackathon.

Document API

New in Tableau 10, the Document API provides a supported path for working with Tableau files such as .twb and .tds. This means you can create a template workbook in Tableau and easily deploy that across multiple servers and/or databases.

We are shipping this as a fully open-sourced project. We’ll be working to expand the capabilities and supported languages in the Document API.

getData()

The top-requested feature for the JavaScript API has been the ability to get access to all the data for a viz. In Tableau 10, we’re delivering this in a feature we’re calling getData().

Use this to create a web page with a custom visualization alongside your Tableau dashboard. Make the data available in a simple table or export it to a screen-reading program.

REST API

We’ve added a number of improvements to the REST API. The biggest improvement is the ability to filter and sort. Here’s the old workflow for getting the ID for the user "Lee":

  • Perform a GET on the /users endpoint
  • Iterate through each and every user until you find one named "Lee"
  • Grab Lee’s ID and continue on with your task at hand

Now, with filtering, here’s how I can get Lee’s ID:

  • Use a filter on the /users endpoint:
    /users?filter=name:eq:lee

You can use filtering to accomplish other interesting things. For example:

  • Get all users who are publishers:
    /users?filter=siteRole:eq:Publisher
  • List everyone who has logged in this month:
    /users?filter=lastLogin:eq:2016-06-01T00:00:00Z

Other REST API improvements include:

  • New methods for working with revisions for workbooks and data sources
  • New methods for working with schedules
  • New methods for working with subscriptions
  • New methods for working with a user's favorite data sources
  • Support for working with multiple connections in a data source
  • Update site now supports uploading new logo image

Filtering and sorting is currently enabled on the \Users and \Workbooks endpoints. We’ll be adding more in a future release.

Web Data Connector

Launched last fall with Tableau 9.1, WDC enables developers to connect Tableau to any data source on the web. In Tableau 10, we’ve improved and streamlined the WDC API. We’ve also added support for multiple tables.

WDC v2 hackathon

To have some fun with new WDCs, we’re hosting a virtual hackathon! To enter:

Everyone who submits a valid connector will receive a limited-edition achievement patch (while supplies last):

The creator of the top WDC will win a full conference pass to TC16 in Austin. And two runners-up will win some great Tableau gear.

Submissions are due June 19. Then the community will vote from June 23 to June 30 to choose the winner. More details are available here. We look forward to seeing what you create!

Learn more about Tableau 10

Tableau 10 includes a brand new look and feel, and a host of new features to help you prep, analyze, and share your insights even faster. Check out our Coming Soon page for details.