Is it possible to use tableau server without tableau desktop

Question

You can generate worksheets based on existing worksheets using tableau server, but I can't figure out how to add a new data source and create an initial worksheet without using the desktop version.

Answer 1

Technically, you could build a TDE file with the Tableau Data Extract API and then publish it to Tableau Server via the REST API. Assuming the Data Extract API does not need a Tableau Desktop licence (check the agreement, I have no idea)

You could probably do the same with a TDS file, which is simply XML, so if you found out the format, you could probably make it by hand or with a script. There are no assurances, however, that the format will not change in future iterations.

It appears to be a lot of work to avoid purchasing a few Desktop licences, which are beneficial in and of themselves. Tableau Desktop allows you to edit workbooks quicker and more fluidly than the online, so having a few Desktop subscriptions is typically well worth the money.

The Data Extract and REST APIs, on the other hand, are designed to automate laborious processes.