How I completed my DataDev mini challenges and became a DataDev ambassador with Tableau

Claire Zhang
3 min readJan 10, 2021

Click here to learn about the program!

Happy 2021 everyone!

If you are new to Tableau Developer Program and you don’t know how to start the mini-challenges, this post will help you learn briefly about the mini-challenges. I will also talk about what I learned during the mini-challenges from last year.

How did I start with the Tableau Developer Program?

I was working on a project that required me to embed a dashboard in a web application with certain add-on functions. While I was looking to learn more about embedding and how to use the JavaScript API, I came across the DataDev mini-challenges, created by the Tableau Developer Program. These mini-challenges were addressing some common challenges that I was facing at work. Since then I decided to participate in several mini challenges from April to July last year, and eventually was connected with the Tableau DataDev team.

What are the mini challenges about?

The projects from the mini challenges focus on three categories using Tableau APIs: Embedding, Extending and Automating Tableau Dashboards. You can learn and test the latest Tableau APIs on the latest pre-release version of Tableau using your Developer Sandbox. When joining the Tableau Developer Program, you can request your free Developer Site that is your own developer site on Tableau Online, your safe space to learn and test Tableau APIs. You also get invited to the DataDev Slack workspace to discuss with other DataDevs.

So What did I learn?

During these challenges, I learned tons of Tableau APIs. I also took a Udemy course because I never coded on JavaScript before. It was truly exciting to build the application from scratch. The DataDev community was always helpful to answer any questions I had through out the challenges.

My favorite parts of the challenges were the embedding and extending, ranging from level one which to create a basic embedded page to level three which to build an interface. The experience from these challenges can be leveraged to my daily work such as implementing a show/hide feature and exporting PDF by creating a clickable button in HTML.

It was even a better experience when I was asked to present my solution on basic embedding to the DataDev community, and you can watch here.

And….You Can Do Them Too!

New 2021 DataDev Bingo Challenge, Found out more here!

Last but not the least, Tableau just announced the DataDev Bingo with 24 new DataDev mini-challenges! I hope my experience on how I started as a DataDev newbie will help you through this exciting journey.

Just remember these challenges are for everyone of all level skills. If you are new to Tableau APIs or/and coding like I was, below are some useful resources to guide you through your early journey as a DataDev. If you have JS experience, hop on this new Bingo! challenge. We are excited to see all of you!

  • Tableau Developer Program
  • 2020 Mini-Challenges Tutorial (The best way to learn how the extension works will be watching and learning someone’s else code)
  • Modern JavaScript From The Beginning (Udemy)

https://www.udemy.com/course/modern-javascript-from-the-beginning/

Do not hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions. I am excited to see you on board. FYI new members need to sing a song to join the DataDev community. :)

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Claire Zhang
Claire Zhang

Written by Claire Zhang

I’m a dataviz enthusiast with a curiosity for solving puzzles with data and passion for design.

Responses (1)

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Hi! I'm on my way to complete these challenges. I get stuck in some parts. Do you know any reosurces that I can find solutions and learn how to complete these challenges?