In Tableau, you can add an authorization header to external requests by leveraging Tableau’s ability to connect to web data connectors (WDC). Web data connectors allow you to create custom data connections to web services or APIs that require authentication.
To add an authorization header to external requests in Tableau using a web data connector, follow these general steps:
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Create a Web Data Connector (WDC):
- Develop a web data connector using HTML, JavaScript, and Tableau’s WDC JavaScript library. The WDC should handle the authentication process and include the necessary authorization header in the requests.
- You can find the Tableau WDC SDK and documentation on the Tableau website.
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Host the WDC:
- Once you’ve created the WDC, you need to host it on a web server or a service that can serve the connector over HTTPS. This can be a local development server or a cloud-based hosting platform.
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Connect to the WDC in Tableau:
- Open Tableau Desktop and go to the “Web Data Connector” option in the “Connect” menu.
- Enter the URL of your hosted WDC in the provided input field and click “Connect.”
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Authenticate and Configure:
- Your WDC should prompt you for any necessary authentication details, such as API keys, access tokens, or username/password credentials.
- Once authenticated, your WDC can present you with any configuration options to tailor the data request to your needs.
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Import Data:
- After authentication and configuration, you can import the data into Tableau as you would with any other data source.
By using a custom web data connector, you can have full control over the authorization process, including adding custom headers to your external requests. The WDC acts as an intermediary between Tableau and the external API, allowing you to pass authentication tokens or API keys securely.
Keep in mind that the exact steps and implementation will depend on the specific API or service you’re trying to connect to and its authentication requirements. Always refer to the API documentation and Tableau’s WDC SDK documentation for more detailed guidance.