Yes, you can automate Tableau testing, but it's tricky. Here's what works:

What I've used successfully:

Selenium WebDriver:

• Works for Tableau Server/Online dashboards

• Can test filters, interactions, data refresh

• Good for regression testing of published dashboards

Tableau REST API:

• Best for backend testing

• Test data source connections, user permissions

• Validate workbook publishing/updates

Image comparison tools:

• Test Complete, Sikuli for visual validation

• Compare chart outputs before/after changes

• Catch visual regressions

What's challenging:

Dynamic content:

• Charts load at different speeds

• Data changes frequently

• Hard to get consistent test results

Limited element identification:

• Tableau generates complex HTML

• Elements don't have stable IDs

• Need to use XPath (which breaks often)

My approach:

1. Use API tests for data validation

2. Selenium for basic UI interactions

3. Manual testing for complex visualizations

4. Focus on critical user workflows

Real talk: Tableau automation is harder than regular web apps. Start with API testing and simple UI flows. Don't try to automate everything - some things are better tested manually.