Superset: Choose To Chart Or Just Save Your Dataset
Have you ever been in Superset, ready to add a new dataset, only to find yourself automatically whisked away to the chart creation page? It's a common scenario, and while it's great for those who always want to visualize immediately, it can feel a bit like an unnecessary detour for others. Superset's current behavior is to assume that every new dataset creation should be followed by immediate charting. This works well for many, but what if you're just organizing your data, preparing for batch operations, or planning to use the dataset later? You're then left with extra clicks to get back to where you want to be. This article delves into a much-needed feature that brings more flexibility to your Superset workflow: the option to create a dataset without automatically jumping into chart creation. We'll explore the motivation behind this change, the current user experience, and the expected behavior that will make managing your datasets in Superset significantly smoother.
The Problem: Unwanted Chart Creation Flow
Let's talk about the current behavior in Superset when you create a new dataset. You navigate to the 'Add Dataset' page, select your database, pick a table, and hit that 'Create' button. Simple enough, right? Well, after the dataset is saved, instead of letting you decide what to do next, Superset automatically redirects you to the chart creation page. This is indicated by the URL changing to something like /chart/add/?dataset={dataset_name}. For users who meticulously plan their data analysis steps, this is a point of friction. You might have several datasets to prepare before you even think about visualizing them, or perhaps you're setting up data sources for a more complex process. In these cases, being forced into the chart creation flow means you have to actively cancel out of it to return to the dataset list. This adds extra steps and can be quite frustrating, especially if you're performing these actions repeatedly. The core of the issue is the lack of choice; the system assumes a single, universal next step, which doesn't align with the diverse needs of Superset users. Imagine a data engineer setting up numerous tables as datasets for later use by analysts – they don't need a chart for each one immediately. Or a BI manager preparing a clean set of data sources for a team. Forcing them through chart creation is inefficient. This enhancement aims to resolve that by giving users control over their post-dataset creation journey.
The Solution: A Smarter 'Create' Button
The expected behavior we're aiming for is quite straightforward yet incredibly impactful: giving users a choice after they click 'Create'. Instead of a single, definitive action, the 'Create' button will transform into a more intelligent component, likely a dropdown button. This dropdown will present clear options for what happens next, ensuring that the current default behavior remains intact for those who prefer it, while offering a new, streamlined path for others. Specifically, the primary button action will still create the dataset and proceed to chart creation, maintaining backward compatibility and satisfying the majority of existing workflows. However, a new option, perhaps labeled 'Create dataset only' or 'Create and return to list,' will be added to the dropdown menu. When this option is selected, Superset will create the dataset and then redirect the user back to the dataset list page (/tablemodelview/list/). This provides the flexibility needed for various use cases without disrupting the established flow for others. The crucial aspect here is clarity and user control. The interface must clearly present both choices, and the default action should be the existing one to avoid surprising users. Furthermore, the button's functionality should remain robust, staying disabled when essential information like a selected table is missing or if the dataset already exists, ensuring data integrity and a smooth user experience.
How to Test This Feature
Implementing a new feature is only half the battle; ensuring it works as expected is critical. For this specific enhancement in Superset, manual testing will be key to verifying that the new 'Create' button functionality operates flawlessly. The process is designed to be intuitive, guiding you through both the existing and the new pathways. First, you'll navigate to the familiar 'Add Dataset' page. From there, select your database and then a table, just as you would normally. Once these selections are made, you should observe the 'Create' button has changed. Instead of a plain button, you'll see a button with a distinct dropdown arrow, indicating that multiple options are available. To test the original behavior, simply click the main area of the button. This should create the dataset and redirect you to the chart creation page, exactly as it does now. For the new functionality, repeat the steps to select a database and table, then click the dropdown arrow itself. From the menu that appears, select the new option, likely named 'Create dataset only' or something similar. Upon selecting this, the dataset should be created, and you should be redirected to the dataset list page, specifically to /tablemodelview/list/. Finally, to confirm the dataset was indeed created successfully through this new path, quickly scan the dataset list to ensure your newly added dataset appears there. This thorough testing ensures that both the old and new functionalities work as intended, providing a seamless upgrade to the dataset management experience.
Contributing to Superset's Evolution
Superset is an open-source project, and its continuous improvement relies heavily on community contributions. If you're excited about this new feature or have encountered other areas where Superset could be enhanced, consider getting involved! The submission process for pull requests (PRs) is well-documented and designed to be as accessible as possible for new contributors. You can find a comprehensive guide at https://hackmd.io/@timothy1ee/Hky8kV3hlx, which walks you through everything you need to know about submitting your code changes. Furthermore, if you're looking to visually document your findings or demonstrate how a feature works, tools like https://cap.so/ are excellent resources. You can use their 'Studio mode' to record your screen, capturing clear and concise demonstrations, which can then be exported as an MP4. This is invaluable for illustrating bugs or showcasing new functionalities in issue comments. By contributing code, providing feedback, or helping document features, you play a vital role in shaping Superset's future, making it a more powerful and user-friendly tool for everyone. Your involvement, no matter how big or small, makes a real difference in the evolution of this fantastic data exploration platform.
For further insights into Apache Superset and its capabilities, you can explore the official Apache Superset Documentation. This resource offers in-depth guides, tutorials, and API references that can deepen your understanding and help you leverage the full power of Superset for your data visualization needs.
