What happens when a Data Analyst selects Publish as Data Source in Tableau Prep Builder for a flow output step?

When a Data Analyst selects "Publish as Data Source" in Tableau Prep Builder for a flow output step, the flow output is published as a data source on Tableau Server or Tableau Online. This action allows the prepared data to be centrally accessible, ensuring that users can connect to it and utilize it in their analysis and visualizations within Tableau Desktop or other tools.

Publishing as a data source not only facilitates collaboration among team members but also allows for easier updates and management of the data. Once published, the data source can be refreshed based on the underlying data, providing users with up-to-date information without needing to manually export or reimport data. This capability enhances the overall efficiency and effectiveness of data management within an organization.

In contrast to the other options, which involve local saving or specific file formats for export, publishing provides a cloud-based solution that is designed for shared access and collaborative work.