Which API is best for automating Tableau Server management tasks?

The REST API is the preferred choice for automating management tasks on Tableau Server because it provides a comprehensive and flexible interface for interacting with Tableau Server resources. This API allows developers to perform a wide range of actions such as creating, updating, and deleting users, groups, projects, and workbooks, as well as managing permissions and schedules. Its design is request-response based, making it well-suited for scripting and automation processes, which can be vital for managing server operations efficiently.

In contrast, the Document API is primarily focused on creating and modifying Tableau documents (like TDS and TWB files) rather than server management. The Webhooks API facilitates communication about events that occur within Tableau Server rather than directly managing it. Lastly, the Metadata API is designed to query metadata about Tableau assets, making it valuable for data lineage and impact analysis, but it does not support the breadth of management functionalities that the REST API does.