Which component handles web application functionality in Tableau Server?

The Application Server is responsible for managing the web application functionality in Tableau Server. This component facilitates communication between users and the server, handling requests from the Tableau interface and ensuring that those requests are processed correctly. It plays a crucial role in managing user sessions, authentication, and the overall responsiveness of the web applications, allowing users to interact with their visualizations and dashboards seamlessly.

While VizPortal is related to the web application and user interface aspects, it specifically serves as the web portal that provides access to various Tableau Server features. The Data Engine, meanwhile, is focused on data storage and retrieval rather than web application functionalities. The Backgrounder is responsible for running scheduled tasks and managing extract refreshes, which, while important, do not pertain to the direct web application functionalities. Overall, the Application Server integrates all these components to ensure effective operational capacity for user interactions with Tableau Server.