Superset: Create Datasets Flexibly

Nov 17, 2025 by Admin 35 views

Hey guys! Ever been working in Superset and felt a little... railroaded? You know, you create a new dataset, ready to organize your data, and BAM! Superset instantly zaps you over to the chart creation page. It’s like trying to put your groceries away and your spouse immediately tells you to start cooking. Sometimes you just need to put the groceries away first, right?

Well, the Superset team gets it! They’re rolling out a sweet new feature that gives you control over your workflow. We’re talking about adding an option so you can create a dataset without being automatically shoved into chart creation. This is a game-changer for a lot of us who use Superset for more than just whipping up instant dashboards. Think about organizing data, running batch processes, or just setting things up for later. This little tweak means less clicking around, less friction, and a much smoother experience overall. So, let’s dive into what’s changing and why it’s going to make your Superset life so much better.

The Current Vibe: A Little Too Pushy

Right now, when you go to add a new dataset in Superset, as soon as you hit that “Create” button, it’s off to the races – straight to the chart creation page. This setup is built on the assumption that every time you make a dataset, you’re ready to visualize it immediately. But, let’s be real, that’s not always the case. Sometimes, you’re just setting up your data architecture, prepping for a big data load, or maybe you just want to keep your dataset list tidy and organized before you start building charts. The current behavior forces you to go through the chart creation steps, even if you don’t want to, and then you have to back out or cancel. It’s an extra couple of clicks, a bit of a mental interruption, and honestly, just unnecessary hassle when you’re trying to be efficient.

Think about it: you’ve meticulously selected your database, chosen your table, and you’re ready to save. You hit “Create,” and suddenly you’re in a new screen, staring at options for charts you haven’t even thought about yet. It breaks your focus and adds extra navigation. This isn’t ideal, especially if you’re managing multiple datasets or working on a complex project. This is exactly why this new feature is so important. It’s about giving you, the user, the power to decide what happens after you create a dataset. You should be able to save it and then either jump into chart-making or simply return to your list of datasets. Simple, right? But sometimes, the simplest changes have the biggest impact on our day-to-day productivity. So, big props to the Superset team for listening and making this happen!

How it used to be (and why it wasn’t ideal):

Head to Superset: You log in and navigate to the “Add Dataset” page.
Pick Your Poison: You select your database and the table you want to turn into a dataset.
Hit “Create”: You click that big, beautiful “Create” button.
Surprise! Instead of staying put or going back to where you came from, you’re whisked away to the /chart/add/?dataset={dataset_name} URL – the chart creation page. This happens every single time.
The Workaround: If you didn't want to create a chart right then, your only option was to hit the back button or cancel out of the chart creation. More steps, more clicks, more waiting.

This workflow, while functional for some, created a dead end for others. It lacked the flexibility needed for diverse data management strategies. It’s like a restaurant that only serves the main course and skips appetizers and desserts – you might want those too, or maybe you just wanted to order the main! This update is all about adding those options to the menu.

The New Way: Your Choice, Your Workflow!

Get ready for a much smoother ride, folks! The upcoming changes are all about giving you the reins. When you’re ready to create a new dataset, that “Create” button is getting a serious upgrade. Instead of being a one-trick pony, it's going to transform into a dropdown button. This means you’ll have clear, distinct choices right there at your fingertips. It’s super intuitive and puts you in control of your next move.

Here’s the breakdown of what you’ll see and how it’ll work:

The Main Button: The primary, big button part will still do what it’s always done. Click that, and Superset will create your dataset and automatically whisk you away to the chart creation page. This keeps the existing workflow intact, so if you’re used to it and like it, nothing changes for you. It’s the default, the path of least resistance for those who want to visualize immediately.
The Dropdown Menu: See that little arrow next to the main button? Give that a click! This will open up a menu with your other options. Right now, the key new option will be something like “Create dataset only” or “Create and stay”. When you select this, Superset will create your dataset, save it properly, and then seamlessly redirect you back to the dataset list page. That’s it! No charts, no fuss, just your dataset created and ready to go in your management view.

This is HUGE! It means you can now use Superset’s dataset creation feature purely for organizing and managing your data sources without any unintended detours. Need to add five datasets for a big project? You can do that quickly, one after the other, without ever seeing a chart builder screen. It streamlines data prep and makes Superset a more robust tool for data governance and organization, not just for immediate visualization.

What makes this great (Acceptance Criteria):

Button Upgrade: That “Create” button is now a dropdown, showing there are multiple options.
Default Behavior: Clicking the main button still takes you to chart creation – your familiar path.
New Option: Inside the dropdown, you’ll find the option to just create the dataset.
“Create Only” Action: Selecting this option saves the dataset and lands you back on the dataset list page.
Bug-Free Zone: All the old tests should still pass, and new tests are being added to make sure both the “create and chart” and “create only” paths work perfectly.
Smart Button: The button will stay disabled if you haven't selected a table or if the dataset name is already taken, just like before. Safety first!

This update isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s a significant improvement in user experience and workflow flexibility. It acknowledges that users have different needs and empowers them to choose the path that best suits their current task. So, get ready to create datasets the way you want to!

Putting It to the Test: Verifying the Magic

Alright, so how do we know this awesome new feature actually works as promised? The Superset team has laid out a clear plan for verification, and it’s pretty straightforward. It involves some simple manual steps that you can follow right in your Superset instance. This is all about making sure that whether you want to create a dataset and jump straight into building a chart, or if you just want to create the dataset and keep it in your list, both paths are smooth, functional, and exactly as expected.

Let’s walk through the verification steps, guys. It’s designed to be super easy to follow, and it’ll confirm that the new dropdown functionality is working like a charm:

Navigate to the Add Dataset Page: First things first, log into your Superset environment. Then, head over to the section where you add new datasets. This is usually under a “Data” or “Datasets” menu, leading you to the “Add Dataset” interface.
Select Your Data: Just like you would normally, pick the database you want to connect to and then choose the specific table or data source you intend to use for your new dataset. Make sure you’ve got a valid selection here.
Spot the New Button: Now, look at the “Create” button in the footer. This is where the magic happens. You should immediately notice that it looks different. Instead of just a flat button, it should now appear as a dropdown button. You’ll likely see a main button area and a small arrow or dropdown indicator next to it. This visual cue tells you there are more options available.
Test the Default Path: Click directly on the main part of the button (not the dropdown arrow). According to the expected behavior, this should function exactly as it did before. Superset should create your dataset and then automatically redirect you to the chart creation page (/chart/add/?dataset={dataset_name}). Verify that this redirection happens correctly.
Access the Dropdown: Now, repeat steps 2 and 3 (select your database and table so the button is active). This time, instead of clicking the main button, click specifically on the dropdown arrow or the area indicating more options.
Choose “Create Dataset Only”: A menu should pop up. Look for the option that clearly states something like “Create dataset only” or perhaps “Create and return to list.” Click on this option.
Verify the Redirect: After clicking that option, Superset should create your dataset and then redirect you to the dataset list page. This is typically found at /tablemodelview/list/. Check that you land on this page.
Confirm Dataset Creation: Once you’re on the dataset list page, quickly scan or search for the dataset you just created. You need to confirm that it appears in the list, proving that the “Create dataset only” action successfully saved your dataset without any issues.

Visual Proof:

To really nail this down, the developers are also suggesting using a screen recording tool like cap.so. You can record yourself going through these steps, especially showing the dropdown menu and the redirection to the dataset list. Exporting this as an MP4 and sharing it in the issue comments provides crystal-clear evidence that the feature works. It’s a great way to showcase the new workflow and confirm its functionality.

This verification process is crucial. It ensures that the feature is not only implemented but also robust and user-friendly. By following these steps, anyone can confirm that Superset is now more flexible, catering to different user needs and making data management a breeze. It’s all about providing a seamless experience, whether you’re a power user prepping for a massive project or someone just getting started with visualizations. This update truly makes Superset more adaptable to your specific workflow.

Submitting Your Feedback and Contributions

So, what happens after you’ve tested this out? The Superset community is all about collaboration, and your feedback is gold! If you go through the verification steps, especially if you record a quick video (using tools like cap.so as suggested), sharing that is super helpful. Drop that MP4 file right into the issue comment. It provides undeniable proof and visual context for the changes.

Why is this important? Because it helps the developers understand how the feature is working in real-world scenarios. It can highlight any unexpected issues or confirm that everything is running smoothly. Plus, it’s a great way to show your support and engagement with the project. Remember that guide for submitting pull requests (https://hackmd.io/@timothy1ee/Hky8kV3hlx)? That’s your go-to resource if you plan on contributing code or making direct improvements. Following that guide ensures your contributions are integrated efficiently.

This feature is a prime example of how small changes can make a big difference in user experience. By giving you the choice to create a dataset and stay on the list page, Superset is becoming even more versatile. No more unwanted detours to the chart builder if you’re just organizing! This means faster data prep, cleaner workflows, and a less frustrating experience overall. It’s all about making Superset work for you, not the other way around. Keep an eye out for this update, and get ready to enjoy a more flexible dataset creation process!