A Tableau Packaged Data Source (.tdsx) is a compressed archive containing a Tableau data source (.tds) file along with any supporting files, such as custom images, geocoding data, or local files used by the data source. This package allows users to easily share and distribute data sources with others, ensuring that all necessary components are included. When a .tdsx file is opened in Tableau, the data source and its associated files are extracted to a temporary directory, allowing Tableau to connect to the data. This format is particularly useful for sharing data sources that rely on local files or custom configurations, as it eliminates the need for recipients to manually configure the data source connection. The .tdsx format simplifies collaboration and ensures data consistency across different Tableau environments. It's crucial for maintaining data integrity and accessibility when sharing Tableau workbooks and dashboards that depend on specific data sources.