Step 1: Differentiating the function.
The derivative of \( y = \tan x \) is:
\[
\frac{dy}{dx} = \sec^2 x
\]
Step 2: Substituting the value of \( x = \frac{\pi}{4} \).
At \( x = \frac{\pi}{4} \), we know that:
\[
\sec \frac{\pi}{4} = \sqrt{2}
\]
So,
\[
\frac{dy}{dx} = \sec^2 \frac{\pi}{4} = 2
\]
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, the value of \( \frac{dy}{dx} \) at \( x = \frac{\pi}{4} \) is \( 2 \).