Course · ~1¼ hrs

Understanding dbt

What dbt is and why it exists — in pictures, before you ever run it

For SQL analysts who have never used dbt. Nothing to install, nothing to run — short visual chunks with a question at each step. Take it after Git essentials, before Your first PR.

  1. 1The problem dbt solves3 steps · ~7mWhy a folder of good SQL still goes wrong
  2. 2A model is a SELECT3 steps · ~7mOne file, one SELECT — dbt does the rest
  3. 3ref() draws the map3 steps · ~8mOne function replaces every hardcoded table name
  4. 4Layers: where a model belongs4 steps · ~11mFive layers, each with exactly one job
  5. 5Names are the map4 steps · ~9mRead any model name — and search before you build
  6. 6YAML describes the project4 steps · ~9mKeys, lists and indentation, written by you
  7. 7Tests are promises3 steps · ~7mAssertions checked whenever their models build
  8. 8From branch to production4 steps · ~8mHow reviewed code runs safely, on schedule or by deliberate request
  9. 9Can you predict dbt?10 steps · ~8mEight situations to confirm the mental model

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