dbt

Definitions

1. Data Build Tool — a transformation framework that lets data analysts write modular SQL to transform raw data into analytics-ready tables. Models are version-controlled, tested, and documented. dbt handles dependency ordering, incremental builds, and generates lineage graphs. Runs against the warehouse (ELT, not ETL).

   In plain English: A tool that lets data teams write and test SQL transformations like software engineers write and test code.

   Example: "Each dbt model is a SELECT statement — dbt figures out the dependency order, runs them, and tests the output automatically."

Related Terms

• data warehouse
• Query
• Series
• Table
• Data Lakehouse
• Apache Iceberg
• Window Function
• Business Intelligence