dbt Model Development

Read before you write. Build after you write. Verify your output.

Critical Rules

1. ALWAYS run dbt build after creating/modifying models - compile is NOT enough
2. ALWAYS verify output after build using dbt show - don't assume success
3. If build fails 3+ times, stop and reassess your entire approach

Workflow

1. Understand the Task Requirements

• What columns are needed? List them explicitly.
• What is the grain of the table (one row per what)?
• What calculations or aggregations are required?

2. Discover Project Conventions