Company
Date Published
Dec. 20, 2024
Author
Will Harris
Word count
1626
Language
English
Hacker News points
None

Summary

dbt testing can be complex, but it's a crucial step in ensuring the accuracy and consistency of your data pipeline. Understanding the different types of dbt tests is key to making informed decisions about which tests to use and when. Data tests focus on validating the accuracy, consistency, and completeness of your data, while unit tests validate the logic of your models or macros. Generic tests are pre-defined, reusable checks that can be applied directly in your schema.yml file, while custom tests allow for more specific validation logic. dbt test packages can help extend dbt's functionality with ready-made solutions for common data quality checks and workflow improvements. By leveraging a mix of these different types of tests, you can build trust in your data and ensure the reliability of your pipeline. As your data engineering toolkit evolves, don't forget to tap into the power of pre-built packages and explore custom and unit tests as needed.