Ditching Elementary for DBT Tests: A Guide to Efficient Testing
When working with dbt, you might find yourself wanting to run tests without the extra overhead of running the elementary checks. This is especially useful if you're running a large number of tests, and don't want the additional runtime of the elementary checks slowing down your process.
The Problem:
You're working with dbt and you want to speed up your test runs. Running dbt test includes elementary checks, which can add significant time to your execution.
The Solution:
You can easily disable elementary checks when running dbt test by using the --profiles-dir flag. This flag allows you to specify a different profiles directory, effectively bypassing the default elementary configuration.
Example Scenario:
Let's assume you're using the default profiles directory, which includes elementary configuration. You can disable elementary checks with this command:
dbt test --profiles-dir ~/.dbt/profiles.yml
Explanation:
This command specifies a profiles directory that doesn't contain the elementary configuration. The ~/.dbt/profiles.yml file usually holds your standard dbt profiles, which do not include elementary settings.
Why This Works:
When dbt runs tests, it looks for profile configurations in the specified directory. By specifying a directory that doesn't include elementary settings, you effectively disable its checks. This leaves only the dbt test commands, speeding up your test runs significantly.
Additional Insights:
- Alternative Approach: You can also disable
elementarychecks within thedbt_project.ymlfile. This allows you to control the behavior ofelementaryon a per-project basis. - Consider Your Needs: While disabling
elementarycan speed up tests, it might not be ideal for all situations. If you need to ensure data quality and integrity, runningelementarychecks might be crucial.
Optimizing for Readability:
This article is structured for readability and includes clear explanations of the problem, solution, and its implementation. The use of code examples and bullet points enhances comprehension and provides practical value to the reader.
Further Exploration:
For a deeper understanding of dbt and elementary, you can explore their documentation and community forums:
Conclusion:
By understanding how to disable elementary checks during dbt tests, you can streamline your workflow and achieve faster execution times. Remember to carefully evaluate your data quality needs before making this change. Using elementary strategically ensures both speed and data integrity in your dbt projects.
