🛠️ dbt & Modern Data Stack Vocabulary
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A dbt model contains the expression {{ ref('stg_orders') }}.
What does the ref() function do in dbt?
ref() = dbt's cross-model reference function:
| What ref() does | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Auto-compiles correct schema name per environment | dev/staging/prod schema isolation |
| Registers model dependency in the DAG | Correct dbt run execution order |
Powers dbt docs lineage graph | Visualise model dependencies |
Key vocabulary: model dependency, DAG compile, target schema, ref() vs. source() function.