LookML vs dbt

Developers should learn LookML when working with Looker to build scalable and maintainable data models that ensure data consistency and governance across an organization meets developers should learn dbt when working with data warehouses like snowflake, bigquery, or redshift to streamline etl/elt processes and ensure reliable data transformations. Here's our take.

LookML

Nice Pick

Developers should learn LookML when working with Looker to build scalable and maintainable data models that ensure data consistency and governance across an organization

Pros

• It is particularly useful for data engineers and analysts who need to define business metrics, create derived tables, and manage data access controls in a collaborative environment
• Related to: looker, sql

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

dbt

Developers should learn dbt when working with data warehouses like Snowflake, BigQuery, or Redshift to streamline ETL/ELT processes and ensure reliable data transformations

Pros

• It is particularly useful for creating maintainable and scalable data pipelines, enabling teams to collaborate on data models and implement best practices such as testing and documentation
• Related to: sql, data-warehousing

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use LookML if: You want it is particularly useful for data engineers and analysts who need to define business metrics, create derived tables, and manage data access controls in a collaborative environment and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use dbt if: You prioritize it is particularly useful for creating maintainable and scalable data pipelines, enabling teams to collaborate on data models and implement best practices such as testing and documentation over what LookML offers.

The Bottom Line

LookML wins

Developers should learn LookML when working with Looker to build scalable and maintainable data models that ensure data consistency and governance across an organization