Running tests with dbt test - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the purpose of the dbt test command?

The dbt test command runs tests defined in your dbt project to check data quality and integrity in your models.

beginner

Name two types of tests you can run with dbt test.

You can run schema tests (like uniqueness, not null) and data tests (custom SQL queries that return zero rows if data is correct).

intermediate

How do you define a schema test in dbt?

Schema tests are defined in your model's YAML file under the tests key, specifying tests like unique or not_null on columns.

beginner

What does it mean if dbt test returns failures?

It means some data did not pass the tests, indicating possible data quality issues that need investigation.

intermediate

Can you run tests on specific models with dbt test? How?

Yes, by using the --select flag with model names or tags, e.g., dbt test --select my_model runs tests only on that model.

What command runs all tests in a dbt project?

A dbt compile

B dbt run

C dbt test

D dbt build

dbt test runs all tests defined in the project to check data quality.

Which of these is NOT a built-in schema test in dbt?

A accepted_values

B not_null

C unique

D greater_than

greater_than is not a built-in schema test; built-in tests include unique, not_null, and accepted_values.

What does a data test in dbt return if the data passes the test?

A Zero rows

B One row

C Error message

D All rows

Data tests return zero rows if the data passes, meaning no errors found.

How do you run tests only on a specific model named 'sales'?

A dbt test --select sales

B dbt run --model sales

C dbt test sales

D dbt compile --select sales

Use dbt test --select sales to run tests only on the 'sales' model.

If dbt test finds failing tests, what should you do next?

A Ignore the failures

B Investigate data issues and fix them

C Delete the model

D Run <code>dbt compile</code>

Failing tests indicate data problems; you should investigate and fix the data.

Explain how to define and run a schema test in dbt.

Think about where you write tests and how you execute them.

Describe the difference between schema tests and data tests in dbt.

One tests structure, the other tests content.