Calling macros across projects in dbt - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a macro in dbt?

A macro in dbt is a reusable piece of code written in Jinja that helps automate repetitive tasks in your data transformations.

beginner

How do you call a macro from another project in dbt?

You call a macro from another project by prefixing the macro name with the project name and a dot, like this: {{ project_name.macro_name() }}.

intermediate

Why would you want to call macros across projects in dbt?

Calling macros across projects helps you reuse common logic and avoid duplication, making your code cleaner and easier to maintain.

intermediate

What must be configured to enable calling macros across projects in dbt?

You must list the other project as a dependency in your packages.yml file and run dbt deps to install it.

beginner

Example: How to call a macro named calculate_metrics from a project named analytics_utils?

Use {{ analytics_utils.calculate_metrics() }} inside your dbt model or macro to call it from the analytics_utils project.

How do you reference a macro from another dbt project?

A Use <code>{{ macro_name() }}</code> without prefix

B Use <code>{{ project_name.macro_name() }}</code>

C Import the macro with Python import

D Macros cannot be called across projects

You must prefix the macro with the project name to call it across projects.

What file do you update to add a dependency on another dbt project?

A packages.yml

B dbt_project.yml

C profiles.yml

D macros.yml

The packages.yml file lists external project dependencies.

What command installs dependencies listed in packages.yml?

A dbt deps

B dbt run

C dbt install

D dbt build

dbt deps downloads and installs dependencies.

Why is calling macros across projects useful?

A To slow down builds

B To duplicate code

C To reuse common logic

D To avoid using macros

Reusing common logic avoids duplication and improves maintainability.

Which syntax is correct to call macro foo from project bar?

A {{ foo.bar() }}

B {{ foo() }}

C {{ bar::foo() }}

D {{ bar.foo() }}

The correct syntax is {{ bar.foo() }} where bar is the project name.

Explain how to set up and call a macro from another dbt project.

Think about configuration and syntax steps.

Why is it beneficial to call macros across projects in dbt?

Consider how sharing code helps in teamwork.