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What is the main difference between a full refresh and an incremental model in dbt?

easy📝 Conceptual Q11 of 15
dbt - Incremental Models

What is the main difference between a full refresh and an incremental model in dbt?

AFull refresh only runs once; incremental runs every time.
BFull refresh loads only new data; incremental reloads all data.
CFull refresh updates data in place; incremental deletes and reloads all data.
DFull refresh reloads all data; incremental loads only new or changed data.
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:

  1. Step 1: Understand full refresh behavior

    A full refresh reloads the entire dataset, replacing all existing data.

  2. Step 2: Understand incremental behavior

    An incremental model only adds or updates new or changed data, saving time.

  3. Final Answer:

    Full refresh reloads all data; incremental loads only new or changed data. -> Option D

  4. Quick Check:

    Full refresh = reload all, Incremental = load changes [OK]
Quick Trick: Full refresh = all data; incremental = only new or changed [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES
  • Confusing which method reloads all data
  • Thinking incremental deletes all data first
  • Assuming full refresh only runs once

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