Installing packages with packages.yml in dbt

Introduction

We use packages.yml to add extra tools or code to our dbt project easily. It helps us reuse work others have done.

You want to use a shared model someone else created.

You need to add a library for testing or documentation.

You want to speed up your project by using pre-built macros.

You want to keep your project organized by managing dependencies.

You want to update or add new features without writing code from scratch.

Syntax

dbt

packages:
  - package: <package_name>
    version: <version_number>

The packages.yml file lists packages your project needs.

Each package has a name and a version to keep things stable.

Examples

This example adds the popular dbt_utils package at version 0.8.6.

dbt

packages:
  - package: dbt-labs/dbt_utils
    version: 0.8.6

This example adds the dbt_expectations package for data testing.

dbt

packages:
  - package: calogica/dbt_expectations
    version: 0.4.0

You can add multiple packages by listing them one after another.

dbt

packages:
  - package: dbt-labs/dbt_utils
    version: 0.8.6
  - package: calogica/dbt_expectations
    version: 0.4.0

Sample Program

This shows the steps to add and install a package in dbt.

First, write the package info in packages.yml.

Then run dbt deps to download it.

Finally, you can use the package features in your project.

dbt

# 1. Create a packages.yml file with:
# packages:
#   - package: dbt-labs/dbt_utils
#     version: 0.8.6

# 2. Run the command to install packages:
# dbt deps

# 3. Use dbt_utils macros in your models after installation.

Important Notes

Always run dbt deps after changing packages.yml to update packages.

Use exact versions to avoid unexpected changes in your project.

You can find packages on the dbt Hub website.

Summary

packages.yml helps add external code to your dbt project.

List packages with name and version to keep control.

Run dbt deps to install or update packages.