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In a dbt merge config, the unique_key is set as unique_key: 'id'. The merge fails with an error about duplicate keys. What is the likely cause?

medium📝 Debug Q6 of 15
dbt - Incremental Models

In a dbt merge config, the unique_key is set as unique_key: 'id'. The merge fails with an error about duplicate keys. What is the likely cause?

AThe source data contains duplicate values in the 'id' column
BThe target table does not have an 'id' column
CThe unique_key should be a list, not a string
DThe merge config is missing the 'on' clause
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:
  1. Step 1: Analyze error cause

    Duplicate key errors usually mean source data has repeated values in the unique_key column.
  2. Step 2: Check other options

    Missing target column or config syntax errors cause different errors, not duplicate key errors.
  3. Final Answer:

    The source data contains duplicate values in the 'id' column -> Option A
  4. Quick Check:

    Duplicate keys in source cause merge failure [OK]
Quick Trick: Check source data for duplicates if merge fails on unique_key [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES
  • Assuming syntax error causes duplicate key error
  • Thinking missing target column causes duplicate key error
  • Confusing unique_key format with error cause

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