---
name: dbt-transformation-patterns
description: "Production-ready patterns for dbt (data build tool) including model organization, testing strategies, documentation, and incremental processing."
risk: none
source: community
date_added: "2026-02-27"
---

# dbt Transformation Patterns

Production-ready patterns for dbt (data build tool) including model organization, testing strategies, documentation, and incremental processing.

## Use this skill when

- Building data transformation pipelines with dbt
- Organizing models into staging, intermediate, and marts layers
- Implementing data quality tests and documentation
- Creating incremental models for large datasets
- Setting up dbt project structure and conventions

## Do not use this skill when

- The project is not using dbt or a warehouse-backed workflow
- You only need ad-hoc SQL queries
- There is no access to source data or schemas

## Instructions

- Define model layers, naming, and ownership.
- Implement tests, documentation, and freshness checks.
- Choose materializations and incremental strategies.
- Optimize runs with selectors and CI workflows.
- If detailed patterns are required, open `resources/implementation-playbook.md`.

## Resources

- `resources/implementation-playbook.md` for detailed dbt patterns and examples.

## Limitations
- Use this skill only when the task clearly matches the scope described above.
- Do not treat the output as a substitute for environment-specific validation, testing, or expert review.
- Stop and ask for clarification if required inputs, permissions, safety boundaries, or success criteria are missing.


---
Source attribution: wshobson
Original project: https://github.com/wshobson/agents
License: CC-BY-4.0
License information: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Original upstream instructions; downloaded from Dave AI.


# Dave AI resource metadata

Creator / publisher: wshobson
Original project: https://github.com/wshobson/agents
Attribution basis: Historical import commit and explicit upstream port attribution

Fields of work: Development & Engineering
Roles: Data Engineer
Specialties: Specialty not specified
Tools: Tool not specified
Country applicability: Country not specified
Classification basis: Dave AI task classification from package title, description, and declared metadata
Instruction SHA-256: 790c01f022b4fbf7a9b79be71f9cf1da7d3a311f31a786dfd4574e30431012c4
Metadata reviewed: 2026-10-27
This metadata supersedes earlier Dave AI catalog attribution. Original instruction and supporting files are preserved.