September 16, 2024

How to Setup dbt with Databricks

Connect dbt Cloud to Databricks for data transformation & analysis. Learn core dbt workflows & supported cloud platforms (Azure, GCP, AWS).
Dexter Chu
Head of Marketing

How to Setup dbt with Databricks?

In order to set up dbt with Databricks, you need to follow a series of steps. These steps are designed to ensure that your dbt and Databricks are properly connected and ready for use.


1. Sign in to dbt Cloud
2. Click the Settings icon, then Account Settings
3. Click New Project
4. Enter a unique name for your project, then click Continue
5. Click Databricks, then Next
6. Enter a unique name for this connection
7. Generate a Databricks personal access token (PAT) for Development

The above steps guide you through the process of creating a new project in dbt Cloud, selecting Databricks as your connection, and generating a Databricks personal access token (PAT) for development.

  • dbt Cloud: A platform for running and managing dbt projects.
  • Databricks: A data analytics platform.
  • Personal Access Token (PAT): A token that allows secure access to Databricks.

What are the Additional Steps for dbt and Databricks Setup?

After the initial setup, there are additional steps that need to be followed to ensure that dbt and Databricks are properly configured and ready for use.


1. Create a new cluster or SQL warehouse using Databricks
2. Reference the newly-created or existing cluster or SQL warehouse from your dbt profile
3. Run the dbt init command with a name for your project
4. Create and activate a Python virtual environment
5. Install the dbt Databricks adapter
6. Activate this virtual environment
7. Confirm that your virtual environment is running the expected version of Python

The above steps guide you through the process of creating a new cluster or SQL warehouse using Databricks, referencing it from your dbt profile, initializing a new dbt project, and setting up a Python virtual environment.

  • Cluster: A group of computers that work together.
  • SQL Warehouse: A large store of data that is used for reporting and data analysis.
  • Python Virtual Environment: An isolated environment where Python packages can be installed.

What are the Core Workflows of dbt?

dbt (data build tool) has two core workflows: building data models and testing data models. It works within each of the major cloud ecosystems: Azure, GCP, and AWS.


1. Building data models
2. Testing data models

The above steps outline the core workflows of dbt. These workflows are essential for the functioning of dbt and are used to build and test data models.

  • Building Data Models: The process of creating a representation of data in a structured format.
  • Testing Data Models: The process of validating the data models to ensure they are working as expected.

Which Major Cloud Ecosystems Does dbt Work Within?

dbt works within each of the major cloud ecosystems: Azure, GCP, and AWS. This means that it can be used in conjunction with these platforms to manage and analyze data.


1. Azure
2. GCP
3. AWS

The above steps outline the major cloud ecosystems that dbt works within. These platforms are widely used for data management and analysis, and dbt can be used in conjunction with them.

  • Azure: A cloud computing service created by Microsoft.
  • GCP: Google Cloud Platform, a suite of cloud computing services.
  • AWS: Amazon Web Services, a subsidiary of Amazon that provides on-demand cloud computing platforms.

What is the Role of the dbt Databricks Adapter?

The dbt Databricks adapter is a tool that allows dbt to interact with Databricks. It is necessary to install this adapter to ensure that dbt and Databricks can work together effectively.


1. Install the dbt Databricks adapter

The above step outlines the process of installing the dbt Databricks adapter. This adapter is essential for the functioning of dbt with Databricks.

  • dbt Databricks Adapter: A tool that allows dbt to interact with Databricks.

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