debugging-dbt-errorslisted
Install: claude install-skill AltimateAI/data-engineering-skills
# dbt Troubleshooting
**Read the full error. Check upstream first. ALWAYS run `dbt build` after fixing.**
## Critical Rules
1. **ALWAYS run `dbt build` after fixing** - compile is NOT enough to verify the fix
2. **If fix fails 3+ times**, stop and reassess your entire approach
3. **Verify data after build** - build passing doesn't mean output is correct
## Workflow
### 1. Get the Full Error
```bash
dbt compile --select <model_name>
# or
dbt build --select <model_name>
```
Read the COMPLETE error message. Note the file, line number, and specific error.
### 2. Inspect Actual Data (For Data Issues)
**Before fixing "wrong output" or "incorrect results", query the actual data:**
```bash
# Preview current output
dbt show --select <model_name> --limit 20
# Check specific values with inline query
dbt show --inline "select * from {{ ref('model_name') }} where <condition>" --limit 10
# Compare with expected - look for patterns
dbt show --inline "select column, count(*) from {{ ref('model_name') }} group by 1 order by 2 desc" --limit 10
```
**Understand what's wrong before attempting to fix it.**
### 3. Read Compiled SQL
```bash
cat target/compiled/<project>/<path>/<model_name>.sql
```
See the actual SQL that will run.
### 4. Analyze Error Type
| Error Type | Look For |
|------------|----------|
| Compilation Error | Jinja syntax, missing refs, YAML issues |
| Database Error | Column not found, type mismatch, SQL syntax |
| Dependency Error | Missing model, circular re