# Scratchpad

Paradime's Scratchpad in the Code IDE allows for quick, temporary experiments in standard SQL and/or dbt™ (using ref, macros, etc). It provides instant data previews and organizes files in a dedicated folder. 

These files are gitignored to keep your repository clean and remain available across sessions, so you can continue your work seamlessly after logging out and back in.

## Tutorial

{% @arcade/embed flowId="xz2wWYlwZ9Wm7UazSKRh" url="<https://app.arcade.software/share/xz2wWYlwZ9Wm7UazSKRh>" %}

When you create a new scratchpad file, it automatically generates a new folder named "paradime\_scratch," with individual gitignored files like “scratch-1”, “scratch-2” and so on, ensuring each scratchpad file is neatly organized. You can rename the files as needed.

## Use Cases

* **Draft code snippets** that can be refined later, supporting various languages like SQL and dbt™
* **Perform quick tests or experiments** without affecting the main codebase.
* **Quickly jot down notes** or intermediary steps during development.
* **Instantly preview SQL query results** to validate and debug code.

### Instant Data Explorer&#x20;

Leverage the [Data Explorer](https://docs.paradime.io/app-help/documentation/code-ide/command-panel/data-explorer) to preview your compiled SQL and results without having to first compile you dbt™️ resources.&#x20;