> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.paradime.io/app-help/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.paradime.io/app-help/guides-new/dbt-fundamentals/getting-started-with-dbt.md).

# Getting started with dbt™

## Getting Started with dbt™

dbt™ (Data Build Tool) is a transformation framework that enables data teams to apply software engineering best practices to analytics workflows. This section provides a high-level introduction to dbt™, how it fits into the modern data stack, and how to structure your dbt™ projects effectively.

{% hint style="info" %}
If you're new to dbt™, this guide will walk you through the key concepts of dbt™
{% endhint %}

### Explore the Basics of dbt™

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>📌 <strong>1. Introduction</strong></td><td>Understand how dbt™ improves data transformations, version control, and testing in the modern data stack.</td><td></td><td><a href="/pages/ZyVnVxEktyuFOweRC3s8">/pages/ZyVnVxEktyuFOweRC3s8</a></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>📁 <strong>2. Project Structure</strong></td><td>Learn how dbt™ projects are structured, including key files like <code>dbt_project.yml</code>, models, sources, and dependencies.</td><td></td><td><a href="/pages/iqLm8pH7yM1KGG5GYMXj">/pages/iqLm8pH7yM1KGG5GYMXj</a></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>🔗 <strong>4. Working with Sources</strong></td><td>Define and manage raw data sources using <code>sources.yml</code>, ensuring consistency, documentation, and data freshness.</td><td></td><td><a href="/pages/CGS8vexRhFuFkWIGCBec">/pages/CGS8vexRhFuFkWIGCBec</a></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>📊 <strong>3. Models and Transformations</strong></td><td>Discover how dbt™ models work, including ref(), materializations, and Jinja for dynamic transformations.</td><td></td><td><a href="/pages/ABZ1oYjwFeihn5VriirB">/pages/ABZ1oYjwFeihn5VriirB</a></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>🛠️ <strong>5. Testing Data Quality</strong></td><td>Explore dbt™ testing, including built-in and custom tests to validate data integrity and enforce business rules.</td><td></td><td><a href="/pages/qDHsH1hPCR8rcK8L31mm">/pages/qDHsH1hPCR8rcK8L31mm</a></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

{% hint style="info" %}
Prefer hands-on learning? Check out our [**Paradime 101 Guide**](/app-help/guides/paradime-101.md) for a step-by-step, interactive way to learn dbt™ and analytics engineering best practices—all for free.
{% endhint %}


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