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running-dbt-commands

Format and execute dbt CLI commands with selectors and flags.

1|Updated Apr 6, 2026
Search Tags:#analytics#dbt#sql#selectors#defer#dbt-cli#fusion
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/pkoka888/server-infra-templates --skill running-dbt-commands-pkoka888
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: running-dbt-commands
Source: https://github.com/pkoka888/server-infra-templates/tree/main/.kilo/skills/marketplace/dbt/skills/running-dbt-commands
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/pkoka888/server-infra-templates --skill running-dbt-commands-pkoka888

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill eliminates confusion and errors when constructing and executing dbt CLI commands by standardizing executable selection, selector usage, and common flags so users consistently run, build, test, compile, or show models without unintended side effects.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Executable selection guidance: Helps choose between dbt Core in a venv, dbt Fusion (dbtf or ~/.local/bin/dbt), and dbt Cloud CLI based on the environment.
  • Safe command patterns: Recommends using explicit selectors, --quiet with --warn-error-options to catch selector typos, and --select instead of running full projects.
  • Common workflows: Covers building (including full-refresh and defer with --state), listing selections for validation, previewing with dbt show and --limit, passing vars, and Fusion static analysis controls.
  • Use Case: Run a targeted build for a modified model, preview selection with dbt list, and defer upstream builds to production artifacts to avoid rebuilding costly resources.

Quick Start

Run a focused dbt build for the model my_model using the correct dbt executable and include --quiet with --warn-error-options to catch selector issues.

Frequently Asked Questions about running-dbt-commands

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I use dbt selectors to build only specific models instead of the full project?▼

Use the --select flag with explicit dbt selectors to target specific models for building. This Skill guides formatting dbt CLI commands correctly, ensuring you pass valid selector syntax to run, build, or test only the intended subset of your dbt project safely.

What's the best way to defer dbt builds to a previous production state?▼

The best way to defer dbt builds is using the --state flag to point to production artifacts. This Skill helps you construct dbt CLI commands with correct deferral flags, avoiding costly resource rebuilds for upstream models that haven't changed.

How do I pass variables when running dbt commands from the CLI?▼

Pass variables using the --vars flag with properly formatted YAML or JSON. This Skill provides guidance on correct --vars formatting and flag usage when constructing dbt CLI commands to run or build models with dynamic configurations.

Why does my dbt run fail silently when I make a selector typo?▼

Your dbt run may fail silently because selectors default to no-match without warnings. This Skill recommends using --quiet with --warn-error-options in your dbt CLI commands to catch selector typos and prevent unintended empty builds.

Can I use dbt Fusion instead of dbt Core for running CLI commands?▼

Yes, you can use dbt Fusion, dbt Core, or dbt Cloud CLI. This Skill provides executable selection guidance to help choose the correct dbt executable based on your environment, ensuring commands run reliably across dbt Core, dbtf, or Cloud CLI.

How do I preview dbt model selection before running a full build?▼

Preview dbt model selection using dbt list to validate which models match your selectors. This Skill covers common workflows like listing selections for validation and using dbt show with --limit to preview query results before executing builds.

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