Surfalytics
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Data Engineering intermediate ⏱ 6–8 hours

SQLMesh: Next-Gen Data Transformation

Explore SQLMesh as a modern alternative to dbt — automatic change detection, virtual environments, and built-in state management.

SQLMeshSQLTransformationdbt Alternative
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What you’ll build

A SQLMesh project that demonstrates its key differentiators over dbt: virtual data environments, automatic incremental computation based on semantic understanding, and plan/apply workflow. Great for anyone evaluating the next generation of transformation tools.

Skills you’ll practice

  • SQLMesh project structure and configuration
  • Models: full vs incremental vs seed
  • Plan and apply workflow (like Terraform for data)
  • Virtual environments for safe development and testing

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