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Use the dbt VS Code extension to build, test, run, and refactor dbt models faster than ever — right inside your VS Code, Cursor, or Windsurf editor. Enjoy live error detection, blazing-fast parsing, intelligent autocomplete, and real-time lineage — all designed to keep you in flow.

The official dbt extension delivers a hyper-fast, intelligent development experience, powered by the new dbt v2 engine. The extension requires the dbt v2 engine and will automatically install it for you when possible.

Why developers love the extension

• Stay in flow. No waiting for query previews to validate changes — get instant feedback as you type. • Work faster. Using the v2 engine, parse even the largest projects up to 30x faster than dbt Core. • Work smarter. Rename models or columns once…then watch every reference update automatically. • See the whole DAG. Explore lineage and compiled SQL right next to your code. • Debug faster. Preview models and CTEs inline to verify logic on the fly.

🎥 Watch the interactive demo for more details!

Extension features

| Features | Details |

| Live error detection and detect syntax issues | Instantly surface dbt and SQL errors, invalid columns, or missing group-bys in real time — without running a single query. | | Lightning-fast parsing | dbt v2’s intelligent parser analyzes even the largest projects up to 30× faster than dbt Core. | | Powerful IntelliSense | Autocomplete for refs, sources, macros, functions, and more — all tailored to your dialect and project context. | | Instant refactoring | Rename models or columns safely and globally. See every dependent reference update automatically across your project. | | Go-to definition & reference | Command-click to jump instantly to any model, macro, or column. Perfect for navigating complex dbt projects. | | Hover insights metadata | Hover over any SQL element to view data types, column names, or expanded wildcards — no context switching. | | Live preview for models and CTEs | Preview a CTE’s output or a full model result directly inside VS Code. | | Rich lineage in context | Visualize table- or column-level lineage as you develop. Double-click to explore dependencies without leaving your editor. | | View compiled code | See the exact SQL that dbt builds from your source code, updated live as you edit. | | Flexible dbt commands | Run any dbt command or selector right from the command palette. Stay in VS Code — no terminal switching required. |

Get started

1. Install the dbt VS Code extension. 2. Open a dbt project folder and start editing — the extension activates automatically for .sql and .yml files, and installs the dbt v2 engine for you automatically.

See dbt v2 documentation for additional setup details.

To customize behavior in VS Code settings:

• Press Ctrl+, / Cmd+, • Search for “dbt” • Adjust options like preview behavior or parse mode to match your workflow.

Considerations

• Remote development: SSH-based remote development is not yet supported; this will be added in a future release. • YAML updates: Renaming models or columns will not automatically update YAML references; support is planned for a future release. • Model renaming: When a model file is renamed, the extension updates all ref() calls, but cannot auto-save the edited files. You must manually save them (or use File → Save All) to avoid compiler errors.

We’re actively expanding these capabilities ahead of GA.

Share your feedback

We’d love to have you contribute to the dbt v2 experience!

Share feedback with us: GitHub | Slack | View docs | Install now

Support

dbt platform users can contact dbt Labs support at support@getdbt.com. You can also get in touch with us by reaching out to your Account manager directly.

For organizations that aren't dbt platform users, the best place for questions and discussion is the dbt Community slack or dbt repository.

We'd love to hear from you and welcome feedback as we work to continuously improve the extension!

Description from the VS Code Marketplace listing.