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Supported data formats for unit tests

Currently, mock data for unit testing in dbt supports two formats:

  • dict (default): Inline dictionary values.
  • csv: Inline CSV values or a CSV file.

We will support more in the future, so watch our upgrade guides and this page for updates.

The dict data format is the default if no format is defined.

dict requires an inline dictionary for rows:


unit_tests:
  - name: test_my_model
    model: my_model
    given:
      - input: ref('my_model_a')
        format: dict
        rows:
          - {id: 1, name: gerda}
          - {id: 2, b: michelle}

When using the csv format, you can use either an inline CSV string for rows:


unit_tests:
  - name: test_my_model
    model: my_model
    given:
      - input: ref('my_model_a')
        format: csv
        rows: |
          id,name
          1,gerda
          2,michelle

Or, you can provide the name of a CSV file in the tests/fixtures directory (or the configured test-paths location) of your project for fixture: 


unit_tests:
  - name: test_my_model
    model: my_model
    given:
      - input: ref('my_model_a')
        format: csv
        fixture: my_model_a_fixture

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