What are 'dbt docs serve' used for?

The function of 'dbt docs serve' is to launch a local server that allows users to view the generated project documentation in a web browser. This documentation includes details about the models, tests, and other components of a dbt project, enabling users to understand their data transformations and models more clearly. By serving the documentation locally, it provides an interactive and user-friendly way to explore the generated content, including lineage graphs and descriptions of each model and its relationships, which is critical for collaboration and knowledge sharing among data teams.

The other options refer to different functionalities within dbt or are outside its scope. Compiling code for production is achieved through dbt's build processes but does not involve documentation. Deploying a project to the cloud relates to hosting dbt runs and is not specifically linked to the documentation feature. Executing SQL queries is part of the dbt run command, which transforms data based on the defined models rather than serving documentation. Thus, the correct answer aligns directly with the purpose of 'dbt docs serve' in enabling users to view and navigate their project documentation effectively.