What are 'hooks' in dbt?

Hooks in dbt are indeed custom SQL statements that can be executed at specific points during the dbt run lifecycle. This includes actions that can be taken before or after models are built or tested, which allows users to customize the behavior of their dbt runs to fit their specific needs. For example, you can use hooks to set up a database environment, to run certain cleanup SQL scripts, or to manage transactions that must occur at specific moments in the dbt workflow.

Utilizing hooks effectively can enhance the automation and efficiency of data modeling by enabling additional tasks without requiring significant changes to the dbt project structure. The use of hooks is key for ensuring that the dbt process runs smoothly and efficiently in a production environment, where various custom operations might be essential for data integrity or performance.