What file type is typically used for dbt model configurations?

The typical file type used for dbt model configurations is YAML. This is because YAML (Yet Another Markup Language) provides a human-readable way to express data structures and configurations, which is especially important for dbt users who need to easily understand and modify configuration files.

YAML files in dbt are utilized for defining properties like models, seeds, and snapshots. They allow users to specify various parameters and configurations in a structured format, making it easier to manage project settings, including things like materializations, tags, and schema configurations. The use of indentation and a clear structure assists users in visually comprehending the hierarchy and relationships within the configurations.

While JSON is another data interchange format that can represent similar structures, it is not the preferred choice in dbt because it can become cumbersome with its syntax requirements. CSV is primarily used for tabular data representation, not configurations, and XML, while capable of similar functions, is more verbose and less user-friendly than YAML. Thus, YAML stands out as the most suitable and commonly used format for dbt model configurations.