What is the purpose of pre-hook and post-hook commands in dbt models?

The purpose of pre-hook and post-hook commands in dbt models is to execute operations before or after the model execution. These hooks allow users to automate specific actions that need to happen at certain points in the model's lifecycle.

For instance, a pre-hook can be used to set up a temporary table or perform any prerequisite actions necessary before the main model runs. Alternatively, a post-hook can be beneficial for executing actions after a model has been run, such as updating a log table or performing cleanup processes that are not part of the main transformation process.

This functionality enhances the flexibility of dbt by allowing users to incorporate custom SQL commands or scripts that complement their data transformation workflows, all while ensuring that operations are synchronized with model execution. While other options may seem relevant, they do not capture the specific role of pre- and post-hooks in facilitating these operations around the core execution of dbt models.