Which of the following components is essential for defining a dbt model?

The essential component for defining a dbt model is a SQL file. In dbt, a model is essentially a select statement written in SQL that transforms raw data into a more analysis-friendly format. Each model is represented by a separate SQL file, which is located in the models directory of a dbt project. The SQL code within this file specifies how to transform the data from its source into the desired output format.

When you run dbt, it compiles these SQL files into actual SQL queries that are executed against your data warehouse, creating tables or views as defined in the models. This process leverages the power of SQL to perform complex transformations, making the SQL file a critical component in dbt modeling.

While other components, like manifest files or YAML files, play important roles in the overall dbt ecosystem—such as defining metadata or configuring models—the actual transformation logic that defines a model resides solely within the SQL file. Therefore, without a SQL file in a dbt project, one cannot define a model effectively.