In Case You Missed It: June 2023 Recap
Ditch Dbt for SQLMesh, learn geometric deep learning, and invest in big data
I’m Sven writing this to help you build things with data. Whether you’re a data PM, inside a data startup, internal data lead, or investing in data companies, this is for you.
This special in-between issue serves as a recap of the last editions and more of my writing. It features a few quotes from each piece so you can get a feel for them and quickly jump around the Three Data Point Thursday universe.
Enjoy!
Why you need to ditch dbt for SQLMesh today
Because SQLMesh is built for data engineers, dbt is not.
“Well turns out, the most important people inside a company using dbt are actually not analysts turned analytics engineers, but instead data engineers and data scientists turned part-time analytics engineers.
SQLMesh is designed for them. Providing a great development environment off the bat!”
Dbt Alternatives - Modern Data Transformation Tools
Your data team wants to start using a data transformation tool or is looking for a dbt alternative? Great, then you’re in the right place.
Dbt led a small revolution inside the data transformation world, pushing forward ELT as a pattern and enabling thousands of analysts to turn into analytics engineers.
[…]
So today, we have alternatives to dbt that suit your workflow better. We have alternatives for every type of data hero.
Data Orchestrators 101 - Everything You Need To Know To Get Started
Your data team wants to start using a data orchestrator. Great! Here’s a quick primer to get you started - to prevent you from spending dozens of hours wrestling up orchestrator infrastructure you don’t need.
Let’s get the biggie out of the way up front: Every modern data stack should use a data orchestrator at some point!
Don’t be a ducker
MotherDuck got funding! That’s great! Just don’t buy their argument that big data is dead.
“In the 70s, 90% of people did not buckle up. Now was that smart? Was that helpful? Did that mean the way to get the most out of your life was not to use a seatbelt?
We don’t think so… but that’s the MotherDuck argument. Noone wears a seatbelt, so you shouldn’t either.
Guess what? Most companies are going to disappear. Do you want to be one of them? Then follow the ducks. Or you could start to use your data, buckle up, and see how much data you need to drive your business forward.”
Everything you need to know about geometric deep learning
TL; DR: Geometric deep learning is a new research area with vast business potential! As such, it is too early to apply in most practical situations and just the right time to invest in and build a company around it.
Until next week,
Sven