Currently, there are several solutions designed to deal with data, each with its own advantages and disadvantages depending exclusively on the problem that needs a solution.
Two tools that are gaining more and more prominence in the data world are dbt and Alteryx. Here, you will discover the main differences between them and their advantages.
This way, you will be able to choose the software that is best suited to your situation.
Read on!
dbt: transforming data and teams
Two tools that are gaining more and more prominence in the data world are dbt and Alteryx. Here, you will discover the main differences between them and their advantages.
Let's start with dbt.
dbt (data building tool) is the open source data transformation tool developed by dbtLabs, which arrived on the market with the aim of simplifying the transformation process using just one programming language: SQL.
It is one of the resources leveraged by data-driven companies that operate with a Modern Data Stack (MDS).
Despite being relatively new, dbt is rapidly gaining traction. This is because, in addition to being free, it is easy to use and includes functions that are critical for the smooth operation of analytics processes, such as:
- testing functions, in which the quality of data integration and code performance is checked;
- deploy functions, which allow you to publish your repositories, either publicly or privately;
- documentation functions, which automatically generate project documents, tracking all changes and enabling them to be sent with the deployments.
Thus, dbt emerges as one of the main tools for data transformation.
The advantages that stand out are:
- easy usability for non-data professionals;
- flexibility in data modeling;
- ability to create data change histories;
- smooth implementation of version control;
- being open source and customizable;
- connectivity with various databases;
- data quality testing;
- low learning curve;
- integrated documentation.
To learn more about dbt, its operation, and application, check out our exclusive article here.
Alteryx: insights and decisions with data analytics
Alteryx, unlike dbt, is a data analytics platform.
With minimal to no coding required, it unifies areas such as analytics, data science, and process automation in one place, accelerating your company's digital transformation.
As a leader in automating analytics processes, Alteryx is an alternative for those looking to develop a data culture in their enterprise without needing an experienced team.
However, as it offers several process options in a single platform, the price is around five thousand dollars per user per year.
The good thing is that its license catalog is large, covering individual and corporate operations.
Key features of Alteryx include:
- monitoring of all stages, such as extraction, preparation, transformation, and analysis;
- automation of analytical processes, such as data transformation and cleansing;
- visual analysis of each process stage;
- predictive modeling, which covers different types of analysis, such as neural networks and decision trees;
- spatial analysis insights for optimizing marketing campaigns, logistics, and sales territories;
- quick and easy production and sharing of results;
- code-free application publishing;
- access to any data sources, including ERPs, cloud platforms, on-premises databases, and spreadsheets.
One disadvantage of Alteryx is that it is not an inherently cloud-based tool.
In other words, you need to install this software on your computer, local server, or cloud server, which may lead to additional costs related to hardware, server licenses, and cloud solutions.
Alteryx vs dbt: what now?
For you to better understand the differences between these two tools and their main advantages, let's recap.
While dbt aims to solve problems related to the data transformation stage, Alteryx seeks to solve issues across all stages of the data analysis process with an all-in-one approach.
It's up to you and your team to decide which of these two options best meets your company's needs.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our experts! 😉
Bianca Santos
Copywriter
Arthur Leal
Data analyst
