Visual expressions reference

This page contains a reference of the different visual expression builder components, which include the expression options, operator options, and data types.

Expression options

The visual expression builder supports the following expression options:

Option	Description
Column	Select an input column from your source tables. You can view all of the available input columns from the dropdown menu.
Value	Enter any value. If you enter a string value, it'll be considered as a string within quotes. If you enter a number, it'll be considered a numerical value, but you can click Check to read value as string. The same applies to boolean values. For example, if you enter True, it'll be considered a boolean unless you select Check to read value as string.
Function	Choose a function from a list of all supported function category groups. The list displays each function's description, including mandatory arguments. You can optionally add additional arguments if applicable.
Data type cast	Cast a variant column into its appropriate data type. Use TRY_CAST to avoid errors. On failure, it sets the value to null. Note: For Snowflake, TRY_CAST is only supported on string data types.
Conditional	Use a conditional WHEN clause. Within WHEN, use a comparison expression. Within THEN, use a simple expression. You can add multiple CASES but only one ELSE. ELSE also uses a simple expression. You can also add IF, ELSEIF, or FOR conditions. FOR uses a variable name and expression value. IF and ELSEIF are comparisons.
Configuration Variable	Use a variable from the list of your pipeline parameters or project variables.
Incremental	Use advanced dbt configurations.
Custom Code	Write your own custom code for expressions not supported by the visual expression builder. As you type, suggestions will be provided.

Data types

Category	Supported Types
Basic	Boolean String - String / Varchar Date & time - Date / Datetime / Timestamp / Timestamp NTZ Number - Integer / Long / Short Decimal number - Decimal / Double / Float
Other	Binary Byte Char Calendar interval / Day time interval / Year month interval Null Variant

Comparison operators

Operator	Description
equals	Checks if two values are equal.
not equals	Checks if two values are not equal.
less than	Checks if a value is less than another.
less than or equal	Checks if a value is less than or equal to another.
greater than	Checks if a value is greater than another.
greater than or equal	Checks if a value is greater than or equal to another.
between	Checks if a value lies between two others.

Existence checks

Operator	Description
is null	Checks if a value is null.
is not null	Checks if a value is not null.
in	Checks if a value exists in a given list.
not in	Checks if a value does not exist in a list.

Boolean predicates

Type	Predicates
Unary	Exists (in subquery) In Is null
Binary	Between Equality Less than Less than or equal Greater than Greater than or equal
Groups	Not And Or