> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.getdot.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.getdot.ai/integrations/code-repositories/dbt-core.md).

# dbt Core

Connect a dbt project repository so Dot understands your transformation logic, lineage, and data sources. This leads to better answers -- Dot can write more accurate SQL, explain where data comes from, and answer broader questions across your data stack.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Requirements**

* A **dbt project** hosted in a Git repository (GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, or any HTTPS-accessible repo)
* A **database connection** already configured in Dot that matches the dbt project's target database
  {% endhint %}

## Connect Your dbt Repository

Go to **Settings** > **Connections** and scroll to find **dbt Repository**.

<figure><img src="/files/mcmFc1xeMjpLrqO9p5HG" alt="dbt Repository connection form showing Connect GitHub button, branch field, and linked database connection dropdown"><figcaption><p>The dbt Repository connection form</p></figcaption></figure>

### Option A: Via GitHub App (recommended)

1. Click **Connect GitHub** and install the Dot GitHub App on your organization
2. Select your **repository** from the dropdown
3. Set the **branch** (defaults to `main`)
4. Select the **Linked Database Connection** -- this tells Dot which database the dbt models target
5. Click **Connect**

### Option B: Manual

1. Click **Enter manually**
2. Enter the **Repository URL** (e.g., `https://github.com/your-org/dbt-analytics`)
3. Enter an **Access Token** (optional for public repos; for private repos, use a GitHub PAT with repo read access)
4. Set the **branch** (defaults to `main`)
5. Select the **Linked Database Connection**
6. Click **Connect**

Dot clones the repository, parses the dbt project, and matches models to your existing tables.

## What Gets Synced

Dot extracts the following from your dbt project:

* Model and column descriptions
* Model SQL
* Upstream/downstream lineage
* Root data sources
* Tags and governance metadata

Dot re-syncs periodically, or you can trigger a manual sync from the connection settings.

## What It Looks Like

Each matched table shows enriched descriptions, fields, and a compact dbt lineage indicator:

<figure><img src="/files/r1Qddfwb3UdbrCupFZs2" alt="Table drawer showing dbt-enriched descriptions, fields, and lineage indicator"><figcaption><p>A table enriched with dbt metadata -- descriptions, fields, and upstream/downstream lineage</p></figcaption></figure>

## Linked Database Connection

The **Linked Database Connection** dropdown tells Dot which database to match models against. For example, if your dbt project targets a Snowflake warehouse, select your Snowflake connection. Dot matches models by comparing the model name to table names in that connection.

## Allow Dot IPs

If your organization uses IP allowlisting to manage Git access, Dot will only access your repository through the following IPs:

* `5.78.211.110`
* `178.105.217.177`