What is dbt-expectations and what should you use it for?

dbt-expectations is a popular and widely-used dbt test package that helps catch data quality issues before they reach production. It provides a comprehensive suite of tests that can be implemented directly in dbt models, allowing users to validate complex business rules, monitor data freshness, and detect anomalies. The package offers various test types, including basic value validations, row count tests, relationship tests, time-based tests, string pattern tests, statistical tests, JSON validation tests, and aggregate tests. To implement dbt-expectations effectively, it's recommended to start with business-critical data points, use severity levels strategically, document assumptions, and adapt configurations to environment-specific needs. By doing so, users can save time, improve data quality, and maintain a robust testing framework for their dbt workflows.