Data & Databases
ELT
Extract, load, transform
A data pipeline pattern that loads raw data before transforming it in the destination system.
Example
Raw records are loaded first and transformed later inside the warehouse.
Why it matters
It lets teams prepare data using the destination's computing capabilities.
You'll hear it
“The raw records arrive first, and the reporting version is prepared afterward.”
Can you control it?
Set by the team
The people building or running the AI choose this setup. An everyday user generally needs their help to change how this part works.
Common questions
- Does loading first mean cleaning is unnecessary?
- No. Preparation still matters; it happens later in the process.
- Can raw data reveal details omitted from final reports?
- Yes. The original material may contain more sensitive information.
- Can different teams produce different results from the same raw records?
- Yes. Their transformation rules and assumptions can differ.