Get the latest tech news
Why Semantic Layers Matter (and how to build one with DuckDB)
Learn what a semantic layer is, why it matters, and how to build a simple one with DuckDB and Ibis using just YAML and Python | Reading time: 21 min read
You can query this data instantly by running duckdb and connecting to MotherDuck as showcased below: As we know now, semantic layers are suitable for defining metrics in a central and configurable way, so we use YAML for this. Less technical people gain access through a DSL (Domain Specific Language) and a separate configuration file, which we can version control, collaborate on, or even utilize LLMs to create new measures and dimensions. The beauty of semantic layers lies in their ability to simply define dependencies on complex measures, eliminating the need to repeat 100 lines of SQL code in your CTE query.
Or read this on Hacker News