Model-Private Values

Put an enum or constant directly in MODEL() when it belongs to one model and should not enter the project-wide namespace.

MODEL (
  enums (
    _state [OPEN, CLOSED],
  ),
  constants (
    _min_runners 7,
    _supported_countries ["GB", "FR", "HK"],
  ),
);

SELECT *
FROM runners
WHERE state = @enum("_state").OPEN
  AND runner_count > @const("_min_runners")
  AND country_code IN @const("_supported_countries")

Where private values work

A model-private value is available in:

The owning model’s query
Inline SQL hooks written in that model

It is not available in:

Another model
A child or sibling model directory
A unit test or scenario
A named SQL hook stored under hooks/sql/

Private names begin with exactly one _. Names beginning with __ are reserved for SQLBuild. Because the model owns the name, different models may each define _state without creating a collision.

Explicit types and rendering

Use constant(...) when a private constant needs an exact type or rendering choice:

MODEL (
  constants (
    _usd_rate constant(
      type decimal,
      value "2.4700",
    ),
    _supported_countries constant(
      value ["GB", "FR", "HK"],
      render_as array,
    ),
  ),
);

When a value becomes shared

Move the declaration out of MODEL() when another resource needs it. Remove the _ prefix and put it in the narrowest suitable enum or constant directory. See Declarations and Scopes for those advanced placement options.

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Model-Private Values

Where private values work

Explicit types and rendering

When a value becomes shared

​Where private values work

​Explicit types and rendering

​When a value becomes shared

Where private values work

Explicit types and rendering

When a value becomes shared