LookML Projects and Developer Mode - Looker

LookML Projects

Projects are generally created during Looker setup. Each project represents a git repository. It is a collection of LookML Files. LookML files describe the relation and interpretation among database tables. Looker uses git for version control. It ensures data model collaboration among the developers.

Project Files

Looker project generator creates a set of files. It can be used as a template for building out the project.

Every project lists its file in the following categories:

1. Project Manifest – Lists the names of various project files within it. Here you can import other files into your current project.
2. Documents – Documentation files are written in Github-flavoured Markdown.
3. Models - It defines Explore options and joins.
4. Views - It corresponds to a database table or derived table.
5. Dashboards – LookML Dashboards define data and layouts for dashboards.
6. Data – Data files are JSON files that specify custom maps.

Development Mode vs. Production Mode

Looker Data Model exists in two states: Production Mode and Development Mode.

Production Mode

In Production Mode, users explore Looker data. It enables analyses and the creation of content for business users. Look, ML files in this mode are treated as read-only.

Development Mode (Dev or Developer Mode)

If you want to change your LookML, enter it into Development Mode. This mode privately accesses the separate vision of the data model. Once done, you can merge the project with Production.

Switching In and Out of Development Mode

Development Mode can be switched on and off by either of the methods:

1. Using shortcut Ctrl+Shift+D
2. Clicking Develop on Menu and pushing the Development Mode ON/OFF button.

While you are still in Development mode, you will observe the following changes:

1. LookML and Explore section of Looker are populated by the development version.
2. A Development Mode Bar appears on top of the window in purple color.

To exit Development Mode, one must:

1. Use shortcut Ctrl+Shift+D
2. Click Exit Development Mode on the purple banner.
3. Click the Development Mode ON/OFF button.

Version Control

Looker’s IDE is integrated with Git. This enables private copy edit in LookML files in Development Mode. Git can be used to Commit and Push changes to Production. Looker automatically manages Git workflows for these changes.