docs: Add analysis of model capitalization rename issue (#1708) #1726
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Added documentation explaining why the extension fails when model files are renamed with only capitalization changes. This is a known limitation where dbt's manifest needs to be rebuilt to recognize the new file name. The document includes: - Clear explanation of the issue and root cause - Workaround steps for users - Technical analysis of why a code fix is complex - Recommendation to treat this as a known limitation This helps users understand and work around the issue until a more comprehensive solution can be implemented. 🤖 Generated with [Claude Code](https://claude.ai/code) Co-Authored-By: Claude <[email protected]>
WalkthroughA new markdown documentation file, "CAPITALIZATION_FIX.md," has been added. This document analyzes an issue with dbt model file renaming involving only capitalization changes and describes the root cause, current workarounds, and the complexities of implementing a code fix. No code or public API changes were made. Changes
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1. CAPITALIZATION_FIX.md:31
- Draft comment:
Please add a newline at the end of the file for consistency. - Reason this comment was not posted:
Decided after close inspection that this draft comment was likely wrong and/or not actionable: usefulness confidence = 10% vs. threshold = 50% While having a newline at the end of files is a common convention, this seems like a very minor formatting issue. It's not related to code logic or quality, and it's something that could be handled automatically by an editor config or linter. The rules specifically say not to make comments that are obvious or unimportant. Adding newlines at file endings is a widely accepted best practice in software development, and missing them can cause issues with some tools. Maybe this is more important than I initially thought? While the convention is valid, this kind of minor formatting issue should be handled by automated tools rather than manual review comments. It doesn't affect functionality and isn't related to any of our priority rules. Delete this comment as it's too minor of an issue and doesn't align with our review priorities. This kind of formatting should be handled by automated tools.
2. CAPITALIZATION_FIX.md:24
- Draft comment:
The documentation is clear and well-structured with actionable workarounds. For enhanced context, consider including links or references to additional dbt documentation or known issues regarding case sensitivity. - Reason this comment was not posted:
Confidence changes required:33%<= threshold50%None
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CAPITALIZATION_FIX.md (2)
19-21: Render shell commands in fenced blocks for readabilityListing the workaround commands inside a fenced ```bash
dbt parseblock improves copy-paste ergonomics and syntax highlighting. ```diff -1. Run `dbt parse` or `dbt compile` from the command line to rebuild the manifest -2. Or use the "dbt Power User: Rebuild Models" command in VS Code +1. Rebuild the manifest from the terminal: + + ```bash + dbt parse # or dbt compile + ``` + +2. Or run **“dbt Power User: Rebuild Models”** from the Command Palette in VS Code
4-9: Link to the tracked GitHub issue for quick navigationSince the doc explains limitation #1708, add an inline link so readers can jump directly to the discussion.
-When a dbt model file is renamed ... +When a dbt model file is renamed ... (see [issue #1708](https://github.com/<org>/<repo>/issues/1708))
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PR: AltimateAI/vscode-dbt-power-user#0
File: CLAUDE.md:0-0
Timestamp: 2025-06-30T13:59:41.788Z
Learning: Applies to documentation/docs/**/*.md : All documentation content must be written in Markdown and placed in the appropriate subdirectory of `documentation/docs/`.
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| # Model Capitalization Issue - Analysis and Workaround | ||
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| ## Issue Description | ||
| When a dbt model file is renamed with only capitalization changes (e.g., `myModel.sql` → `MyModel.sql`), the dbt Power User extension may fail to run/compile the model because: | ||
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| 1. The extension correctly uses the new filename from the file system | ||
| 2. However, dbt's manifest.json still contains the old model name with the old capitalization | ||
| 3. dbt uses the manifest to find models, not the file system directly | ||
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| ## Root Cause | ||
| This is a limitation in how dbt handles model renames: | ||
| - dbt doesn't automatically detect file renames that only change capitalization | ||
| - The manifest.json needs to be rebuilt for dbt to recognize the new name | ||
| - The extension uses `basename(filepath, ".sql")` to extract model names, which gives the current filename, not the name in the manifest | ||
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| ## Current Workaround | ||
| When encountering this issue, users should: | ||
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| 1. Run `dbt parse` or `dbt compile` from the command line to rebuild the manifest | ||
| 2. Or use the "dbt Power User: Rebuild Models" command in VS Code | ||
| 3. The extension will then use the updated manifest with the correct model name | ||
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| ## Why a Code Fix is Complex | ||
| A proper fix would require: | ||
| 1. The extension to maintain a mapping between file paths and manifest model names | ||
| 2. Case-insensitive lookups when model names don't match exactly | ||
| 3. Automatic manifest rebuilds when case-only renames are detected | ||
| 4. Handling of models in subdirectories where the model name may include namespace prefixes | ||
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| ## Recommendation | ||
| For now, document this as a known limitation and educate users about the need to rebuild the manifest after renaming files with case-only changes. |
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🛠️ Refactor suggestion
Place documentation under documentation/docs/ per repo conventions
Project guidelines (see long-term learning) require every Markdown doc to live in an appropriate sub-directory of documentation/docs/.
Please move this file (or create an alias/index entry) so that the docs site can pick it up and avoid orphaned content.
🤖 Prompt for AI Agents
In CAPITALIZATION_FIX.md lines 1 to 31, the documentation about the model
capitalization issue should be relocated under the documentation/docs/ directory
to comply with project conventions. Move the entire Markdown file or create an
alias/index entry within documentation/docs/ so that the documentation site can
properly include it and prevent orphaned content.
WAguy44
approved these changes
Jul 24, 2025
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Added documentation explaining why the extension fails when model files are renamed with only capitalization changes. This is a known limitation where dbt's manifest needs to be rebuilt to recognize the new file name.
fix for #1708
The document includes:
This helps users understand and work around the issue until a more comprehensive solution can be implemented.
🤖 Generated with Claude Code
Overview
Problem
Describe the problem you are solving. Mention the ticket/issue if applicable.
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Checklist
README.mdupdated and added information about my changeImportant
Adds
CAPITALIZATION_FIX.mdto document dbt model rename issue with capitalization changes and provide workaround.CAPITALIZATION_FIX.mdto explain dbt model file rename issue with capitalization changes.dbt parseordbt compile, or use "dbt Power User: Rebuild Models" in VS Code.This description was created by
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