dbt compile works inconsistently

[fivetran-NoraMcIntosh]

Hi, I often use the dbt compile tool and noticed that sometimes it does what I expect and spits out SQL in the window to the right, and sometimes it does not. And currently, it is not populating any SQL. Could anyone tell me what I need to do before I can see a query preview on the right-hand side? This is for a model that already exists and I did not write--I just want to play with the SQL in a SQL editor.

And I am saying "dbt compile" and "show query preview" interchangeably because I noticed both commands give me what I want...sometimes. But would love to know the difference as I'm sure there is one.

[pgrivachev]

Hey @fivetran-NoraMcIntosh,

And currently, it is not populating any SQL

This is not normal, looks like a bug. Could you please provide extension logs (step 5 from https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vQwri6c9d9a4GRQVJR65ur_O_9a9zhY8SZymvZLTgO07ziiypuvC0UCMoO5MIXn61MiTv6DxqqRkzp8/pub) so I can investigate the issue?

And I am saying "dbt compile" and "show query preview" interchangeably because I noticed both commands give me what I want...sometimes. But would love to know the difference as I'm sure there is one.

The difference between these two commands is that dbt compile always starts compilation for currently open model, while Show query preview just shows the preview tab.