Metric nodes depends_on will include semantic_models based on measures, but not based on filters

[jtcohen6]

Somewhere in these docs:

• https://docs.getdbt.com/docs/build/measures
• https://docs.getdbt.com/docs/build/semantic-models

Let's capture that metric nodes will reflect dependencies on semantic models for their measures, but will not reflect dependencies based on filters, for the purposes of:

• dbt selection syntax
• visualizing the DAG (in dbt-docs & IDE)

Context

(from Quigley)

There are three-ish places that metrics need to source the nodes for it's depends_on attribute

1. Metric.type_params.input_metrics for RATIO and DERIVED type metrics
2. Metric.type_params.measure for SIMPLE and CUMULATIVE type metrics
3. From filters
   a. Metric.filter
   b. Metric.type_params.measure.filter
   c. Metric.type_params.input_metrics[x].filter

The work for 1 and 2 exist currently on dbt-labs/dbt-core#8015.

Number 3 is a bit harder though. This is because
A. The spec for filters actually isn't finalized yet. The MetricFlow team is working on support for dunders
B. Which semantic model a dimension comes from in a filter is determined at query time (because a dimension can exist on multiple semantic models and the optimal join path is calculated).

Thus this issue is just to resolve 1 & 2, whereas 3 will be pushed off and become a separate core ticket/issue

Originally posted by @QMalcolm in dbt-labs/dbt-core#7854 (comment)

[jtcohen6]

dbt list --select my_semantic_model+

will include metrics defined on that semantic model

given that we only just merged the PR for this, let's confirm it actually works

if (and only if) the metrics are defined to use one of that semantic model's measures (or derived metrics downstream of those metrics)

but if a metric only references a semantic model by specifying one of its dimensions in its filters - it will not be considered downstream of that semantic model

[jtcohen6]

@mirnawong1 Just caught that you self-assigned this. I also asked @QMalcolm to help out here, so he can clarify / answer any questions / pitch in as well!

[mirnawong1]

Dependencies

Metric nodes will reflect dependencies on semantic models for their measures. However, dependencies based on filters should not be reflected in:

• dbt selection syntax
• Visualization of the <Term="DAG"/> in dbt-docs and the integrated development environment(IDE).

This is because metrics need to source nodes for their depends_on attribute from three different places:

• RATIO and DERIVED type metrics should reference Metric.type_params.input_metrics.
• SIMPLE type metrics should reference Metric.type_params.measure.