The Problem

I have two model files, and one datagroup. The datagroup should be used in both model files. Currently I have to copy and paste the datagroup into each model file. The problem is that if I want to edit the datagroup, I have to do so in both files. Is there a way to define the datagroup just once?

A Solution

We can approach this problem by taking advantage of the include parameter. We can make a separate file that contains only the datagroups, and include that in both model files.

Step 1: Create a Datagroups File

Create a separate .lkml file to contain your datagroups. You can create a .lkml datagroup file in the same way you can create a separate .lkml Explore file. In this example, the datagroups file is named datagroups.lkml:

datagroup: daily {
 max_cache_age: "24 hours"
 sql_trigger: SELECT CURRENT_DATE();;
}

Step 2: Include the Datagroups File in Your Model Files

Now that you've created the datagroups file, you can include it in both of your models, and use persist_with to apply the datagroup to individual Explores in your models, or to apply the datagroup to all Explores in a model. For example, the two model files below both include the datagroups.lkml file. This file is named ecommerce.model.lkml. The daily datagroup is used at the explore level so that it applies just to the orders Explore:

include: "datagroups.model.lkml"

connection: "database1"

explore: orders {
  persist_with: daily
}

This next file is named inventory.model.lkml. The daily datagroup is used at the model level so that it applies to all of the Explores in the model file:

include: "datagroups.model.lkml"
connection: "database2"
persist_with: daily

explore: items {
}

explore: products {
}