ELT (Extract, Load, Transform) is a data integration process where data is first extracted from various sources, then loaded into the target environment, and only subsequently processed and prepared for analysis. Unlike traditional ETL, data transformation occurs within the data warehouse or cloud platform.
ELT is based on several key assumptions:
- first loading data, then processing it,
- utilizing the computing power of modern data platforms,
- ability to work with large volumes of data,
- faster delivery of data for analysis,
- greater flexibility in data preparation and transformation.
The ELT model is widely used in modern data architectures, such as Data Lakehouse and cloud platforms. It allows organizations to integrate data from multiple sources more quickly and to more effectively support analytical and reporting processes.