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explorer - inherit column descriptions #5836

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7 changes: 5 additions & 2 deletions website/docs/docs/collaborate/column-level-lineage.md
Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
Expand Up @@ -26,10 +26,13 @@ You can use the column evolution lineage lens to determine when a column is tran

### Inherited column descriptions

A reused column, labeled as *passthrough* or *rename*, inherits its description from source and upstream model columns. In other words, source and upstream model columns propagate their descriptions downstream whenever they are not transformed, meaning you dont need to manually define the description. Passthrough and rename columns are clearly labeled and color-coded.
A reused column, labeled as **Passthrough** or **Rename** in the lineage, automatically inherits its description from the source and upstream model columns. The inheritance goes as far back as possible. As long as the column isn't transformed, you don't need to manually define the description; it'll automatically propagate downstream.

<Lightbox src="/img/docs/collaborate/dbt-explorer/example-prop-inherit.png" width="70%" title="Example of propagate and inherit column descriptiions"/>
Passthrough and rename columns are clearly labeled and color-coded in the lineage.

In the following `dim_salesforce_accounts` model example (located at the end of the lineage), the description for a column inherited from the `stg_salesforce__accounts` model (located second to the left) indicates its origin. This helps developers quickly identify the original source of the column, making it easier to know where to make documentation changes.

<Lightbox src="/img/docs/collaborate/dbt-explorer/example-prop-inherit.jpg" width="100%" title="Example of lineage with propagated and inherited column descriptions."/>

## Column-level lineage use cases {#use-cases}

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