dbt-labs · mirnawong1 · Oct 27, 2025 · Oct 9, 2025 · Oct 14, 2025 · Oct 15, 2025
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ We've moved productivity features to their own page! Check out their [new locati
 
 ## Using the extension
 
-Your dbt environment must be using the dbt Fusion engine in order to use this extension. See [the Fusion documentation](/docs/fusion/about-fusion) for more on eligibility and upgrading.
+Your dbt environment must be using the dbt Fusion engine in order to use this extension. See [the Fusion documentation](/docs/fusion) for more on eligibility and upgrading.
 
 Once installed, the dbt extension automatically activates when you open any `.sql` or `.yml` file inside of a dbt project directory. 
 

@@ -1,16 +1,21 @@
 ---
-title: About developing in dbt
+title: Develop with dbt
 id: about-develop-dbt
 description: "Learn how to develop your dbt projects using dbt."
-sidebar_label: "About developing in dbt" 
+sidebar_label: "Develop with dbt" 
 pagination_next: "docs/cloud/about-cloud-develop-defer"
-hide_table_of_contents: true
 intro_text: "Develop dbt projects using the dbt platform, a faster and more reliable way to deploy dbt and manage your project in a single, web-based UI."
 ---
 
 You can develop in your browser using a <Constant name="cloud" />-powered command line interface (CLI), an integrated development environment (<Constant name="cloud_ide" />), or <Constant name="visual_editor" />.
 
-<div className="grid--3-col" >
+## Getting started
+
+To get started, you'll need a [<Constant name="cloud" />](https://www.getdbt.com/signup) account and a developer license. For a more comprehensive guide about developing in dbt, refer to the [quickstart guides](/docs/get-started-dbt).
+
+Choose the option that best fits your needs:
+
+<div className="grid--2-col" >
 
   <Card
     title="dbt CLI"
@@ -20,15 +25,15 @@ You can develop in your browser using a <Constant name="cloud" />-powered comman
 
   <Card
     title="dbt VS Code extension"
-    body="The dbt extension brings a hyper-fast, intelligent, and cost-efficient dbt development experience to VS Code. The best way to experience all the power of the new dbt Fusion engine while developing locally."
+    body="Bring the speed and intelligence of the dbt Fusion engine to VS Code for a seamless local development experience."
     link="/docs/about-dbt-extension"
     icon="vsce"
     showBorderBeam
     />
 
   <Card
     title="dbt Studio IDE"
-    body="Develop directly in your browser, making dbt project development efficient by compiling code into SQL and managing project changes seamlessly using an intuitive user interface."
+    body="Develop dbt projects directly in your browser with seamless SQL compilation and an intuitive, visual workflow."
     link="/docs/cloud/dbt-cloud-ide/develop-in-the-cloud"
     icon="dashboard"/>
 
@@ -42,4 +47,3 @@ You can develop in your browser using a <Constant name="cloud" />-powered comman
 
 </div><br />
 
-To get started, you'll need a [<Constant name="cloud" />](https://www.getdbt.com/signup) account and a developer seat. For a more comprehensive guide about developing in dbt, refer to the [quickstart guides](/docs/get-started-dbt).
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ description: "Learn about dbt Labs' product lifecycles."
 dbt Labs is directly involved with the maintenance of three products: 
 
 - <Constant name="core" />: The [open-source](https://github.com/dbt-labs/dbt-core) software that’s freely available.
-- <Constant name="dbt_platform" />: The cloud-based [SaaS solution](https://www.getdbt.com/signup), originally built on top of <Constant name="core" />. We're now introducing dbt's new engine, the <Constant name="fusion_engine" />. For more information, refer to [About the dbt Fusion engine](/docs/fusion/about-fusion).
+- <Constant name="dbt_platform" />: The cloud-based [SaaS solution](https://www.getdbt.com/signup), originally built on top of <Constant name="core" />. We're now introducing dbt's new engine, the <Constant name="fusion_engine" />. For more information, refer to [the dbt Fusion engine](/docs/fusion).
 - <Constant name="fusion_engine" />: The next-generation dbt engine, substantially faster than  <Constant name="core" /> and has built in SQL comprehension technology to power the next generation of analytics engineering workflows. The <Constant name="fusion_engine" /> is designed to deliver data teams a lightning-fast development experience, intelligent cost savings, and improved governance.
 
 All dbt features fall into a lifecycle category determined by their availability in the following products:

@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ The following features are new or enhanced as part of [dbt's Coalesce analytics
 - **New**: [dbt <Constant name="query_page" />](/docs/explore/dbt-insights) is now generally available (GA)!
   - **Private beta**: The [Analyst agent](/docs/explore/navigate-dbt-insights#dbt-copilot) is now available in dbt <Constant name="query_page" />. The Analyst agent is a conversational AI feature where you can ask natural language prompts and receive analysis in real-time. For more information, see [Analyze data with the Analyst agent](/docs/cloud/use-dbt-copilot#analyze-data-with-the-analyst-agent).
   - **Beta**: dbt <Constant name="query_page" /> now has a [Query Builder](/docs/explore/navigate-dbt-insights#query-builder), where you can build SQL queries against the Semantic Layer without writing SQL code. It guides you in creating queries based on available metrics, dimensions, and entities.
-  - **Enhancement**: In [dbt <Constant name="query_page" />](/docs/explore/dbt-insights), projects upgraded to the [<Constant name="fusion_engine" />](/docs/fusion/about-fusion) get [Language Server Protocol (LSP) features](/docs/explore/navigate-dbt-insights#lsp-features) and their compilation running on <Constant name="fusion" />.
+  - **Enhancement**: In [dbt <Constant name="query_page" />](/docs/explore/dbt-insights), projects upgraded to the [<Constant name="fusion_engine" />](/docs/fusion) get [Language Server Protocol (LSP) features](/docs/explore/navigate-dbt-insights#lsp-features) and their compilation running on <Constant name="fusion" />.
 - **New**: [MetricFlow](/docs/build/about-metricflow) is now developed and maintained as part of the [Open Semantic Interchange (OSI)](https://www.snowflake.com/en/blog/open-semantic-interchange-ai-standard/) initiative, and is distributed under the [Apache 2.0 license](https://github.com/dbt-labs/metricflow/blob/main/LICENSE). For more information, see the blog post about [Open sourcing MetricFlow](https://www.getdbt.com/blog/open-source-metricflow-governed-metrics).
 
 ### Pre-Coalesce 
@@ -102,7 +102,7 @@ Snowflake connections that use External OAuth for user credentials can now emit
 The following features are new or enhanced as part of our [dbt Launch Showcase](https://www.getdbt.com/resources/webinars/2025-dbt-cloud-launch-showcase) on May 28th, 2025:
 
 - **New**: The dbt Fusion engine is the brand new dbt engine re-written from the ground up to provide incredible speed, cost-savings tools, and comprehensive SQL language tools. The dbt Fusion engine is now available in beta for Snowflake users.
-  - Read more [about Fusion](/docs/fusion/about-fusion).
+  - Read more [about Fusion](/docs/fusion).
   - Understand what actions you need to take to get your projects Fusion-ready with the [upgrade guide](/docs/dbt-versions/core-upgrade/upgrading-to-fusion).
   - Begin testing today with the [quickstart guide](/guides/fusion).
   - Know [where we're headed with the dbt Fusion engine](https://getdbt.com/blog/where-we-re-headed-with-the-dbt-fusion-engine). 

@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ Configure your project to use a different dbt version than what's configured in
 
 ## dbt Fusion engine <Lifecycle status="private_preview" />
 
-dbt Labs has introduced the new [<Constant name="fusion_engine" />](/docs/fusion/about-fusion), a ground-up rebuild of dbt. This is currently in private preview on the dbt platform. Eligible customers can update environments to Fusion using the same workflows as v1.x, but remember:
+dbt Labs has introduced the new [<Constant name="fusion_engine" />](/docs/fusion), a ground-up rebuild of dbt. This is currently in private preview on the dbt platform. Eligible customers can update environments to Fusion using the same workflows as v1.x, but remember:
 - If you don't see the `Latest Fusion` release track as an option, you should check with your dbt Labs account team about eligibility.
 - To increase the compatibility of your project, update all jobs and environments to the `Latest` release track and read more about the changes in our [upgrade guide](/docs/dbt-versions/core-upgrade/upgrading-to-fusion).
 - Make sure you're using a supported adapter and authentication method:

@@ -6,14 +6,17 @@ id: about-fusion-install
 
 # About Fusion local installation <Lifecycle status="preview" />
 
-import FusionLifecycle from '/snippets/_fusion-lifecycle-callout.md';
+import FusionLifecycle from '/snippets/_fusion-lifecycle-callout.md'
+import FusionPrereqs from '/snippets/_fusion-prereqs.md';
 
 <FusionLifecycle />
 
-import FusionPrereqs from '/snippets/_fusion-prereqs.md';
-
 <FusionPrereqs />
-
+
+## Getting started
+
+If you're ready to get started, choose one of the following options. To learn more about which tool is best for you, see the [Fusion availability](/docs/fusion/fusion-availability) page.
+
 <div className="grid--3-col">
 
 <Card
@@ -35,3 +38,5 @@ import FusionPrereqs from '/snippets/_fusion-prereqs.md';
     icon="dbt-bit"/>
 
 </div>
+
+
@@ -1,9 +1,8 @@
 ---
-title: "About the dbt Fusion engine"
+title: "About Fusion"
+sidebar_label: "About Fusion"
 id: "about-fusion"
 description: "Fusion is the next-generation engine for dbt."
-pagination_next: null
-pagination_prev: null
 ---
 
 # About the dbt Fusion engine

@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+---
+title: "Fusion availability"
+id: "fusion-availability"
+description: "Learn where the dbt Fusion engine is available."
+hide_table_of_contents: true
+---
+
+import FusionAvailability from '/snippets/_fusion_availability.md';
+
+<FusionAvailability/>
+
+- Like <Constant name="core" />, you can install <Constant name="fusion" /> locally from the [CLI](/docs/fusion/install-fusion-cli) to power local workflows. For ergonomic and LSP-based intelligent development (powered by <Constant name="fusion" />), [install the VS Code extension](/docs/fusion/install-dbt-extension).
+-  <Constant name="fusion"/> in the <Constant name="dbt_platform" /> is available in private preview. To use <Constant name="fusion" /> in the <Constant name="dbt_platform" />, contact your account team for access and then [upgrade environments to the <Constant name="fusion_engine" />](/docs/dbt-versions/upgrade-dbt-version-in-cloud#dbt-fusion-engine) to power your projects.
+   - If your account isn't on the <Constant name="fusion_engine" />, you use the <Constant name="dbt_platform"/> with the traditional Python-based <Constant name="core" /> engine. However, it doesn't come with the <Constant name="fusion" /> [features](/docs/fusion/supported-features#features-and-capabilities), such as 30x faster compilation/parsing, autocomplete, hover info, inline error highlights, and more. To use <Constant name="fusion" />, contact your account team for access.
@@ -0,0 +1,55 @@
+---
+title: "dbt Fusion engine"
+id: "fusion"
+description: "Fusion is the next-generation engine and development experience for dbt projects."
+hide_table_of_contents: true
+pagination_next: "docs/fusion/about-fusion"
+pagination_prev: "docs/introduction"
+---
+
+
+<IntroText><Constant name="fusion_engine" /> is the next-generation engine built in Rust, that powers development across the <Constant name="dbt_platform" /> (formerly dbt Cloud), and local development in VS Code and Cursor, and the CLI.</IntroText>
+
+Fusion is faster, smarter, and more cost-efficient &mdash; bringing SQL comprehension and state awareness, instant feedback, and more &mdash; to every dbt workflow, and an integrated VS Code experience through the [dbt extension](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=dbtLabsInc.dbt) and [Language Server Protocol (LSP)](https://docs.getdbt.com/blog/dbt-fusion-engine-components#the-dbt-vs-code-extension-and-language-server), which enables features like live CTE previews, hover info, error highlighting, and more.
+
+Choose one of the following paths to get started with the dbt Fusion engine.
+
+<div className="grid--3-col">
+
+<Card
+    title="Fusion availability"
+    body="Learn where the dbt Fusion engine is available."
+    link="/docs/fusion/fusion-availability"
+    icon="dbt-bit"/>
+
+<Card
+    title="About Fusion"
+    body="Learn about the dbt Fusion engine and how it works."
+    link="/docs/fusion/about-fusion"
+    icon="dbt-bit"/>
+
+<Card
+    title="New concepts in Fusion"
+    body="Learn about the new concepts in the dbt Fusion engine."
+    link="/docs/fusion/new-concepts"
+    icon="dbt-bit"/>
+
+<Card
+    title="Supported features"
+    body="Learn about the features and capabilities of the dbt Fusion engine."
+    link="/docs/fusion/supported-features"
+    icon="dbt-bit"/>
+
+<Card
+    title="Install Fusion"
+    body="Learn about how to install the dbt Fusion engine."
+    link="/docs/fusion/install-fusion"
+    icon="dbt-bit"/>
+
+<Card
+    title="Upgrade to Fusion"
+    body="Learn how to upgrade your cloud-hosted environments to the dbt Fusion engine."
+    link="/docs/dbt-versions/upgrade-dbt-version-in-cloud#dbt-fusion-engine in the dbt platform"
+    icon="dbt-bit"/>
+
+</div>
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 title: "Install Fusion"
 description: "Install the Fusion engine locally to take data transformation to the next level."
 id: install-fusion
+hide_table_of_contents: true
 ---
 
 # About Fusion local installation <Lifecycle status="preview" />

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 ---
 title: "New concepts in the dbt Fusion engine"
 id: "new-concepts"
-sidebar_label: "New Concepts"
+sidebar_label: "New concepts"
 description: "New concepts and configurations you will encounter when you install the dbt Fusion engine."
 pagination_next: null
 pagination_prev: null

@@ -23,20 +23,68 @@ import FusionDWH from '/snippets/_fusion-dwh.md';
 
 </VersionBlock>
 
-### Parity with dbt Core
-
-Our goal is for the <Constant name="fusion_engine" /> to support all capabilities of the <Constant name="core" /> framework, and then some. Fusion already supports many of the capabilities in <Constant name="core" /> v1.9, and we're working fast to add more.
-
-Note that we have removed some deprecated features, and introduced more-rigorous validation of erroneous project code. Refer to the [Upgrade guide](/docs/dbt-versions/core-upgrade/upgrading-to-fusion) for details.
-
 ## Requirements
 
 To use Fusion in your dbt project:
 - You're using a supported adapter and authentication method:
   <FusionDWH /> 
 - Have only SQL models defined in your project. Python models are not currently supported because Fusion cannot parse these to extract dependencies (refs) on other models. <!-- [TODO: Link to dbt-fusion Python issue.] -->
 
-### Limitations
+## Parity with dbt Core
+
+Our goal is for the <Constant name="fusion_engine" /> to support all capabilities of the <Constant name="core" /> framework, and then some. <Constant name="fusion" /> already supports many of the capabilities in <Constant name="core" /> v1.9, and we're working fast to add more.
+
+Note that we have removed some deprecated features and introduced more rigorous validation of erroneous project code. Refer to the [Upgrade guide](/docs/dbt-versions/core-upgrade/upgrading-to-fusion) for details.
+
+## Features and capabilities
+<!-- table for feature comparison (“What’s available where?”)-->
+- <Constant name="fusion_engine" /> (built on Rust) gives your team up to 30x faster performance and comes with different features depending on where you use it. 
+- It powers both _engine-level_ improvements (like faster compilation and incremental builds) and _editor-level_ features (like IntelliSense, hover info, and inline errors) through the <Term id="lsp"/>.
+- To learn about the <Term id="lsp"/> features supported across the <Constant name="dbt_platform"/>, refer to [About dbt LSP](/docs/about-dbt-lsp).
+- To stay up-to-date on the latest features and capabilities, check out the [Fusion diaries](https://github.com/dbt-labs/dbt-fusion/discussions).
+
+If you're not sure what features are available, check out the following table. 
+
+> ✅ = Available | 🟡 = Partial / at compile-time only | ❌ = Not available | Coming soon = Not yet available
+
+| **Category / Capability** | **dbt Core**<br /><small>(self-hosted)</small> | **Fusion CLI**<br/><small>(self-hosted)</small> | **VS Code <br />+ Fusion** | **<Constant name="dbt_platform" />*** |
+|:---------------------------|:--------------------:|:--------------------:|:------------------:|:----------------------:|
+| **Engine performance** |  |  |  |  |
+| SQL compilation | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
+| SQL compilation and parsing (SQL understanding) | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
+| Uses the <Constant name="fusion_engine"/> | ❌ <br /><small>(Built on Python)</small> | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
+| Up to 30x faster parse / compile | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
+| Incremental compilation | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
+| **Editor and development experience** |  |  |  |  |
+| IntelliSense / autocomplete / hover info | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
+| Inline errors (on save / in editor) | ❌ | 🟡 | ✅ | ✅ |
+| Live CTE previews / compiled SQL view | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
+| Refactoring tools (rename model / column) | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | Coming soon |
+| Go-to definition / references | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | Coming soon |
+| Column-level lineage (in editor) | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | Coming soon |
+| **Platform and governance** |  |  |  |  |
+| Advanced CI compare changes | ❌ | ❌  | ✅ | ✅ |
+| dbt Mesh | ❌ | ❌  | ✅ | ✅ |
+| State-aware orchestration (SAO) | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
+| Governance (PII / PHI tracking) | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | Coming soon |
+| CI/CD cost optimization (Slimmer CI) | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | Coming soon |
+
+*Support for other <Constant name="dbt_platform" /> tools, like <Constant name="semantic_layer" /> and <Constant name="explorer" />, is coming soon.
+
+#### Additional considerations
+Here are some additional considerations if using the Fusion CLI without the VS Code extension or the VS Code extension without the Fusion CLI:
+    - **Fusion CLI** ([binary](/blog/dbt-fusion-engine-components))
+      - Free to use and runs on the <Constant name="fusion_engine" /> (distinct from <Constant name="core" />). 
+      - Benefits from Fusion engine’s performance for `parse`, `compile`, `build`, and `run`, but _doesn't_ include visual and interactive [features](/docs/dbt-extension-features) like autocomplete, hover insights, lineage, and more.  
+      - Requires `profiles.yml` only (no `dbt_cloud.yml`).
+    - **dbt VS Code extension**
+      - Free to use and runs on the <Constant name="fusion_engine" />; register your email within 14 days. 
+      - Benefits from <Constant name="fusion" /> engine’s performance for `parse`, `compile`, `build`, and `run`, and also includes visual and interactive [features](/docs/dbt-extension-features) like autocomplete, hover insights, lineage, and more.
+      - Capped at 15 users per organization. See the [acceptable use policy](https://www.getdbt.com/dbt-assets/vscode-plugin-aup) for more information.
+      - If you already have a <Constant name="dbt_platform" /> user account (even if a trial expired), sign in with the same email. Unlock or reset it if locked.  
+      - Requires both `profiles.yml` and `dbt_cloud.yml` files.
+
+## Limitations
 
 If your project is using any of the features listed in the following table, you can use Fusion, but you won't be able to fully migrate all your workloads because you have:
 - Models that leverage specific materialization features may be unable to run or may be missing some desirable configurations.