ELT vs IaC
ELT (Extract, Load, Transform) and IaC (Infrastructure as Code) both come up in technology conversations and get confused. Here's the plain-English difference, side by side, so you can use each one with confidence.
The key difference: ELT refers to extract, load, transform, while IaC refers to infrastructure as code — they describe different things even when they show up in the same sentence.
ELT — Extract, Load, Transform
Modern variant where raw data is loaded into the warehouse first and transformed in-place using SQL. ELT is the cloud-warehouse default — cheaper storage, more flexible modeling.
IaC — Infrastructure as Code
Managing servers, networks, and cloud resources through version-controlled code instead of clicking in a console. IaC turns infrastructure into a reviewable, testable, repeatable artifact.
When to use ELT
Reach for "ELT" when the conversation is specifically about extract, load, transform. Modern variant where raw data is loaded into the warehouse first and transformed in-place using SQL. ELT is the cloud-warehouse default — cheaper storage, more flexible modeling.
When to use IaC
Reach for "IaC" when the conversation is specifically about infrastructure as code. Managing servers, networks, and cloud resources through version-controlled code instead of clicking in a console. IaC turns infrastructure into a reviewable, testable, repeatable artifact.
FAQs
What is the difference between ELT and IaC?
ELT stands for Extract, Load, Transform — Modern variant where raw data is loaded into the warehouse first and transformed in-place using SQL. ELT is the cloud-warehouse default — cheaper storage, more flexible modeling. IaC stands for Infrastructure as Code — Managing servers, networks, and cloud resources through version-controlled code instead of clicking in a console. IaC turns infrastructure into a reviewable, testable, repeatable artifact.
Are ELT and IaC the same thing?
No. They're often used in the same conversation because they're related, but they describe different concepts. ELT = Extract, Load, Transform. IaC = Infrastructure as Code.
When should I use ELT vs IaC?
Use ELT when you're specifically referring to extract, load, transform. Use IaC when the topic is infrastructure as code.