What is ETL?
ETL stands for extract, transform, load. It's a data process that pulls data from sources, cleans and reshapes it, and then loads the finished result into a destination such as a data warehouse.
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The three steps
Extract pulls data from source systems like ad platforms, analytics tools, or a CRM. Transform cleans it, standardizes formats, and combines it. Load writes the result to the destination.
Why teams use ETL
Transforming first means only prepared data reaches the warehouse. That can reduce storage and let you remove or mask sensitive fields before they're saved.
It's a long-standing pattern, and many established data tools are built around it.
ETL compared with ELT
ELT flips the last two steps and transforms inside the warehouse. ETL can be less flexible when you want to change logic later, because the raw data may not be kept.
Common questions
What does ETL stand for?
ETL stands for extract, transform, load, the order in which the steps happen.
What's the difference between ETL and ELT?
ETL transforms data before loading it. ELT loads the raw data first and transforms it inside the warehouse.
Is ETL the same as a data pipeline?
ETL is one kind of data pipeline. A pipeline is any automated flow of data, whether or not it transforms the data on the way.
What's reverse ETL?
Reverse ETL moves data out of the warehouse and into operational tools such as ad platforms or a CRM, so teams can act on it.
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