dbt-labs / dbt-labs/metricflow
[Feature] Approximate count distinct
- Dominant language
- Python
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Description
### Is this your first time submitting a feature request?
- [x] I have read the [expectations for open source contributors](https://docs.getdbt.com/docs/contributing/oss-expectations)
- [x] I have searched the existing issues, and I could not find an existing issue for this feature
- [x] I am requesting a straightforward extension of existing metricflow functionality, rather than a Big Idea better suited to a discussion
### Describe the feature
There are cases where a count distinct is too computationally heavy, resulting in slow queries and high costs. Approximate counts can be much faster while still being accurate. Example measure:
```yaml
name: unique_events
description: Unique Events
expr: event_id
agg: count_distinct
agg_params:
use_approximate: True
```
### Describe alternatives you've considered
Plain count distincts aren't an option due to performance. When using semantic models built on top of pre aggregated models, we will lose too much flexibility.
### Who will this benefit?
_No response_
### Are you interested in contributing this feature?
Yes
### Anything else?
Approx percentiles already exists in metricflow:
https://github.com/dbt-labs/metricflow/pull/395
Similar measure in Looker:
```yaml
measure: apx_unique_count {
type: count_distinct
approximate: yes # default value is no
sql: ${id} ;;
}
```
Contributor guide
Assessment
This issue has not been assessed yet.