# I am a massive noob having trouble with models

**URL:** <https://discourse.getdbt.com/t/i-am-a-massive-noob-having-trouble-with-models/12592>\
**Category:** Help\
**Tags:** snowflake, dbt-cloud\
**Created:** [March 23, 2024, 3:40am UTC](https://discourse.getdbt.com/t/i-am-a-massive-noob-having-trouble-with-models/12592 "2024-03-23T03:40:33Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![jamesgavcomerford](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/discourse.getdbt.com/jamesgavcomerford/32/3819_2.png) [@jamesgavcomerford](https://discourse.getdbt.com/u/jamesgavcomerford)\
**Post date:** [March 23, 2024, 3:40am UTC](https://discourse.getdbt.com/t/i-am-a-massive-noob-having-trouble-with-models/12592/1 "2024-03-23T03:40:33Z")

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## The problem I’m having

I have created folders within folders with .yml, .md, and .sql files in each.  
My ultimate objective is to have a pretty model flow chart to bring into my interview on Monday. I have merged everything to production ( this is just for an interview project, so the stakes are low).

I have a layer connecting my source files to my staging files ( this shows up in the model window ). but, I cannot get this same outcome for my other files or folders.

I keep getting this error message

> " Lineage unavailable right now. Check that your project does not contain compilation errors or contact support if this error persists."

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**Author:** ![a\_slack\_user](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/discourse.getdbt.com/a_slack_user/32/1629_2.png) [@a\_slack\_user](https://discourse.getdbt.com/u/a_slack_user)\
**Post date:** [March 23, 2024, 10:59pm UTC](https://discourse.getdbt.com/t/i-am-a-massive-noob-having-trouble-with-models/12592/2 "2024-03-23T22:59:53Z")

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We probably need an example of you sql file.  
Are you using the {{ ref()}} function in your from clause? To reference your staging models in the next layer?

Note: `@Meagan Palmer (Altis)` originally [posted this reply in Slack](https://getdbt.slack.com/archives/CBSQTAPLG/p1711234787683909?thread_ts=1711165257.232629&cid=CBSQTAPLG). It might not have transferred perfectly.