What does a model file specify in Looker?

A model file in Looker plays a crucial role in defining how data is structured and accessed. It specifies the database connection, which allows Looker to know where to pull the data from. This connection is essential for establishing the relationship between Looker and the underlying database.

In addition to defining the connection, the model file includes a set of Explores. Explores are a key component in Looker, enabling users to query the data easily and access various dimensions and measures defined in the model. By organizing the data into Explores, users can interact with it more intuitively, generating reports and analyses based on the established relationships and logic in the model.

This answer stands out as the most accurate reflection of what a model file encompasses within Looker, differentiating it from aspects such as user permissions, dashboard templates, or SQL query limits, which are handled in other configurations or structural files within Looker.