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Sources, State, Events, Syncs, and Destination Surfaces

RETL separates source shaping from destination delivery. Your SQL owns row shape, filtering, joins, aggregation, and dedupe. RETL declarations map those already-shaped rows into destination-ready intent.

Source​

A Source is a SQL-backed set of rows. Snapshot sources describe current data. Checkpointed sources describe new data windows for events.

State​

State is desired current truth, such as profile attributes, list membership, or audience membership. A State declaration defines keys, identifiers, payload fields, and optional target mapping.

Event​

Event is occurred truth, such as purchases, signups, or lifecycle events. An Event declaration includes occurred_at so RETL can keep event delivery tied to source-window ordering.

Sync​

A Sync binds one State or Event declaration to one destination surface. A runner executes Syncs and produces phase results, diagnostics, and destination receipt evidence.

Destination Surface​

A Destination Surface is a connector-owned API contract. Examples include Meta Custom Audiences, Klaviyo profiles, and customer-match list membership in ad platforms.