Advanced SQLAlchemy

SQLAlchemy is the premier SQL toolkit for Python. SQLAlchemy exposes the full power of SQL while remaining easy to use for the basics, and is flexible enough to work with existing database schemas as well as fresh designs. SQLAlchemy is used in production by leading Python web frameworks Pylons and TurboGears as well as many other web and non-web developers.

This tutorial discusses current data mapping techniques, advanced Query techniques, Session/transaction usage, and maximizing schema usage with SQLAlchemy's event model.

Presenters

Michael Bayer is a software architect in New York City and is the creator of SQLAlchemy.

Jason Kirtland is a software developer based in Portland, Oregon USA and is an author of SQLAlchemy.

Requirements

Python experience: intermediate. You should already have some hands-on experience with Python and be comfortable reading modern Python code.

SQL experience: intermediate. We will use subselects and outer joins as part of the SQL layer.

ORM experience: prior experience with SQLAlchemy or attending the Introduction to SQLAlchemy tutorial is recommended.

For hands-on work, Python 2.4+. Required software will be provided at the session.

Class Outline

Declarative Mapping (30 minutes)

Initial configuration

Basic mapping

Building a many-to-many relation

Using late-evaluated configuration arguments

Mapping to a select with declarative

Advanced queries (40 minutes)

Selecting objects, selecting columns

Thinking generatively, using values()

Query as a subquery, from_self()

New Join Techniques

Aliases

Eager loading, contains_eager()