ORMs: A Bridge to Efficient Database Interactions with Python

In this talk, we will look at the relationship between Python and SQL, highlighting the journey of data management in modern applications. As data continues to grow exponentially, the need for effective data storage and retrieval becomes necessary. We will begin by discussing the foundational role of SQL (Structured Query Language) in managing relational databases, examining its key features and common use cases in various domains.

We will then explore the challenges Python developers face when interacting with SQL databases, including the complexity of SQL syntax and the boilerplate code required for CRUD operations. This will be illustrated with practical examples, demonstrating how raw SQL can become cumbersome in application development. Raw SQL, while powerful, can introduce significant challenges in terms of development time, maintainability, and productivity. These challenges stem from the need to write and maintain complex SQL queries, deal with database-specific syntax, and manage the boilerplate code associated with database interactions.

To address these issues, we will pivot to Object-Relational Mappers (ORMs) as a solution that fills the gap between object-oriented programming & relational databases. We will discuss the evolution of ORMs, their key features, and how they simplify database interactions by allowing developers to work with Python objects instead of raw SQL queries, thus alleviating the challenges associated with raw SQL such as the complexity of SQL syntax, boilerplate code, and the need to manage database-specific nuances.

We will also explore popular ORMs such as SQLAlchemy, Django ORM, Peewee, and Tortoise-ORM, highlighting their unique capabilities and use cases. Finally, we will compare the scenarios in which raw SQL is preferable versus when ORMs are more beneficial, providing insights into making informed decisions on a case-by-case basis.

This session will deepen your understanding of the relationship between Python and SQL, and the evolution of ORMs in modern application development.