This tutorial series shows you how to work with the SQL Server from Python using the pymssql package.
Python Drivers for SQL Server #
To connect to the SQL Server from Python, you need a driver. There are some Python SQL Server drivers available.
Here are the drivers recommended by Microsoft:
- pyodbc – provides an interface for connecting to SQL Server databases via ODBC interface, allowing you to execute SQL queries seamlessly.
- pymssql – is a Python library designed for connecting to SQL Server databases and managing data efficiently.
We’ll use the pymssql package to connect to the SQL Server from Python.
The pymssql Package Features #
The following highlights some features of the pymssql package:
- Python 3: Utilize the advantage of the latest features and improvements in Python 3.
- Unicode: Enable handling international characters.
- Works across popular operating systems (OS): Support the most popular OSes including Windows, macOS, or Linux.
- Written in Cython for performance: Benefit from faster execution and optimized performance.
- Supports stored procedures: Call SQL Server’s stored procedures with return values or output parameters.
- Supports bulk copy: Quickly and efficiently transfer large amounts of data to SQL Server.
- Can be used to connect to SQL Server on Azure: Seamlessly integrate with Microsoft’s cloud platform for scalable and reliable database solutions.
Section 1. Getting Started #
- Connecting to the SQL Server – show you how to create a Python program that connects to the SQL Server.
Section 2. Inserting Data #
- Insert data into a table – show you how to insert data into a table in SQL Server from Python
- Import a CSV file into a table – learn how to develop a Python program that reads data from a CSV file and imports it into a table in the SQL Server.
- Bulk Copy – discover how to quickly load data into an SQL Server table using the bulk copy function.
Section 3. Updating Data #
- Update data from a table – Learn how to update data from a table using Python.
Section 4. Querying Data #
- Select data from a table – Guide you on how to select one or more rows from a table in Python
- Pagination – Show you how to break up a large result set into smaller chunks (pages) using FETCH and OFFSET clauses.
Section 5. Deleting Data #
- Delete data from a table – Show you how to delete data from a table in SQL Server from a Python application.
Section 6. Handling Transactions #
- Perform a transaction – learn how to perform an SQL Server transaction from Python.
Section 7. Calling Stored Procedures #
- Call a stored procedure – Learn to call a stored procedure in SQL Server from Python.
- Call a stored procedure with OUTPUT parameters – Show you how to call stored procedures with OUTPUT parameters from Python.
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