February Meetup - SQLAlchemy

Want to use a SQL database but don't know how to get started? Used SQL before, but are looking for a good way to do it in Python? Want to see one of the best database abstraction layers (if not the best) in any language? This talk is for you.

The talk will be an introduction to SQLAlchemy using PostgreSQL as the database. It will walk through the basic concepts for getting connected to a database and pooling your connections, as well as how to start using the Core and ORM layer. Some SQL concepts will also, necessarily, be introduced.

This talk will be a little bit shorter than some of our past talks, as we are hoping to rendezvous at Original Joe's in Kensington for some drinks and casual conversation after the talk.

** Prepare your computer **

You are welcome to use MySQL or SQLLite or something else, but all demos will be in PostgreSQL. SQLAlchemy works with lots of databases (http://docs.sqlalchemy.org/en/rel_0_9/dialects/#included-dialects). Please make sure to have PostgreSQL setup prior to the meetup, if possible.

Windows: http://www.postgresql.org/download/windows/

Mac: http://www.postgresql.org/download/macosx/

Others: http://www.postgresql.org/download/

Installing SQLAlchemy is probably a good idea as well:

pip install sqlalchemy

pip installer if needed (http://www.pip-installer.org/en/latest/installing.html )

Also, an appropriate database driver: PostgreSQL: http://initd.org/psycopg/install/

Other useful instructions

1. There will be soft drinks and water for everyone.

2. Please bring your laptops.

3. The room is on the 4th floor. Exit the elevator and take a left into the large meeting room.

4. There are bike racks out front, there is a city parking lot just north of the building, and of course there is street parking around the area.