ORMs - A Bridge to Efficient Database Interactions with Python

Explore the relationship between Python and SQL databases in this 30-minute conference talk from EuroPython 2025. Begin by understanding the foundational role of SQL in managing relational databases and examine its key features across various domains. Discover the challenges Python developers encounter when working with SQL databases, including complex syntax and extensive boilerplate code required for CRUD operations through practical examples that demonstrate how raw SQL can become cumbersome in application development. Learn how Object-Relational Mappers (ORMs) serve as a solution bridging the gap between object-oriented programming and relational databases. Examine the evolution of ORMs and their key features that simplify database interactions by enabling developers to work with Python objects instead of raw SQL queries. Compare popular ORMs including SQLAlchemy, Django ORM, Peewee, and Tortoise-ORM, understanding their unique capabilities and specific use cases. Gain insights into when raw SQL is preferable versus when ORMs provide greater benefits, equipping you with the knowledge to make informed decisions on a case-by-case basis for modern application development.