What is DB-API?

The Python Database API (DB-API) is a standardized interface that allows Python applications to interact with relational databases using a consistent connection method. The DB-API specification, defined in PEP 249, ensures that database connections, queries, and results can be handled in a uniform manner across different database management systems (DBMS).

Key features of Python DB API

Consistency: A common interface for different databases, making it easier to switch between backends.
Flexibility: Supports various database drivers, allowing integration with databases such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server, SQLite, and Oracle.
Efficiency: Manages database connections, cursors, and transactions efficiently.
Security: Includes mechanisms to prevent SQL injection attacks through parameterized queries.

Key components of Python DB API

1. Database connection

Establish a connection using the respective database credentials.

Example: Connecting to a PostgreSQL database using psycopg2:

 
    import psycopg2
    conn = psycopg2.connect(database="testdb", user="user", password="password", host="localhost", port="5432")

2. Cursors and query execution

The cursor object is used to execute queries and fetch data.

Example: Fetching data from a table:


    cursor = conn.cursor()
    cursor.execute("SELECT * FROM employees") 
    rows = cursor.fetchall() 
    for row in rows: 
    print(row)

3. Parameterization for security

Prevents SQL injection by using placeholders instead of direct string concatenation.

Example:


    cursor.execute("SELECT * FROM users WHERE id = %s", (user_id,))

4. Closing connections

Always close the cursor and connection to free up resources:


    cursor.close()
    conn.close()

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