Essential SQLAlchemy

Chapter 2. Getting Started

This chapter guides you through installing version 0.4 of SQLAlchemy (the version documented by this book) via EasyInstall. It will also give you a quick tutorial on the basic features of SQLAlchemy to “get your hands dirty” as soon as possible.

Installing SQLAlchemy

In order to use SQLAlchemy, you need to install the SQLAlchemy package as well as a Python database driver for your database. This section will guide you through installing both.

Installing the SQLAlchemy Package

Installing the SQLAlchemy is a straightforward process involving the widely used SetupTools package.

Installing setup tools

SQLAlchemy is distributed as an EGG file via the Python package index (PyPI), also known as the CheeseShop. If you have installed EGGs before using easy_install, you can skip to the next section. Otherwise, you will need to install SetupTools, a package that enhances the Python standard library-provided distutils package.

Note

SetupTools includes a tool called easy_install, which can be used to install various Python modules from the CheeseShop. easy_install is particularly good at resolving dependencies between Python packages and installing a package’s dependencies along with the package itself. If you intend to take advantage of the rich library of free software available in the CheeseShop, or if you intend to take advantage of the benefits of distributing your own code through SetupTools, it is a good idea to become familiar with all its features. You can find more ...