Table of contents
1.
Introduction
2.
Database Abstraction Layer (DAL)
3.
DAL Constructor Parameters
3.1.
Database Folder Location
3.2.
Default Migration Settings
4.
Experiment With the Web2py Shell
5.
Frequently Asked Questions
5.1.
What is DAL in Python?
5.2.
What is SQLite used for?
5.3.
What is pyDAL?
5.4.
What is the difference between SQL and SQLite?
5.5.
Which is superior, MySQL vs SQLite?
6.
Conclusion
Last Updated: Mar 27, 2024

DAL Constructor Parameters and Experiment in Web2py

Author Rajat Agrawal
0 upvote
Career growth poll
Do you think IIT Guwahati certified course can help you in your career?

Introduction

Web2py is a Python-based, accessible, and open-source web framework enabling agile development of database-driven online applications. It is a full-stack framework that includes all the elements a developer needs to create a fully functional web application.

Web2py cover

In this blog, we will discuss Database Abstraction Layer (DAL), DAL constructor parameters, and experiments in Web2py.

Database Abstraction Layer (DAL)

You'll probably find that web2py is among the easiest frameworks to set up, understand, and use because it greatly emphasizes productivity and ease of use. However, it also has a tonne of functions and provides a tonne of power and flexibility. The DAL (Data abstraction layer) is one of the most essential features of the web2Py. Some of its important features are listed below.

  • Database Abstraction Layer (DAL), a feature of web2py, is an API that converts Python objects into database objects. Queries, tables, and records are all examples of database objects.
  • It is not necessary for a developer to compose an entire SQL query because the DAL dynamically constructs the SQL in real-time using the database back end's predefined dialect.
  • The primary benefit of adopting DAL is the portability of the applications with many types of databases.

Let’s learn about Constructor Parameters in DAL.

DAL Constructor Parameters

Database Folder Location

The folder specifies where migration files will be generated. It is also used with SQLite databases. Within web2py, this is done automatically. When using DAL outside of web2py, specify a path.

Default Migration Settings

The migration settings for the DAL constructor function are booleans that affect defaults and global behavior.

constructor function and their behaviour

Experiment With the Web2py Shell

You can interact with the DAL API using the web2py shell, which is accessible via the -S command line option.

You must select an application on which to execute the shell, keeping in mind that database modifications may be persistent. Therefore, use caution and do not hesitate to modify an existing application rather than create a new one for testing.

Begin by establishing a link. You may use SQLite as an example. Changing the back-end engine has no impact on the topic under discussion.

It's important to note that the majority of code fragments that contain the python prompt >>> may be executed directly using a simple shell, which you can get by using the -PS command line parameters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DAL in Python?

Database Abstraction Layer (DAL), a feature of web2py, is an API that converts Python objects into database objects, including queries, tables, and records.

What is SQLite used for?

Desktop applications like version control systems, financial analysis tools, media categorization and editing suites, CAD packages, record-keeping programs, and others frequently use SQLite as the on-disk file format.

What is pyDAL?

An entirely Python database abstraction layer is called pyDAL. For the database back end, the pyDAL module dynamically creates the SQL for the database back end in the chosen language.

What is the difference between SQL and SQLite?

The standard SQL language describes establishing relational structure, entering or updating data in relationships, initiating and terminating transactions, etc. SQLite is File-based. It differs from other SQL databases in that it lacks a distinct server process, unlike most other SQL databases.

Which is superior, MySQL vs SQLite?

MySQL is a superior option if you need scalability regarding the quantity of database queries needed. MySQL defeats SQLite if you need genuine parallelism, stricter security standards, or the ability to govern user permissions.

Conclusion

In this article, we have extensively discussed DAL Constructor Parameters and Experiment in Web2py. I hope you enjoyed reading this article on DAL Constructor Parameters and Experiment in Web2py.

If you want to learn more, check out our articles on What Is Web2Py?Why To Use Web2py?Postbacks and Internationalization in web2py, and  XML in Web2py.

Do upvote our blog to help other ninjas grow.

Happy Coding!

Thankyou image
Live masterclass