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Executing Raw SQL

Sometimes raw SQL is the simplest solution:

  • complex reporting queries
  • bulk updates
  • vendor-specific SQL features

The ORM is great, but you can mix approaches.

Executing SQL with SQLAlchemy

In modern SQLAlchemy, you typically use text()text().

from sqlalchemy import text
 
with db.engine.connect() as conn:
    result = conn.execute(text("SELECT 1"))
    print(result.scalar())
from sqlalchemy import text
 
with db.engine.connect() as conn:
    result = conn.execute(text("SELECT 1"))
    print(result.scalar())

Parameter binding (important)

Never build SQL by string concatenation.

from sqlalchemy import text
 
sql = text("SELECT * FROM users WHERE username = :username")
result = db.session.execute(sql, {"username": "ravi"})
rows = result.fetchall()
from sqlalchemy import text
 
sql = text("SELECT * FROM users WHERE username = :username")
result = db.session.execute(sql, {"username": "ravi"})
rows = result.fetchall()

This prevents SQL injection.

When to prefer ORM

Use ORM when:

  • you’re doing normal CRUD
  • you want relationships and model validation

Use raw SQL when:

  • query is complex and ORM becomes unreadable
  • you need performance tuning (carefully)

Best approach: be pragmatic and keep code understandable.

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