Passing String Variables to SQL Queries in Python

Learn how to safely pass string variables to SQL queries in Python to prevent SQL injection attacks and ensure proper execution of queries.
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When working with SQL queries in Python, it's common to need to pass string variables into your queries dynamically. This is often necessary for building flexible and parameterized queries. However, it's crucial to do this in a secure manner to prevent SQL injection attacks, where malicious actors can manipulate input to execute unauthorized queries or manipulate your database.

Python offers several methods for safely passing string variables to SQL queries, depending on the database library you're using. Here's a guide on how to do it using some of the popular Python database libraries:

Using SQLite with Python

When working with SQLite in Python, you can safely pass string variables by using parameterized queries. Here's an example:

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Using MySQL with Python (Using pymysql)

If you're working with MySQL in Python using the pymysql library, you can also use parameterized queries:

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Using PostgreSQL with Python (Using psycopg2)

For PostgreSQL in Python with psycopg2, the approach is similar:

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By using parameterized queries with placeholders (? for SQLite, %s for MySQL and PostgreSQL), you ensure that string variables are properly sanitized and escaped, guarding against SQL injection attacks. This approach also helps optimize query performance and maintain readability in your code.

Remember to always sanitize and validate user input, even when using parameterized queries, to ensure the security and integrity of your application's data.