Setting Up Flask MySQL Integration: 4 Easy Steps

A framework is a code library that simplifies the development of web applications by providing reusable code for common operations. Python has several frameworks, including Flask, Tornado, Pyramid, and Django.

In this article, we’ll go over how to configure a Flask MySQL database connection. Flask is a small web application framework. It is classified as a micro-framework because it does not require using specific tools or libraries. Side tabs are used to display different contents or for single-page web applications.

This blog is intended for anyone with a basic understanding of Python and a desire to create websites. After this blog, you will have a moderate level of expertise in developing websites with Flask.

Prerequisites

• Knowledge of Python.
• MySQL Workbench and the Flask Framework are required.
• To work on the application, use Visual Studio Code, Spyder, or any other code editor.

What is Python Flask?

Guido Von Rossum created Python, an open-source, high-level, general-purpose programming language, in 1991. It’s widely used in fields like Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Server-Side Scripting, Data Analytics, and Deep Learning. Python enables you to work more quickly and efficiently when integrating systems. It has a large and active global community, with many tech behemoths such as Google, Facebook, and Netflix relying on it.

Flask is a Python-based micro web framework. It is classified as a microframework because it does not necessitate the use of any specific tools or libraries. It lacks a database abstraction layer, form validation, or any other components that rely on pre-existing third-party libraries to perform common functions.

Flask, on the other hand, supports extensions that can add application features as if they were built into Flask itself. Extensions are available for object-relational mappers, form validation, upload handling, various open authentication technologies, and several framework-related tools.

Flask has grown in popularity among Pythonistas. It has the second most stars on GitHub among Python Web Development frameworks as of October 2020, trailing only Django, and was voted the most popular web framework in the Python Developers Survey 2018.

Key Features of Python

Python has several advantages that make it a popular choice in today’s IT (Information Technology) market. Python’s key features include the following:

• Easy Learning: Python is a beginner-friendly language, so most people with a basic understanding of programming can quickly adapt to the syntax and start coding. Python’s English Script, simple Phrase Structure, and Code Readability make it easy to learn and understand for both programmers and non-programmers.
• Scalability: Unlike other programming languages such as Java and R, Python can easily handle large amounts of data. Furthermore, it can assist you with problems that other programming languages cannot solve.
• Increased Community Support: Python is a free and open-source programming language that comes with a slew of tools and extensive documentation. Furthermore, it has one of the most active programming and data science communities.
• Durable and Portable: Python is a powerful and adaptable programming language. This means that Python code written on one computer can be easily transferred to another and run without issue.

What is MySQL?

MySQL is a popular Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) for managing Relational Databases. MySQL defines, updates, and queries the database using Structured Query Language (SQL). SQL is the most popular language for accessing and managing records in a database. MySQL, which is supported by Oracle, is an open-source and free database software licensed under the GNU General Public License.

When compared to Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle Database, MySQL is faster, more scalable, and an easier-to-use Database Management System. It is built on the Client-Server model, which means that the database is typically run on a server and the data is accessed via the network by clients and workstations.

MySQL’s ease of use gives it a clear advantage over competitors such as Oracle databases and Microsoft SQL Server. Furthermore, when working with this DBMS platform, you can use any programming language of your choice for free. 

Another advantage of using MySQL is its compatibility with Linux, Unix, Windows, and other operating systems. Furthermore, MySQL allows you to choose its mode of implementation, allowing you to use it either online or after installing it on your local system.

The server responds to the clients’ Graphical User Interface (GUI) requests with the desired output. MySQL works with a variety of operating systems and languages such as PHP, PERL, JAVA, C++, C, and others.

Key Features of MySQL

• It supports a variety of tools, including SQL Server Management Studio, Database Tuning Advisor, SQL Server profiler, and BI tools.
• Online assistance and live assistance are available.
• Database engine that supports SQL and other high-level languages such as Java.
• When developing SQL-enabled applications, the Database engine comes in handy for backend programming.
• Intelligent Query Processing Enhancements:- This is Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology that improves query optimizer output, making SQL Server more efficient

Setting Up MySQL Server

In this section, we will download and establish our MySQL server

• XAMPP Installation on a Server
• Fire up Apache and MySQL
• Installing the Flask MySQL library

XAMPP Installation on a Server

• To use MySQL, we now need a software tool to handle MySQL administration over the web.
• You can use phpMyAdmin. You can also use other software if you are familiar with it.
• The PHPMyAdmin web interface is provided by the Xampp software. You can get XAMPP from this page.
• Alternatively, you can go directly to Google and search for download Xampp. The first link alone will suffice!!
• Download the version that is appropriate for your operating system and architecture.

Fire up Apache and MySQL

Start the following two processes once XAMPP has been installed and loaded:

• The Apache Webserver is used to serve HTTP requests.
• MySQL Server – the database server

• Keep in mind that the default MySQL port is 3306. Go to https://localhost in your browser now.

• This is the Xampp Host webpage. To access the PHP web interface, click on phpMyAdmin in the upper right corner.

• Here,
• By clicking new in the left column, you can create a new database.
• Maintain a suitable name for the database.

• Create a table in the database. Enter the table name in the space provided, as shown in the image, and press Go.

Installing the Flask MySQL library

Flask connects to MySQL via the flask mysqldb connector. To install the package, use the following command:

pip install flask_mysqldb

Setting Up Flask MySQL Database

Here are the 4 steps to get started with Flask MySQL Database Connection:

• Flask MySQL Step 1: Connecting a Flask Application to a MySQL Database
• Flask MySQL Step 2: Configuring the MySQL Connection Cursor
• Flask MySQL Step 3: Programming a Flask Application
• Flask MySQL Step 4: Putting the Code into Action

Flask MySQL Step 1: Connecting a Flask Application to a MySQL Database

The following is the procedure we use to connect Flask MySQL

from flask import Flask,render_template, request
from flask_mysqldb import MySQL
 
app = Flask(__name__)
 
app.config['MYSQL_HOST'] = 'localhost'
app.config['MYSQL_USER'] = 'root'
app.config['MYSQL_PASSWORD'] = ''
app.config['MYSQL_DB'] = 'flask'
 
mysql = MySQL(app)

Flask MySQL Step 2: Configuring the MySQL Connection Cursor

We can’t interact with DB tables with the setup described above. We’ll need something called a cursor for that.

Cursor thus provides a means for Flask to interact with the database tables. It can scan the database for data, execute SQL queries, and delete table records.

The cursor is employed in the following manner:

mysql = MySQL(app)
 
#Creating a connection cursor
cursor = mysql.connection.cursor()
 
#Executing SQL Statements
cursor.execute(''' CREATE TABLE table_name(field1, field2...) ''')
cursor.execute(''' INSERT INTO table_name VALUES(v1,v2...) ''')
cursor.execute(''' DELETE FROM table_name WHERE condition ''')
 
#Saving the Actions performed on the DB
mysql.connection.commit()
 
#Closing the cursor
cursor.close()

Because MySQL is not an auto-commit DB, we must manually commit, i.e. save the changes/actions performed by the cursor execute on the DB.

Flask MySQL Step 3: Programming a Flask application

Now we’ll create a small Flask application that will store user-submitted data in the MySQL DB Table. Take a look at the following Application Code:

from flask import Flask,render_template, request
from flask_mysqldb import MySQL
 
app = Flask(__name__)
 
app.config['MYSQL_HOST'] = 'localhost'
app.config['MYSQL_USER'] = 'root'
app.config['MYSQL_PASSWORD'] = ''
app.config['MYSQL_DB'] = 'flask'
 
mysql = MySQL(app)
 
@app.route('/form')
def form():
    return render_template('form.html')
 
@app.route('/login', methods = ['POST', 'GET'])
def login():
    if request.method == 'GET':
        return "Login via the login Form"
     
    if request.method == 'POST':
        name = request.form['name']
        age = request.form['age']
        cursor = mysql.connection.cursor()
        cursor.execute(''' INSERT INTO info_table VALUES(%s,%s)''',(name,age))
        mysql.connection.commit()
        cursor.close()
        return f"Done!!"
 
app.run(host='localhost', port=5000)

When the user submits the data, the cursor inserts it into the MySQL DB.

command to be executed Info table is the name of my table.

The form.html will be as follows:

<form action="/login" method = "POST">
   <p>name <input type = "text" name = "name" /></p>
   <p>age <input type = "integer" name = "age" /></p>
   <p><input type = "submit" value = "Submit" /></p>
</form>

Flask MySQL Step 4: Putting the Code into Action

• Now start the server and navigate to “/form”
• Enter the information and press the Submit button.
• Let’s take a look at it in the phpMyAdmin web interface now.

Finally! This concludes the Setting Up Flask MySQL Database Connection

Conclusion

You learned how to set up Flask MySQL to integrate a MySQL database with your Python application in this blog. You also saw some unique Python Flask and MySQL features.

You learned some programming along the way that will come in handy when it comes to establishing a connection, creating tables, and inserting and updating records in a database application.

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