Python® Create-Modify-Reuse

Chapter 3. DVD Inventory System

There is a well-known saying that there are two types of programs: those that are toys and those that access databases. Well, the project in this chapter is not a toy, so that should narrow it down for you. This project will enable you to manage your DVD inventory. It takes advantage of MySQL, a powerful open-source relational database management system (RDMS). Along the way, you'll learn how to do the following:

• Work with a database

• Connect to a database

• Query the database

• Add records

• Modify records

• Delete records

• Output information in the database to a CSV file

Why All This Is Important

Basically, when you get right down to it, all a computer does is organize and manipulate chunks of data. Displaying a bitmap? Moving data around. Printing a spreadsheet? Sending bits of data from one location to another. Computers are most meaningful when they are able to sort and arrange that data in a way that aids the imperfect carbon-based life forms who operate them — namely, you and me.

This is where database management systems come in. They take the sets of data that you and I deal with all around us (sports statistics, medicine prescriptions, class rosters, military formations, whatever) and they arrange it in a way that makes sense to us.

In other words, understanding how to use databases is one of the most fundamental things you can learn as a developer.

Using the Program

The program is available for download at www.wrox.com. To run it, simply go to a command prompt, ...