Python: best practice and securest way to connect to MySQL and execute queries

Question

What is the safest way to run queries on MySQL? I am aware of the dangers involved with MySQL and SQL injection.

However, I do not know how I should run my queries to prevent injection on the variables to which other users (webclients) can manipulate. I used to write my own escape function, but apparently this is "not-done".

What should I use and how should I use it to query and do inserts safely on a MySQL database through python without risking MySQL injection?

Answer 1

To avoid injections, use execute with %s in place of each variable, then pass the value via a list or tuple as the second parameter of execute. Here is an example from the documentation:

c=db.cursor()
max_price=5
c.execute("""SELECT spam, eggs, sausage FROM breakfast
          WHERE price < %s""", (max_price,))

Note that this is using a comma, not % (which would be a direct string substitution, not escaped). Don't do this:

c.execute("""SELECT spam, eggs, sausage FROM breakfast
          WHERE price < %s""" % (max_price,))

In addition, you don't need the quotes around the position holder ('%s') if the parameter is a string.