Guide · Open source
How to use peewee: install, define models and query data
Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data
Peewee is a small Python library that maps database tables to Python classes, so you can read and write data with Python code instead of writing raw SQL. This guide is for Python developers who want a lightweight ORM rather than a large framework. After reading, you will know what peewee is for, what you need before starting, how to get the code, and where to check the details in the official docs.
peeweecoleifer/peewee · ★ 12k · MIT Install options & downloads Quick start
- 1Check your prerequisites. Confirm Python is installed and choose a supported database: SQLite, PostgreSQL, or MySQL.
- 2Get the source. Run git clone https://github.com/coleifer/peewee to download the repository.
- 3Read the official docs. Open http://docs.peewee-orm.com/ for installation steps and exact API details.
- 4Define a model. Create a Python class for one table, with class attributes for each column.
- 5Connect to your database. Set up a connection to SQLite, PostgreSQL, or MySQL following the documentation.
- 6Create and query rows. Use the model class to insert, read, update, and delete rows with Python code.
What peewee is and what it supports
Peewee is an object-relational mapper (ORM) written for Python. The project describes itself as a small, expressive ORM that supports PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQLite, and it now includes asyncio support.
The core idea is that each database table is represented by a Python class, and each row is represented by an instance of that class.
- Supported databases: PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQLite
- Language: Python
- Asyncio support is mentioned in the project description
What you need before you install peewee
The main prerequisite is Python. The project is written in Python and is only useful to Python projects.
You also need a database that peewee supports, such as SQLite, PostgreSQL, or MySQL. The available summary does not list exact Python versions or driver packages, so check the official documentation for those details.
- Python installed on your machine
- One of: SQLite, PostgreSQL, or MySQL
- Basic familiarity with Python classes
Get the peewee source code
The README shows how to clone the repository from GitHub. Run the command below in the folder where you want the project to live.
Cloning gives you the full source, including the repository files. For day-to-day use in your own project, follow the installation instructions in the official documentation.
git clone https://github.com/coleifer/peeweeDefine models that map to your tables
In peewee, you describe a table by writing a Python class. Each class attribute corresponds to a column. Once the model exists, you read and write rows with Python code rather than raw SQL.
The official documentation at docs.peewee-orm.com covers model definitions, field types, and the connection setup in detail. Use it as the reference for exact syntax.
- One class per table
- Class attributes become columns
- Rows are handled as Python objects
Query and save data with Python code
Because peewee is an ORM, you use Python expressions to select, insert, update, and delete rows. This keeps your queries inside the same codebase as the rest of your application.
Check the official docs for the exact query methods, since the README summary provided here does not list them.
- Read rows through model classes
- Write and update rows from Python objects
- Use asyncio support if your application is async
Where peewee fits in a web project
The repository topics mention Flask and FastAPI, which suggests peewee is used in small web apps and services built with those frameworks. The source does not describe a specific integration pattern, so treat this as a general fit rather than a built-in feature.
What people use it for
- Small web apps or APIs built with Flask or FastAPI that store data in SQLite
- Lightweight services that need PostgreSQL or MySQL without a large framework
- Scripts that read and write database tables using Python objects instead of raw SQL
- Async Python applications that need an ORM with asyncio support
Frequently asked questions
How do I install peewee?
The README provided shows how to clone the repository with git clone https://github.com/coleifer/peewee. For package installation steps, check the official documentation at http://docs.peewee-orm.com/, since the source summary does not list a package command.
What do I need to use peewee?
You need Python and a supported database: SQLite, PostgreSQL, or MySQL. The available summary does not list specific Python versions or driver packages.
Is peewee free to use?
Peewee is released under the MIT licence, which is a permissive open-source licence. Check the LICENSE file in the repository for the full terms.
Does peewee support async code?
Yes, the project description says it now supports asyncio. The source does not detail how to set it up, so consult the official documentation.
How does peewee compare to SQLAlchemy or Django ORM?
Peewee is positioned as a small, lightweight ORM, while SQLAlchemy and Django ORM are often used in larger projects. The source does not include a feature comparison, so test each option against your project's needs.
Why won't my peewee code connect to the database?
The source does not include troubleshooting steps. Check that your database is one of the supported types and read the connection section of the official documentation at docs.peewee-orm.com.
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Our verdict
Peewee suits Python developers who want a lightweight ORM for SQLite, PostgreSQL, or MySQL, especially in small Flask or FastAPI projects. If you need features beyond what the available README summary describes, or you are not using Python, consider alternatives such as SQLAlchemy, Django ORM, or Tortoise ORM, and verify details in the official docs.
Install options & downloads