Another tutorial has fallen before me!!!

This time, I have taken down REST APIs with Flask and Python. This one was more enjoyable than the previous course. I felt it was more on point for the description, but we also went down a possibly “unneeded” rabbit hole. (These opinions may be coming from my inexperience as a developer, but…)

Ultimately, we learned how to create our own API. And I must say, the principal seemed “easier” than I expected. Am I a pro now? By no means, but I have typed the code a couple time, and have a MUCH better understanding of what goes on in that magic black box that the world takes for granted. My biggest critique with the course is how the data storage lessons progressed…

We started out using lists that are generated when the program starts. Fine, no problem. I do in-app stuff all the time, just to see if it works. Then we stepped up to sqlite, this created a DB as a file that was also dependent upon the running app. The final storage was PostgreSQL on a server, (technically, the same server). I understand using the list in the app to get the principles started, but the SQLite seemed to be an unneeded diversion. The code for SQLite ended up being SO different from what was needed for SQLAlcehmy as to be distracting.

Nonetheless, I did learn a LOT. SQLAlchemy is a powerful tool. I cut my database teeth on MongoDB, through the use of the now defunct Parse. (Yes, Parse Server still exists, but the more I learn about doing it myself, the more I appreciate it. Another yes, Parse was awesome)