ORMs are powerful, but they can feel like black boxes. Before reaching for one, it pays to understand the layer beneath: SQLAlchemy Core, the part of SQLAlchemy that lets you construct and execute SQL queries directly in Python, with full control and no hidden surprises. In this workshop, we'll start from zero. You'll learn how to connect to a database, define tables using MetaData and Table, and perform real CRUD operations using Core's expressive SQL constructs , select, insert, update, delete. We'll also cover transaction management and how SQLAlchemy protects you from SQL injection by default. Every concept is paired with a hands-on exercises. You'll leave with a working mini-project, a solid mental model of how Python talks to databases, and the confidence to use or skip an ORM when the time comes.