---
title: "Microsoft Python Driver for SQL Server - mssql-python"
description: This guide provides an overview to get started with the Microsoft Python Driver for SQL Server - mssql-python
author: dlevy-msft-sql
ms.author: dlevy
ms.reviewer: vanto, randolphwest
ms.date: 03/14/2026
ms.service: sql
ms.subservice: connectivity
ms.topic: get-started
ms.custom:
  - ignite-2025
---

# Microsoft Python Driver for SQL Server - mssql-python

**mssql-python** is a Python driver for Microsoft SQL family of databases. It uses Direct Database Connectivity (DDBC) that enables direct connections to SQL Server without requiring an external driver manager. Designed to comply with the [Python Database API Specification 2.0](https://peps.python.org/pep-0249/) specification, this driver also introduces Pythonic enhancements for improved usability and functionality. It supports a full range of database operations, including connection management, query execution, and transaction handling.

The driver is compatible with Python version 3.10 and higher.

## Get started

Use the `mssql-python` driver to connect to a SQL database from Python code. This series of articles provides step-by-step guidance for installing and using the Microsoft Python Driver for SQL.

- [Quickstart: Connect with the mssql-python driver for Python](python-sql-driver-mssql-python-quickstart.md)
- [Quickstart: Connect to a SQL database from a Jupyter Notebook](python-sql-driver-mssql-python-connect-jupyter-notebook.md)
- [Quickstart: Repeatable deployments with the mssql-python driver for Python](python-sql-driver-mssql-python-repeatable-deployments-quickstart.md)
- [Quickstart: Rapid prototyping with the mssql-python driver for Python](python-sql-driver-mssql-python-rapid-prototyping-quickstart.md)
- [Quickstart: Bulk copy with the mssql-python driver for Python](python-sql-driver-mssql-python-bulk-copy-quickstart.md)

## Documentation

- [mssql-python documentation](https://github.com/microsoft/mssql-python/wiki)
- [Release Notes](https://github.com/microsoft/mssql-python/releases)
- [Roadmap](https://github.com/microsoft/mssql-python/blob/main/ROADMAP.md)

## Support

Microsoft fully supports `mssql-python`. While Microsoft is the primary maintainer, community contributions are encouraged.

> [!TIP]  
> To request new functionality, file an [issue in the mssql-python GitHub repository](https://github.com/microsoft/mssql-python/issues) or visit other Python community resources.

## Community resources

- [mssql-python driver on GitHub](https://github.com/microsoft/mssql-python)
- [Azure Python Developer Center](https://azure.microsoft.com/develop/python/)
- [python.org Community](https://www.python.org/community/)

## Next step

> [!div class="nextstepaction"]
> [Quickstart: Connect with the mssql-python driver for Python](python-sql-driver-mssql-python-quickstart.md)