snowflake-connector-python
The Snowflake Connector for Python is the official Python driver for connecting to Snowflake data warehouses. It provides a DB API 2.0-compliant interface for Python applications without requiring JDBC or ODBC dependencies, and is actively maintained by Snowflake.
Key facts
Objective fields from the source. Values we can't verify are shown as “Unknown” rather than guessed.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Repository | snowflakedb/snowflake-connector-python |
| Owner | snowflakedb |
| Primary language | Python |
| License | Apache-2.0 — OSI-approved |
| Stars | 727 |
| Forks | 562 |
| Open issues | 107 |
| Latest release | v4.7.0 (2026-07-02) |
| Last updated | 2026-07-08 |
| Source | https://github.com/snowflakedb/snowflake-connector-python |
What snowflake-connector-python is
A pure Python connector implementing PEP-249 DB API 2.0 specification for Snowflake connectivity, with no external driver dependencies, built on top of Snowflake's sf_mini_core Rust library. Supports Python 3.10+, includes telemetry capabilities (user-configurable), and provides package signature verification via cosign.
Get the snowflake-connector-python source
Clone the repository and explore it locally.
git clone https://github.com/snowflakedb/snowflake-connector-python.gitcd snowflake-connector-python# follow the project's README for install & configurationNeed it deployed, integrated, or customized instead? DEV.co ships production installs.
Best use cases
Implementation considerations
- Requires Python 3.10 or higher; verify your application runtime meets this baseline.
- Package supports pip installation across Linux, macOS, and Windows; Docker-based builds available via ci/build_docker.sh.
- Telemetry is enabled by default; set CLIENT_TELEMETRY_ENABLED session parameter or telemetry_enabled property to False if required by policy.
- Implements DB API 2.0 standard, so basic cursor/connection patterns are familiar; refer to Snowflake docs for Snowflake-specific features.
- Build process uses PEP-517 (python -m build); supports package signature verification for security-critical deployments.
When to avoid it — and what to weigh
- GCP Regional Endpoint Requirements — The connector does not support GCP regional endpoints; if your workload requires Snowflake on GCP with regional endpoint enforcement, this driver is not suitable.
- Legacy Python Versions — If your environment is constrained to Python < 3.10, this connector cannot be used; you would need to use JDBC or ODBC drivers instead.
- Air-Gapped Environments with Telemetry Concerns — Although telemetry can be disabled, if telemetry configuration enforcement is critical, review and test the disabling mechanisms thoroughly before deployment.
- Non-Snowflake Data Warehouses — This is a Snowflake-specific connector; it has no compatibility with other databases (Redshift, BigQuery, Synapse, etc.).
License & commercial use
Licensed under Apache License 2.0 (Apache-2.0), a permissive OSI-approved open-source license. The full license text is available at http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0.txt.
Apache-2.0 permits commercial use, modification, and distribution. However, this connector is maintained by Snowflake and requires a valid Snowflake account/subscription to function. For production deployments, verify Snowflake's service terms and support SLA coverage separately; the license itself does not guarantee Snowflake service availability or support.
DEV.co evaluation signals
Editorial assessment — not user reviews. Directional, with an explicit confidence level.
| Signal | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Maintenance | Active |
| Documentation | Adequate |
| License clarity | Clear |
| Deployment complexity | Low |
| DEV.co fit | Good |
| Assessment confidence | High |
Supports package signature verification via cosign for release authenticity. Telemetry is enabled by default and transmits data to Snowflake; disable if required by compliance policy. Uses Snowflake's Rust-based sf_mini_core library (external dependency at runtime); review Snowflake's security advisories. No SQL injection or authentication flaw details disclosed in README; standard DB API practices (parameterized queries) apply. JDBC/ODBC-free design reduces supply chain risk from those components.
Alternatives to consider
snowflake-sqlalchemy
Higher-level SQLAlchemy ORM integration for Snowflake; use if you prefer ORM abstractions over raw SQL and cursor management.
dbt-snowflake
If your workflow is dbt-centric for data transformation and modeling; dbt-snowflake is the recommended tool and uses this connector under the hood.
Snowflake JDBC/ODBC Drivers
If you require Java or C++ applications, GCP regional endpoints, or Python < 3.10; JDBC and ODBC are official vendor drivers.
Build on snowflake-connector-python with DEV.co software developers
Start with pip install snowflake-connector-python and refer to the official Snowflake documentation for authentication and best practices. Contact Snowflake Support for production support agreements.
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snowflake-connector-python FAQ
Can I use this connector without a Snowflake account?
Does the connector work with other databases (BigQuery, Redshift, etc.)?
Is telemetry data collection a security risk?
What Python versions are supported?
Custom software development services
DEV.co helps companies turn open-source tools like snowflake-connector-python into production software. Our software development services cover the full lifecycle — architecture, web development, integration, and maintenance — delivered by software developers and web developers who ship. Engage our software development agency to implement or customize it for your open-source databases stack.
Ready to Connect Python to Snowflake?
Start with pip install snowflake-connector-python and refer to the official Snowflake documentation for authentication and best practices. Contact Snowflake Support for production support agreements.