1# Tables — Python SDK Quick Reference
2 
3> Condensed from **azure-data-tables-py**. Full patterns (batch operations,
4> async client, typed entities, query parameters)
5> in the **azure-data-tables-py** plugin skill if installed.
6 
7## Install
8pip install azure-data-tables azure-identity
9 
10## Quick Start
11 
12> **Auth:** `DefaultAzureCredential` is for local development. See [auth-best-practices.md](../auth-best-practices.md) for production patterns.
13 
14```python
15from azure.data.tables import TableClient
16from azure.identity import DefaultAzureCredential
17table_client = TableClient("https://<account>.table.core.windows.net", "mytable", DefaultAzureCredential())
18```
19 
20## Best Practices
21- Design partition keys for query patterns and even distribution
22- Query within partitions whenever possible (cross-partition is expensive)
23- Use batch operations for multiple entities in same partition
24- Use `upsert_entity` for idempotent writes
25- Use parameterized queries to prevent injection
26- Keep entities small — max 1MB per entity
27- Use async client for high-throughput scenarios
28