Description: We should introduce SQLAlchemy as the projectâs ORM/database layer to replace or standardize existing direct database access. ----- Goals: Add SQLAlchemy to the codebase, Define models for the current database entities, Centralize database session/connection management, Keep the change backward-compatible where possible, Lay groundwork for easier migrations and future schema changes ----- Notes: Start with the minimum set of models needed for the current app, Prefer a small, incremental migration over a large rewrite, Add or update tests around database behavior as needed
