[Enh]: Equivalent for `pd.read_sql` and `pl.read_database`

[luukhopman]

We would like to learn about your use case. For example, if this feature is needed to adopt Narwhals in an open source project, could you please enter the link to it below?

No response

Please describe the purpose of the new feature or describe the problem to solve.

I am considering to move the awkward duo support for Pandas and Polars that I have in my project to Narwhals. Almost all my use cases are covered. However, as far as I can see there is no equivalent for pd.read_sql and pl.read_database. The same applies for reading from an Excel file. Is this considered in scope (like nw.read_csv and nw.read_parquet)? To me it seems like not supporting these basic IO functions are going to be a deal breaker in many cases for Narwhals.

Suggest a solution if possible.

No response

If you have tried alternatives, please describe them below.

No response

Additional information that may help us understand your needs.

No response

[MarcoGorelli]

thanks for the request

possibly, not sure yet

for now I'd suggest doing the read_sql / read_database in a library-specific manner and then using Narwhals for the rest, one the native objects have already been instantiated

[luukhopman]

Thank you for considering the idea!