SQLModel unifies SQLAlchemy ORM and Pydantic validation in a single class definition, eliminating the need to maintain synchronized database and API schemas. After six months in production, it has consistently reduced model code by around 40% with no loss in type safety. This guide covers the complete workflow: quick setup, the Base/Table/Read class pattern, relationships, Alembic migrations, async support, and the production gotchas worth knowing before you hit them.