Q:

Mysql Connection, one or many?

I'm writing a script in python which basically queries WMI and updates the information in a mysql database.  One of those "write something you need" to learn to program exercises.
In case something breaks in the middle of the script, for example, the remote computer turns off, it's separated out into functions.
Query Some WMI data
Update that to the database
Query Other WMI data
Update that to the database  
Is it better to open one mysql connection at the beginning and leave it open or close the connection after each update?
It seems as though one connection would use less resources. (Although I'm just learning, so this is a complete guess.)  However, opening and closing the connection with each update seems more 'neat'. Functions would be more stand alone, rather than depend on code outside that function.

A:

"However, opening and closing the connection with each update seems more 'neat'. " 
It's also a huge amount of overhead -- and there's no actual benefit.
Creating and disposing of connections is relatively expensive.  More importantly, what's the actual reason?  How does it improve, simplify, clarify?
Generally, most applications have one connection that they use from when they start to when they stop. 

