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Some people suggest starting with Flask as a backend option, then moving on with Pyramid, Fast API and Django in chronological order and other minimalistic framework like CherryPy. But I think the use case or purpose should be clear to select either option as each framework has its own set of advantages and setbacks. So before picking up any framework in Python, the project scope and use case should be well known, like features to use, type of Database and its connector, scale of the project, etc. These factors will define which framework to proceed with. Tradeoffs should be balanced to select which framework to use.
Here in this blog, we will explore the top 3 frameworks of Python i.e., FastAPI, Flask and Django. There are more frameworks like pyramid or bottle, but we will dive into the most often used and popular ones.
To start with, FastAPI and Flask are microframeworks, and Django is a full-fledged framework bundled with a lot of stuff. So, what we meant by microframework is that these frameworks don’t come with tools like ORM, template engine, authentication, etc. Microframeworks are used to develop applications to build fast with minimal code, lightweight, fast scaling, or to create microservices.
Whereas a framework like Django inherently has inbuild ORM, forms, validations, template engines, and Middleware which handles authentication, sessions, security, etc. A proper folder structure needs to be followed.
Coming to an architectural structure, Django follows MVT, and fast API or Flask doesn’t necessarily follow any structure. Still, a folder structure similar to Django should be followed for better code management.
The lightweight Web Server Gateway Interface (WSGI) web application framework Flask is based on Python. It describes a standard interface for web servers and web applications.
This framework, made available in 2010, is built on Werkzeug and Jinja2. REST applications are supported by Flask utilizing extensions like Flask-RESTful, Flask-RESTPlus, and Flask-Classful.
Flask is also called a microweb framework since it does not require specific tools or libraries and attempts to keep the core simple but flexible. It solely offers development-related necessities, such as request handling, routing, etc.
FastAPI enables the development of quick web applications and Rest APIs in Python. The web framework, which supports Python 3.6 and later versions, was published in 2018.
FastAPI is as quick and high performing as its name suggests. Leading businesses like Uber and Netflix already utilize the FastAPI architecture in their apps.
You must use pip to install FastAPI and Uvicorn before you can begin using it. Asynchronous Server Gateway Interface (ASGI) server Unicorn is utilized in production.
Django is a Python-based open-source framework to design web applications created in 2003. With its batteries-included approach, Django is a full-stack web framework that makes applications ready to use.
Create effective web applications more quickly using less code.
The Django project is set up, has excellent online support, and is well documented.
Numerous major corporations utilize Django, including Instagram, Coursera, Mozilla, Pinterest, National Geographic, Spotify, Udemy, and YouTube.
Framework |
Features |
Strengths |
Weaknesses |
Flask |
Lightweight, easy to learn |
Simple, flexible, quick to develop |
Limited features, not well-suited for large or complex projects |
Django |
Full-stack, includes features for both frontend and backend |
Powerful, scalable, well-documented |
Can be complex to learn, not as fast as other frameworks |
FastAPI |
Fast, efficient, based on ASGI protocol |
Fast, efficient, well-suited for asynchronous applications |
Newer framework, not as well-documented as other frameworks |
So, using which framework isn't about how powerful it can be; rather, it should be picked based on one’s specific requirements. E.g., If we need to create APIs rapidly without too many security concerns, then FastAPI may be an option to proceed with. If one needs admin panel support and needs to deal with DB in more of a Python way and should be secure, then one should go with Django. If a one-page small-scale web application needs to be built, then Flask is the quickest solution.
Also, read: A Minimalist Python Framework: CherryPy
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