Django vs. Flask, want to know which is the best Python web framework? Read the article to know which one to choose for your next web development project.
The two most widely used Python web frameworks are Flask and Django, according to the 2020 JetBrains Python Developers Survey. Even though Flask surpassed Django to grab the top rank, the Django vs. Flask debate is still open, given the web development industry’s recent trend toward more compact frameworks, microservices, and “serverless” systems.
Each framework has distinct qualities that allow developers to use it for a particular project. For instance, Django is a full-stack development framework useful for creating complex online applications. On the other hand, small web apps can be created using the lightweight Flask framework. Like this, the difference between Flask and Django is extensive.
Still unsure about which Python web framework to choose? Although each website/app development framework has distinctive qualities, there are many things to consider before selecting the perfect one. So, read till the end to learn all about the differences between Django and Flask and select the right one for your next project.
What is Django?
It is a popular web application framework that handles many of the common capabilities needed to create safe and dependable websites. You, as a developer, only need to create your business logic while using Django. It is open-source, free, and has a thriving community that supports it with a wealth of information. In addition, Django has no integration problems.
Key Features of Django
When it comes to Django vs. Flask or any other framework, these features make Django stand out from the rest.
- Fast- The Django development cycle is quite quick from conception to conclusion.
- Flexible- It is a flexible framework that allows programmers to operate on various platforms, including news websites like CNN, The New York Times, and LinkedIn, content management systems and social networking websites like Youtube, LinkedIn, and others.
- Scalable- Every layer is separate; therefore, scalability and maintenance are guaranteed by Django (The code and design are resistant to duplications so that they can be appropriately reused and maintained.). Scalability is less important in the Django vs. Flask debate because both frameworks are highly scalable.
- Adaptable- HTML, JSON, XML, and many other forms are all adaptable to Django.
- Secure- With strong authentication methods and protocols, Django ensures security by preventing clickjacking, cyberattacks, unwanted access, etc.
- Portability- Django is a portable framework because it is built on Python.
What is Flask?
Flask is a compact framework frequently referred to as a micro framework. It has certain basic features and enables developers to include as many libraries or plugins as they want for an extension. Therefore, Flask should be your first pick since it gives flexibility if you have a straightforward, creative use case that has to be added to an existing application.
It has a limited number of simple-to-learn APIs, a significant Django and Flask difference, as Django lacks support APIs. If you are new to Python, begin your web development with Flask to understand the fundamentals and gain a good feel for the backend and front end.
Key Features of Flask
- Lightweight- Due to its lack of reliance on other libraries, it is a lightweight framework. It enables the creation of complicated applications for the web to get off to a swift start.
- Independent- When developing applications, Flask allows the developer independent or total control. You can play around with the framework’s architecture and libraries.
- Secure Cookies- An HTTP request’s secure cookie property enables channel security and guarantees that only authorized parties can view the text.
- Integrated Unit Testing- Flask’s inbuilt unit testing system offers quick debugging, reliable development, and experimentation freedom. It comes with an in-built debugger and server. This feature happens to be a huge difference between Django and Flask.
- Scalable and Flexible- Supports WSGI templates, making web applications flexible and scalable.
- Compatible. The newest technologies, including cloud computing and machine learning, are compatible with Flask.
- Simple and adjustable configurations
Also know: Top 5 Cross-Platform App Development Frameworks to Know
Django vs. Flask: The Key Differences
If you want to know the head-to-head Django and Flask differences, the below-given points will offer you a clear understanding-
- API support is not present in Django. However, it is present in Flask.
- Django supports dynamic HTML pages, which is not the case with Flask.
- Django is meant for simple jobs, while Flask is made for rapid development.
- Flask provides a variety of alternatives, but Django provides a monolithic operating approach.
- The URL dispatcher of the Flask employs a RESTful request, whereas the Django framework is based on controller regex.
- Flask falls under a WSGI framework, whereas Django is a Full Stack Web Framework.
Complete Django and Flask Differences (Comparison Table)
While Flask gives you complete control over everything, Django is a full-featured framework with intact comprehensive functionalities. However, comparing the two is a little more complicated than this.
Because there are multiple differences between Django and Flask, you must choose the right one for your application after going through all of them. Here is a detailed comparison-
| Django | Flask |
| Web framework with a full stack that adheres to the batteries-included philosophy. | Lightweight structure with few features. |
| The most popular features that accelerate development are already available to developers. | The application’s core can be explored and controlled by developers. |
| You can tweak the ready-to-use admin framework that comes with Django. | Such a capability to manage administrative activities is absent from Flask. |
| It has a built-in template engine that reduces the time needed for development. | Jinja2, the template engine used by Flask, is based on the Django template engine. |
| The Django-admin tool is a built-in bootstrapping tool with which developers can build web applications without any external input. | One application can represent each project. However, a single application can accommodate numerous models and views. |
| It enables users to split up large projects into numerous compact applications, making them simple to create and update. | Compared to Django, admin features are not as significant. |
| A production-ready framework | Flask is single-threaded, according to some, and may not work effectively when under a lot of stress. |
| Django is considered to be more popular because it provides many unique features and reduces the time to build complex applications. | If you want to start web programming, Flask is a good place to start. Many websites created using Flask receive a lot of traffic, but not as much as those created with Django. |
| Projects with dynamically changing requirements should not use Django. | You can later add more functionality to your project and simplify it using Flask. It offers flexibility to expand the application swiftly. |
| Given that Django provides the modules, developers need more flexibility. | Developers can dynamically create functionality and use whatever plugins or libraries they like. |
| Django is best suited for larger applications with a lot of features. The features could be excessive for simpler applications. | Flask is a straightforward, agnostic framework; developers decide how your application should appear. |
| Django requires more than double the number of lines of code that Flask does for the same functionality. | A Flask application needs substantially fewer lines of code for a straightforward operation. |
Also know: Best Python Frameworks For Web Development In 2023
Wrapping Up!
After reading and comprehending the in-depth Django and Flask differences, it is clear to conclude that each framework has its advantages. There must be a good reason why both of these Python-based web development frameworks are popular.
Coming back to each one of them because it provides complete control, Flask is ideal for minute activities requiring testing. Although Django is one of the finest frameworks for developing sophisticated apps, it is slightly more challenging and requires a lot of background knowledge.
Getting hands-on experience with Python programming is better for understanding the practical difference. For theoretical reference, you can look at the Django vs. Flask table. Feel free to leave your opinion on Python Frameworks in the comments below!
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