Django or Flask. Which Python framework is fit for your project?

A framework is always a precious help to accelerate the development of heavy and complex web applications. Django and Flask are both extremely popular with Python developers. Django is a full-stack web framework, while Flask aims to be light and flexible. Flask VS Django: what to choose according to your priorities? Here are some understanding keys to better understand the differences between these two Python frameworks.

DJANGO

Django is a Python-based free and open-source web framework that follows the model-template-view (MVC) architectural pattern. Django’s primary goal is to ease the creation of complex, database-driven websites. The framework emphasizes reusability and “pluggability” of components, less code, low coupling, rapid development, and the principle of don’t repeat yourself. It’s:

- fast and simple

- secure

-suits any web application project

- WGSI compatible

Developers get an ORM that supports the most essential database systems (PostgreSQL, MySQL, MSSQL, Oracle, SQLite3) and migrations.

Django can be use to build:

• Platforms for handling legal issues like verifying mortgage conditions or lease status
• Document management systems
• Platforms that facilitate communication between two parties, such as a business and a consumer;
• Android and iOS mobile apps that support web applications;
• Data-analysis tools;
• Admin dashboards;
• Photo-based verification systems;
• Algorithm-based generators;
• REST API
• SAAS APP
• Emailing system for sending notifications to users;

Django is also used to build eCommerce websites and health care and financial applications for transportation and booking, social media sites, and more.

Here are some of the popular web applications using it:

Instagram — Dropbox — NASA — Reddit — Spotify — The Washington Post — Mozilla — Bitbucket — Eventbrite — Quora and many more…

The official platform to get started with django.

FLASK

Flask is a micro web framework written in Python. It is classified as a microframework because unlike Django it does not require particular tools or libraries. Flask is :

- lite

- simple to use and understand

- WGSI compatible

It has no database abstraction layer, form validation, or any other components where pre-existing third-party libraries provide common functions. However, Flask supports extensions that can add application features as if they were implemented in Flask itself.

Flask’s functionalities aren’t as extensive as Django. This is its limit, but also its strength. Thanks to its lightness and the speed of its implementation, Flask is a must in prototyping. Its deployment is rapid and the creation phase can begin almost instantly. Thanks to Flask, the first results appear as soon as possible.

Flask can be use to build:

• REST API
• SAAS APP
• Document management systems
• Admin dashboards;
• Social networks
• Blogging platforms and many more

Pinterest, Twilio, LinkedIn are examples of popular web apps made with Flask.

The official platform to get started with flask.

CONCLUSION

Flask and Django remain the two most used Python frameworks for high traffic websites. Django remains more popular, however, because it offers more robust features that are better suited to the deployment of complex applications.

However, Flask remains advantageous for all developers wishing to be able to customize the structure of their project to meet specific needs.

Flask is therefore more suitable for beginners wishing to gain experience and progress in Python by having the freedom to control the components as they wish. Django is more suited to large-scale projects, because its structure allows for a rigorously disciplined organization, which is essential to be able to best manage the complexity of each project over the months.