Python Flask VS Django: Which framework to choose and why?

Introducing Django: A full-fledged Python framework

Often referred to as the software framework for “fussbudgets and deadlines”, Django allows developers to work at lightning speed without compromising the quality of deliverables and overall productivity. It is suitable for developing websites backed by databases and having a complex underlying architecture. Since it is a full-stack development framework, users can focus more on building the web applications accurately and let it perform the rest of the job needed for code execution and compilation. One of the major features of Django is enhanced agility, which allows it to handle multiple tasks related to SDLC, like organizing content, storing client information, and many more.

Features and benefits of Django framework

• Versatile application: Django can be used to build innumerable Python projects that have different client requirements, feature specifications, functional modules, and so on.
• Portable: Since it is written in Python language, it is platform-independent and allows developers to execute the codes anywhere.
• Inclusive of multiple OOB modules: From an in-built caching module called Memcached to support site maps, RSS, multi-layered authentication feature, and content admin portal, Django comes loaded with numerous out-of-the-box features.
• Improved security: One of the major features of Django that makes it suitable for different software development projects is the inclusion of multiple security features. These include high-level authentication, SSL layers, and more.
• Higher scalability: Django supports DRY practice, which allows developers to easily reuse code snippets and modify them according to requirements. Furthermore, the independent architecture layers enhance the framework's overall scalability and flexibility.

Limitations of the Django Framework

• Since Django is based on a monolithic architecture, scaling the application or building independent functional modules
• Can be a huge problem for a Python development company.
• Django's learning curve is steep, which can be a challenge for newbies.
• Owing to the complicated built-in functions and features, designing and developing simpler projects on this framework will be challenging.
• The entire framework is dependent on Django ORM or object-relational mapper.

Python Flask: A micro-framework for SDLC

Flask was initially introduced with the plan of integrating the Jinja2 library of templates with the Web Server Gateway Interface of Werkzeug. However, over the years, it has been modified multiple times to support Python web app development. Considered a micro framework, it offers minimal dependencies on different external libraries. Therefore, developers have complete independence in choosing the preferred database for JDBC layer integration, programming design patterns, third-party integration plugins, and other components needed for SDLC. What's more, Flask is extremely lightweight and highly extensible. Hence, developers can search for myriad third-party libraries and extensions and modify them to cater to the project requirements.

Features and Advantages of Flask

• API integration: Flask comes with a separate module for deducing API requests written in both HTTP and RESTful formats and generating accurate responses. As a result, it can help build microservice modules for the software and enhance operational speed and productivity.
• Extensible: Developers can extend Flask's functionality by integrating multiple third-party plugins and introducing new features for the web app they are developing.
• Enhanced scalability and flexibility: One of Flask's salient features that makes it ideal for web app development is its support for different WSGI templates. Users can scale these built-in templates and introduce modifications as needed.
• Debugging and test execution: Since Flask comes integrated with a testing module, developers can easily conduct unit testing, identify faulty functionalities, and debug for code fixes.
• Secured cookies: The framework also supports authorization modules, ensuring that no one can access the codebase or any other detail without appropriate authentication.

Challenges or limitations with using Flask

• Developing the MVP prototype of a minimally viable product can take time for companies offering Python development services.
• The security and authorization features are less advanced than those of other Python-based frameworks like Django.
• If you are planning to develop a web app with multiple pages, Flask isn't the ideal framework.
• A built-in admin site is not present in this programming framework.

Flask VS Django: One-to-one parallel study

In the section below, we have explained the major areas to help you understand the parallelism of Python Flask VS Django.

Cost-effectiveness

Although the overall project costs will depend on the specific requirements, when it comes to Django and Flask frameworks, the former can reduce the expenses significantly. That’s because it’s a fully-fledged framework needed to develop Python web apps. Hence, developers won't have to import any third-party plugins or extensions. However, if we consider Flask, the need for such advanced built-in features often incurs higher expenses for the projects.

Development complexity and time

For projects with a tighter deadline, Django is indeed the best option. Thanks to the built-in features, it supports rapid development and allows developers to reuse and modify the codes accordingly. On the contrary, Flask prefers building codes from scratch, with a minimal reusability option. Furthermore, the Jinja2 template has a higher time complexity, which further delays the development progress significantly.

Learning curve

Django has a steeper learning curve, owing to which developers with no prior experience need to struggle a lot to utilize the features. Flask, on the other hand, has a flattened learning curve since it doesn't come with complex built-in features or modules. Hence, developers can import third-party extensions and libraries that they are well-versed in.

Built-in feature availability

Another key difference that will play a crucial role in your choice of Flask or Django for the Python-based project is the availability of the built-in features. Whether it’s support for site admin or content caching, Django allows developers to use these OOTB features and focus mainly on building the applications. However, with Flask, most of these tasks need to be done manually by the developers due to the absence of built-in modules. As a result, the development time and complexity are impacted considerably.

Database integration and support

Django has a personal ORM or object relation mapper module, which is compatible with multiple relational databases, including Oracle and PostgreSQL. It also allows easier database migrations without much complexity. However, developers won't have the freedom to store and use data in the way they want due to the limitations of supported databases. However, with Flask, it is possible, owing to the vast range of extensions and libraries available for suitable database integration.

Authorization and security

When it comes to security and authorization features, Django is certainly the winner. It not only prevents unauthorized access but also ensures developers can incorporate these authentication layers in their codebase. Although Flask comes with a few authentication features, they are different from wDjango's

Conclusion

In this discussion forum, we have presented the major key points for Django VS Flask. Based on the illustrations, you can now decide which one will be most feasible for your project based on the specific requirements and your deliverable goals. Ensure to go through the major features of both frameworks to decide if they can be utilized well to speed up your development cycle.