Table of Contents
Python is a widely used programming language that is even used by big companies like Google, Apple, and Netflix, and it’s a cornerstone for various Python frameworks.
But why do developers love it, and why is it so popular? They love Python because it’s easy for beginners to learn – it has a simple structure and is logical.
On top of all, Python holds 28% of the market share as one of the most popular programming languages, and its popularity has grown dramatically over the last five years.
You can use Python to create advanced web applications, and there are lots of Python frameworks to choose from that make it even easier to get started.
It is critical to be familiar with the various types of Python frameworks before taking advantage of the market’s offerings.
In general, Python web frameworks are classified into three types:
Python doesn’t have all the features needed to build custom web applications. That’s why the Python community created frameworks.
These frameworks fill in the missing parts and handle details that Python doesn’t cover by default. They make it easier for developers to create web applications tailored to their needs.
Django, released in 2005, is a popular Python web framework used for making applications and APIs. It’s known for its quick development speed and has been used in over 12,000 projects, including big names like Instagram and Spotify. Django comes with lots of handy tools, like ORM mapping and URL routing. It goes further by having built-in features such as authentication systems and various caching options. Since it’s object-oriented, Django is great at storing and retrieving data.
CherryPy is another Python web framework introduced in 2002, providing a stable and straightforward approach to web development. It’s open-source and comes with features like data access and templating. CherryPy includes tools for cookies, sessions, file uploads, and a robust configuration system. It follows WSGI standards and has reliable HTTP servers. Companies like Juju and Hulu use CherryPy for their Python web development projects.
Flask, another highly regarded Python framework, is well-known for its versatility. Released in 2010 with a BSD license, Flask draws inspiration from the Sinatra Ruby framework and has gained popularity through usage in companies like Netflix and Lyft.
Flask stands out with features such as integrated coding and unit testing support, Jinja2 templates, and Werkzeug WSGI toolkits. It includes built-in development servers and debuggers. Despite its lightweight nature, Flask provides functionalities like restful request dispatching, Google App Engine compatibility, and seamless integration with the ORM framework. It is easily scalable and can smoothly interact with various tools.
Hug, launched in 2020, is a super-fast Python framework. It’s designed to be efficient, using minimal resources and featuring built-in version management. With Hug, you can easily document APIs, use type annotations, and write code that works everywhere. It’s known for quick and easy deployments and is preferred by top firms like Owlin.
Bottle, released in 2010, became famous for boosting Total Recall VR’s business. It offers dynamic URL routes, built-in templates, and easy access to HTTP-related data. Bottle uses a single code library, distributed as a source file module, eliminating the need for import statements. It’s compact, easy to deploy, and more powerful than many Python frameworks, making it a flexible choice for developers.
Pyramid, a popular web framework for Python 3, is known for its simplicity. It’s suitable for both big and small apps, offering features like HTML validation, testing support, and flexible authentication. Additionally, it includes built-in tools such as function decorators and sessions, making complex software projects easy to handle. Launched in 2008, Pyramid is favored by companies like AdRoll and DiscNW. Moreover, it provides add-ons and a detailed API reference for expanding its capabilities.
TurboGears is a Python web framework made for full-stack projects and also serves as a standalone WSGI web framework. Inspired by RubyOnRails, it follows the MVC architecture and is among the few frameworks supporting MongoDB for storage. It comes with handy features like request-bound transactions, schema migrations, caching, sessions, autogenerated admin and CRUD, interactive debugging, and the ability to plug-in applications. TurboGears supports multiple template engines, like the XM template engine, and helps developers steer clear of injection attacks, XSS security issues, and simplifies automated internationalization.
Web2Py is a user-friendly, open-source Python framework known for its creative web engineering features. It comes with a convenient web-based IDE, one-click deployment, and a debugger. While it doesn’t support Python 3, it’s free and has plenty of educational resources. Web2Py automatically handles security in Python projects and has a Database Abstraction Layer for simplified SQL writing. It’s a straightforward and accessible choice for web development.
Cubic Web is a versatile, open-source framework for data-centric apps. It uses standard SQL and PostgreSQL for efficient storage and has been used in notable projects like data.bnf.fr. Cubic Web’s standout features include automatic JSON/XML/XHTML and text generation, making it easy to work with explicit data models. It offers tools for web UIs, supports the Pyramid framework for web servers, and is suitable for various Python web applications. However, development progress is somewhat slow, with no specified timelines for updates.
Falcon is a minimalist framework designed for building mission-critical REST APIs and Python microservices, prioritizing performance and reliability at scale. As an ASGI/WSGI framework, it boasts blazing-fast speed, a compact code base, cleanliness, and simplicity, making it an excellent choice for developers.
Falcon offers the following features:
Many leading companies such as Opera Software, 7ideas, Cronitor, tempfiLes, Leadpages, EMC, Hurricane Electric, and OpenStack use Falcon.
It is thought to be extremely minimal, robust, and approximately 28 times faster than Django. Falcon works best with Pypy3 and simplifies server maintenance.
Should I use Flask or Django?
Choose Flask for simplicity and flexibility; go for Django for a full-featured, rapid development framework. Because of its comprehensive features, developers prefer using Django for larger, complex projects, while they also consider Flask a great fit for simpler applications or microservices, offering flexibility to add specific functionality as needed.
Is Python still good for web development?
Absolutely, Python remains a robust choice for web development and is trusted by many renowned companies. Major global firms, including Instagram, Pinterest, Bitbucket, and Dropbox, utilize Python as their primary coding language, often in conjunction with the Django platform, showcasing its continued popularity and effectiveness in building web applications.
Which languages are going to dominate the future of web development?
JavaScript will maintain its central role in web development, serving as the backbone. However, other languages like TypeScript, Python, Rust, and more are expected to play crucial roles in shaping the future landscape of web development.
In summary, choosing a Python framework totally depends on your level of experience and project needs. Web2py and Grok are user-friendly with simple setups, while Bottle is excellent for beginners with its single-file source code.
Also, Django and Flash are industry favorites for custom web apps. These frameworks offer a rich set of modules and libraries, empowering programmers to create a wide range of applications.
In addition, experienced developers may explore BlueBream, known for enhancing web security and auto-generating forms with Zoop Toolkit. In addition, it enforces consistent programming and XHTML compliance for template design.
For effective testing, try tools like BrowserStack to test across browsers and devices. This ensures the chosen framework aligns with your goals, providing a personalized user experience. Overall, these frameworks offer rich modules for building diverse applications.
At ThinkPalm, we excel in both high-performance web application development services and top-of-the-line software development services in the UK. Whether you’re seeking custom web applications for enhanced user experiences or robust software development for comprehensive solutions, reach out to our experts today to explore innovative web solutions for your business and elevate your digital presence.