Flask vs. Django – A Quick Comparison Guide

We all love Python and its amazing frameworks.

The technology brings everything needed to build robust applications, and its collection of frameworks makes enough room for less coding and quick customisation.

Among the cohort of Python frameworks, it’s the Flask and Django that makes the biggest talk of the town. Both are massively popular among the programmer breed, but come with the stark disparity in terms of implementation and what they leave for coders to write.

If you are to build a web app and feeling confused between these two biggies of the Python world, here’s a quick comparison guide- the Flask vs. Django saga. We’ve carefully vetted the exact and glaring differences of both these frameworks on the basis of certain key-points- have a read and understand what would be a fitting choice for you-

Highlights- Django & Flask

Django

• Python-based Open source full-stack framework with rigid application architecture
• Fast- Nirvana for projects with strict deadlines
• Follows Python’s “batteries included” philosophy
• Scalable & minimises web hosting cost
• One can get a fully-featured administration interface by coding a few lines
• ORM support
• Extensive documentation and tutorials
• Used by Instagram, Pinterest, Mozilla, The Washington Times, Disqus, and Bitbucket.

 

Flask

• Python-based light microframework; has no specific tools & libraries and database abstraction layer
• Emphasises simplicity & minimalism
• Extremely flexible
• More ‘Pythonic’- easy to learn and get started
• Routing URL is easy
• Support for Google App Engine
• Debugger embedded in the browser
• LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twilio and Uber have used Flask in their back-end

 

Flask vs. Django Comparison- Which Framework is Better for Your Next Project

Development Speed

Django is branded as The web framework for perfectionists with deadlines– no wonder it contributes in building web apps really fast. It’s fully featured, bestowing developers all necessary tools that they need to implement & create reliable and high-performing web applications real quick. Its ability to deliver faster outcomes makes it a perfect solution for the development of large applications.

Flask is positioned as- Web development, one drop at a time. Its simplicity empowers developers to build dynamic web apps faster. It’s lightweight, flexible, and perfect for small projects that are needed to be developed quickly.

Community Support

Django was first released more than a decade ago, in 2005. It today celebrates a large community of active developers who have contributed plugins, extensions, and third-party applications to cater to a wide variety of development needs.  Django now is a mature and established platform to leverage the benefits of a knowledgeable community.

On the other hand, Flask is released in 2010- it’s a young-age tool and currently does not boasts a large community. This might lead to less support in case you get stuck with something.

Development Flexibility

Flask, as aforesaid, is famous for bringing simplicity and minimalism to work. There are no restrictions or whatsoever, thus a developer has the liberty to use everything they deem fit, using a vast array of external libraries and add-ons to shape a robust application.

On the flip side, Django comes with its own set of built-in features and modules, thus somewhat curbing the freedom to experiment and control.

Routing

In Django, Urls.py is used to set the connection properties. Requests are processed by the first matching view of the regex list.

In the case of Flask, URI is mostly set by the view decorator; centralised configuration is also feasible (similar to Django). Before matching the patterns with URI, the latter is sorted in an ascending order of complexity.

Learning Curve

Django is a high-level Python Framework- when compared to Flask, it comes with a slightly steeper learning curve. Experienced developers might enjoy working with Django and understand its architecture and conventions better. However, beginners are likely to find Flask more straightforward and convenient.

So, It’s Django or Flask?

Now, if you want us to talk about the elephant in the room i.e. which framework to choose for your next project, here are our two cents-

• Consider the size of your next project. Django makes a top choice for demanding, high-load applications. Flask is deemed to be a fitment for small, applications of uncomplicated nature.
• Also, the structure of your application can help you make a sound choice. If you are to use some specific tools and libraries, Flask can be your go-to, as it’s highly customisable. However, if you are not in need to fine-tune every detail of the app, you can make a confident move with Django to save loads of development time and efforts.
• The type of project you want can also guide you to cherry-pick the right framework among two- for instance, the presence of ecommerce modules make Django a befitting tool to build online store, while a simple app with static content can be made with Flask without much ado.

Summing it up, your choice of framework boils down to the kind of project you want to build and time you can invest. Consider all that we have covered here and make a perfect choice to roll out your next project with perfection.

We at Systango are adept at Python web development. We build python-enabled web applications, software, APIs, ecommerce stores, and more that perform and create the desired impact. Be it Django, Flask, or any other popular framework, we have command on all to build digital awesomeness for you.

We are always a few clicks away- to get in touch with our team, contact us here.