Exploring Python Web Frameworks: A Comprehensive Overview

For developers to build a Python software app, they need the basic infrastructure that Python frameworks provide. 

Thanks to the optimized structure for app development, developers can steer their focus on the core app instead of wasting time on routine elements. 

Python is one of the most popular programming languages today and it enables developers to make complex and multi-protocol apps while maintaining a concise syntax. 

Why Python Frameworks Matter & Types of Python Frameworks

Python frameworks are vital for modern web development. They provide developers with the necessary tools and support to make scalable, robust, and safe apps. 

Let’s take a look at the role of Python frameworks in web development: 

  • Productivity 

Python frameworks abstract common tasks so developers have more time to focus on the app logic instead of spending that time on lower-level details of implementation. 

This results in faster development cycles and a quicker placement of the app on the market.

  • Efficiency 

The pre-built modules and libraries of Python allow developers to code more efficiently. 

They provide tools for common tasks like web development and streamline the development process. 

  • Consistency

The coding standards and best practices that frameworks enforce ensure codebase consistency. 

This allows developers to understand and maintain each other’s code more easily. 

  • Scalability 

Many frameworks are designed with scalability in mind and provide the necessary tools and features to scale apps easily as they become more complex and as the traffic grows. 

  • Security 

Frameworks often contain built-in security elements and practices that protect from common vulnerabilities like SQL injections and cross-site scripting. 

  • Flexibility 

Though frameworks allow development, they also provide the necessary flexibility for the customization of functionalities to meet specific requirements for the project. 

  • Support 

The most popular frameworks have big and active communities so there’s an abundance of tutorials, documentation, and libraries at your disposal. 

This can significantly speed up the development process as well as the troubleshooting processes.

Python frameworks are categorized into three types:

  • The full-stack framework supplies different tools to develop the front-end and back-end elements of web apps. 

It includes features for templating, database interaction, routing, authentication, and more. 

  • Microframeworks are minimalist and lightweight frameworks that focus on flexibility and simplicity. 

They provide tools to build apps without the complexity of full-stack frameworks. 

They’re best for smaller projects or for developers who prefer more control over their code.

  • Asynchronous frameworks ease the development of non-blocking and concurrent apps. 

The use of asynchronous programming paradigms addresses multiple I/O operations concurrently without blocking the execution flow.

Python Framework Comparison: The Top 5 Python Web Frameworks

  1. Flask 

This framework has the highest use percentage for API development, prototyping, and microservices. 

As a micro-framework, it offers basic functionality, but its uniqueness lies in the easy expansion capacity that allows developers to join libraries with each other effortlessly.

It also provides other tools and features like template, rendering, URL routing, etc. 

Developers can add additional functionality using the ecosystem of extensions. It allows more freedom and customization as it doesn’t impose a specific structure or dependencies.

  1. Django

The second most used framework is a popular choice for building e-commerce platforms, CMSs, and social media sites. 

As a high-level framework, it provides all the necessary tools to build a web app from low- to high-end. The goal of this framework is to ease the creation of complex and database-driven websites. 

As an all-encompassing framework, Django has everything that a developer requires to make a web app without the need for external libraries to cover the basic functionalities.

  1. CherryPy 

This minimalist and open-source framework is best suited for the quick development of small and medium web apps, RESTful APIs, prototyping, and proof of concept. 

It offers a one-of-a-kind balance of unique functionalities not usually expected from microframeworks like Flask and simplicity which isn’t usually found in full-stack options such as Django. 

It requires minimal code changes and no need for separate WSGI server setups to run web apps. 

From static content serving and session management to caching and authentication, CherryPy provides a variety of tools to address web development.

  1. Bottle

This microframework is the go-to for small web apps, prototyping, and personal projects. It’s simple, easy to use, and deploys from a single file. 

It’s used to build web interfaces for projects or devices with a limit in resources and to improve the interaction without the need for extensive capabilities for hardware control. 

The simple routing system makes Bottle a suitable choice for RESTful APIs while the built-in development server simplifies the local development and testing. 

As Bottle is compatible with any WSGI server, you can deploy apps to production environments with different servers compatible with WSGI and enhance scalability and performance.

  1. Web2Py

If you need to develop safe, scalable, and fast database-driven web apps, this is the framework you need. It’s suitable for rapid prototyping and scientific and data analysis apps. 

This full-stack framework is centered around simple use, a codeless approach to configuration, and the Don’t Repeat Yourself principle. 

With it, you get everything you need to create web apps, including a web server, a web-based interface, a relational database, and a ticketing system. 

Web2Py apps are portable across various cloud platforms and operating systems and its architecture enables scalability. 

Final Thoughts

The vibrant ecosystem of web frameworks of Python offers web developers an abundance of tools and methods to build robust web apps. 

From the lightweight and flexible Flask to the feature-rich Django, every Python framework has its advantages and is suitable for different projects. 

Whether it’s a large web app you’re building or a small prototype, Python has you covered. 

If you want to dive deeper into Python web development and how Python frameworks can advance your business, consult our skilled developers at ArtHaus. We’ve been providing effective IT solutions for clients globally, within budget.