Python Django vs Flask – Key Differences

Django and Flask both are very popular python based web development frameworks. As both are used for the same purpose, there is always confusion in choosing one between them. So in this article, we will discuss some of the major differences between Django and Flask. And, we will also try to understand when to choose which one.

The detailed list of topics discussed in this article is given below.

• Introduction to Django
• Advantages & Disadvantages of Django
• Introduction to Flask
• Advantages & Disadvantages of Flask
• Python Django vs Flask – Key Differences
• Python Django vs Flask performance

So, before directly moving to the differences between python Django and Flask. We should have a basic understanding of what is Django and what is Flask. Let’s first start by understanding Django.

Introduction to Django

Django is a full-stack web development framework based upon python. It is a free and open-source framework that follows Model-View-Template (MVT) architecture. Now, Django comes with many in-build functionalities, so as a developer, we only need to build the business logic.

Now if you want to understand Django in-depth, you can also refer to the following article “What is python Django“.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Django

In this section, we will discuss some of the main advantages as well as disadvantages of using the Django framework for our project.

Let’s first see some of the major advantages of using the Django framework.

Advantages of Django

• As Django is based upon python, so its setup and use are easy to understand and implement.
• We also create multiple web applications within a single Django project.
• It is a full-stack framework, so it includes many in-built features and functionalities which help in rapid development. For example- authentication system, internationalization system, and many more.
• It also provides a built-in admin interface that can be used for some administrative tasks.
• Django also offers end-to-end application testing.
• Djongo is a very efficint and reliable framework for big web projects.

Disadvantages of Django

Next, let’s understand some of the disadvantages of using the Django framework for our project.

• With Django, we can combine multiple components in a single project. But handling multiple components together can be complicated.
• It is a full-stack framework, so the learning curve is also high.
• We should know about Django ORM (object-relational mapper) to interact with the application data.
• We should know about regular expression to implement routing in Django.
• Using Django for a small project can underutilizing.

Read: How to setup Django project

Introduction to Flask

Flask is also a python based web development framework but it is a minimalistic framework. This framework provides basic features for developing a web application, and it also doesn’t depend upon any external libraries. Flask also allows developers to add libraries or plugins as an extension. It also offers a reasonable set of easy-to-use APIs.

Read Python Django length filter

Advantages & Disadvantages of Flask

In this section, we will discuss some of the major advantages as well as disadvantages of using the Flask framework for our project.

Let’s first see some of the main advantages of using the Flask framework.

Advantages of Flask

• The flask is a micro-framework for web development, so developing and maintaining websites is very easy.
• Routing URLs in Flask is very easy to implement.
• As flask comes with basic tools, so the learning curve for this framework is easy and small.
• Database integration is also very simple and easy using Flask.
• It is a minimalistic framework yet it is very powerful and there are lots of resources available over the internet.
• This framework is very efficient in handling small to midium sized applications.

Disadvantages of Flask

Next, let’s understand some of the disadvantages of using the Flask framework for our project.

• Developing and maintaining a very large-scale application using Flask can be a complicated task.
• It comes with a limited set of tools and functionalities.
• Maintaining a complex website using Flask can be costly.
• It does not have any build-in admin interface.

Read: Python Tkinter Quiz

Python Django vs Flask – Key Differences

Now, in this section, let’s discuss some of the key differences bet the Django and Flask frameworks.

1. Django was launched in 2005, whereas, Flask was launched in 2010.
2. Dango is a full-stack web framework used for the rapid development of web applications. Whereas, Flask is a WSGI framework build to develop simple and easy projects.
3. Django has a monolithic working approach, whereas Flask has a diversified working approach.
4. Django also offers dynamic HTML pages. However, dynamic HTML pages are not supported in Flask.
5. API support is available in Flask, but it is not available in Django.
6. Django follows a standard project layout but, flask on the other hand does not follow any layout.
7. Django framework also supports 3rd party applications but, Flask does not support any 3rd party application.

Python Django vs Flask performance

Now, in this section, we will try to understand the performance differences between these two frameworks.

When it comes to development speed Django performs better than the Flask. Django is designed to achieve the goal of rapid web development. And Django is also better at developing and maintaining big web applications. Because it offers a very wide range of tools and functionalities. Additionally, Django also focuses on security by providing different security features like- authentication system, CSRF token, etc.

When it comes to processing JSON responses, Flask is faster. It helps in building simple and small web applications. And as it is minimalistic, high-performing, it is best suited for small to medium-scale applications.

Read: ModuleNotFoundError: No module named Django

Conclusion

In the end, I would like to suggest that if you are new to python and you want to learn web development then Flask is the best choice. And if you are a professional in python and want to build a high-end web application then Django is the best choice.

You may also like reading the following articles.

• Python Tkinter Image
• Python Tkinter Colors
• Python Tkinter Autocomplete
• Python Tkinter Mainloop
• Python While loop condition

So, in this tutorial, we have discussed major differences between Django and Flask. And we have also discussed the following topics.

• Introduction to Django
• Advantages & Disadvantages of Django
• Introduction to Flask
• Advantages & Disadvantages of Flask
• Python Django vs Flask – Key Differences
• Python Django vs Flask performance