Detailed Comparison Between Django & Flask
This article will help you decide whether you should choose Flask or Django for your project.
Are you wondering Which framework is better for web development, Flask or Django? With many Python-based web frameworks, developers can create scalable applications quickly. From simple websites to complex ones, these frameworks can handle it all. Among the many popular choices, Django vs. Flask gets the most attention - mainly because they are similar in some ways and different in others!
As a result, a comparison between both is necessary, and while they each have their unique features, there are many factors you must consider before choosing one. Therefore, this article will help you decide whether you should use Flask or Django for your project.
In this article, we'll cover the following topics:
I will compare both Django and Flask based on the following criteria:
- Performance
- Database
- Flexibility
- Security
- Use Cases
- Hiring
- Community
- Top Companies That Use These Frameworks
What is a Framework?
A framework is a collection of modules that assists developers in creating code for web applications. As a fully-developed package, it makes web development faster, simpler, and more scalable.
Frameworks written in Python include Django and Flask. These two Python-based frameworks are among the most popular for web development. Therefore, to understand which framework to use, we first need to understand what Flask and Django are?
Django
Django is a sophisticated Python web framework that provides a flexible, secure, and maintainable web framework for developing web applications. Template projects (not to be confused with template engines) generate boilerplate code based on the Django project and optional libraries that enable you to develop web applications. The principle battery includes the common functionality for building web applications offered by Django and some separate libraries.
Flask
Flask is a lightweight framework commonly referred to as a micro framework. It provides some standard functionality and allows developers to add additional libraries or plugins for an extension. You should consider Flask if you want to add a simple, innovative use case to an existing application because it offers flexibility. It comes with a small set of easy-to-learn APIs, and the documentation is excellent. If you are new to Python, you should begin web development with Flask to learn core concepts and both the backend and frontend.
Difference between Flask and Django
Let's look at the main differences between Django and Flask so you can decide which framework is best suited for your project.
In contrast to Flask, Django has its ORM (object-relational mapping), while it doesn't use data models. Developers can link database tables with classes in a programming language so they can work with models in the same way as database references. Why does Flask lack a data model? Flask differs from Django in its philosophy. While Django combines everything, Flask is a more modular framework.
Among Django and Flask, Django provides a full-featured Model-View-Controller framework. It simplifies the process of creating websites. It focuses on less code, reusable components, and rapid development. Alternatively, Flask is a microframework that emphasizes doing one thing well. You cannot use an ORM with it, and it only comes with basic development tools.
Most Flask applications are single-page applications (SPAs). It's an excellent choice for small and medium-sized sites, such as forums and personal blogs. Django is perfect for large projects such as e-commerce sites and CMSs.
Performance
Lightweight frameworks tend to perform better than heavier frameworks. They are naturally fast due to their size. Therefore, Flask is faster than Django, albeit at a negligible speed difference.
Each framework is deployed on a high-traffic site. However, Django has specific capabilities that promote rapid development.
Winner: Tie
Database
A database stores information for your web application or website. From requesting inputs to collecting data, this is no doubt an integral part of running a website.
Django uses object-relational mapping (ORM), a technique for querying and manipulating data via an object-oriented paradigm. With Django, you can use its ORM systems with Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS), namely Structured Query Language (SQL) or the PostgreSQL and MySQL descendants.
On the other hand, Flask does not include a database system in its original package due to its lightweight nature. Developers, however, are free to use whatever extensions and libraries they need to accomplish data-related tasks. One downside to Flask is the learning curve involved in managing and setting up your databases. Therefore, Flexibility in Flask comes at the expense of knowledge.
Winner: Django
Flexibility
In terms of flexibility, Flask is more flexible than Django by design. It's hard to argue with this. It leverages control through its simplicity and is intended to be extensible. On the other hand, Django tends to accomplish directly opposing tasks.
Winner: Flask
Security
In terms of security, Django provides built-in protection against several attack vectors: cross-site request forgery (CSRF), cross-site scripting (XSS), and SQL injection. Let us describe what these errors are:
- CSRF: CSRF is an attack that forces users to perform unwanted actions on an authenticated website.
- XSS: XSS is a similar attack that infects trusted websites with malicious code.
- SQL Injection: A SQL injection works the same way as XSS, but with databases.
On the other hand, developers are free to implement their security protocols by using third-party extensions in Flask. Even though the Flask-Security library provides the same protection as Django, it does not come standard with the framework, so setting it up requires more work.
Winner: Django
Hiring
Even though Python and Django are very popular, it's hard to hire Django developers. As a result of high demand, they are tough to find and retain, and they are typically more on the senior side, making them quite expensive. Django is also not very popular among new, aspiring web developers since the industry predominantly uses smaller frameworks, and Django itself is hard to learn.
Difficulties are hiring for Flask, too, but it's often easier to hire than Django because it's a lighter framework with few abstraction layers. If you are a developer/programmer with knowledge of Express.js or Sinatra, you can pick up Flask relatively quickly.
Winner: Flask
Use cases
Django was built to speed up the development of complex web applications. Using Django, developers can implement scalable and maintainable functionality. Flask, on the other hand, allows developers to create smaller apps more quickly.
Community
When it comes to Django versus Flask, Django has a much active and larger developer community. You will likely be able to get an answer to your question if you ask it on Stack Overflow or other web forums. Additionally, finding a Django job isn't difficult.
Flask's community is smaller than Django's. Therefore, if you have trouble coding in Flask or have questions about Flask, finding answers may take some time.
Winner: Django
Top Companies That Use These Frameworks
Django
Many high-traffic websites use Django because it is easy to scale and allows a large amount of data to be processed in real-time. The following are the most popular Django projects:
- Dropbox
- Mozilla
- Spotify
- The Washington Post
Flask
One of the most popular Python web development frameworks is Flask. World-renowned companies like Airbnb and Reddit rely on Flask for many reasons. Since Flask allows you to decide which components to use and how you want to interact with them, you can take greater control over your project. You can also plug in any extension you need.
These world-famous companies use Flask to build their websites:
- Airbnb
- Lyft
- Netflix
- RackSpace
- Red Hat
Conclusion
So which is the best Python framework? Honestly, the best framework depends entirely on your project goals. If you don't have a lot of time or money, choose Django. Django is ideal for MVPs, e-commerce platforms, mHealth apps, and government websites. On the other hand, Flask is the best option if you have a small or mid-sized project with unique requirements and require custom components. Flask is especially useful for prototyping.
Hopefully, this comparison provided you with key points to consider when choosing a Python framework. Please let me know if it did, and I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks for reading!
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