🐍 Python Tutorial: Web Development with Flask and Django

Python is widely used for web development due to its readability and the power of its frameworks. In this tutorial, we explore two of the most popular Python web frameworks—Flask and Django. You'll learn their philosophies, how to build a basic app with each, and how to choose between them.

1. Flask: A Microframework

Flask is a lightweight WSGI web application framework. It's designed to be simple and easy to extend. Flask gives you the tools to build web apps or APIs from scratch with fine-grained control over your app’s architecture.

Here’s a minimal Flask app:

from flask import Flask

app = Flask(__name__)

@app.route('/')
def hello():
    return 'Hello, Flask!'

if __name__ == '__main__':
    app.run(debug=True)

🔧 Install Flask: pip install flask

You can expand your Flask app with extensions like:

• Flask-SQLAlchemy: for database support
• Flask-Login: for user session management
• Flask-Migrate: for database migrations

2. Django: Batteries-Included Framework

Django is a high-level web framework that encourages rapid development and clean, pragmatic design. It follows the "batteries-included" philosophy, meaning it comes with a lot of built-in features.

With Django, you get:

• Object-relational mapping (ORM)
• Automatic admin interface
• User authentication system
• Robust templating engine

Example of a Django view:

# Create a new Django project:
# django-admin startproject myproject

# Inside views.py:
from django.http import HttpResponse

def hello(request):
    return HttpResponse("Hello, Django!")

# Add to urls.py:
from django.urls import path
from . import views

urlpatterns = [
    path('', views.hello),
]

🔧 Install Django: pip install django
Start the dev server: python manage.py runserver

3. Flask vs Django

Choosing between Flask and Django depends on your project:

• Flask: Excellent for custom solutions, microservices, and when you want full control.
• Django: Best for rapid development of full-featured websites with reusable components.

Both frameworks are powerful and widely used. Learn both to increase your flexibility as a Python web developer.

Additional Resources & References