Python is an open-source programming language designed to be easy to learn yet powerful. It is arguably the most popular programming language in the world with a 28% market share. It is the favourite language for beginners as well as used by giants like Google and Netflix.
It provides developers freedom and flexibility more than any other programming language and helps to create an application without any restriction. This is one of the reasons it is compatible with almost every operating system available today. Moreover, it is the blue-eyed boy of next-generation technology and artificial intelligence.
Python has become the programming language of choice for developers owing to its comparative simplicity and robust demand in the market. However, in a world where businesses need even faster deliverables, you must learn Python frameworks for speedy product availability.
So, let’s discuss everything about Python frameworks:
What is a framework in Python?
In Python, a framework is a toolkit of ready-made components which helps you create applications more efficiently. Think of it as pre-written codes or libraries which encapsulate common functionality and design patterns. These pre-built components help you to easily create fundamental structures and allow you to focus only on unique parts of Python web applications.
Today multiple Python web frameworks are available designed to address specific needs, preferences and project requirements. We can categorise multiple Python frameworks based on varieties of applications, developer preferences, community and ecosystem, and specific features etc. We will learn more about them shortly.
Why use a Python framework?
Using a framework in programming helps developers on multiple fronts. Pre-written codes and reusable codes save significant time from creating them from scratch. It helps to maintain a consistent project structure.
A specific quality of these Python web frameworks known as boilerplate reduction can handle repetitive and common tasks of a project.
Using a framework accelerates the web development process, enhances security and improves the quality of a Python web application.
What are the Advantages of Frameworks?
Python frameworks come with various advantages. They benefit developers in process improvement, project management and quality enhancement.
Let's discuss some specific areas of key advantages:
Open source: We have multiple open-source Python web frameworks developed and maintained by communities. These are free to use and easily accessible. Communities update them for continuous improvement and provide support as well.
Good documentation: Extensive guides are available for Python frameworks with proper documentation including easy-to-follow tutorials. They help to understand fundamentals and troubleshooting issues.
Efficient: With pre-written and reusable codes, a framework helps to automate common and fundamental tasks. It reduces time creating foundational structure and increases productivity.
Secure: Python frameworks have inbuilt security features that help against common vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and cross-site request forgery (CSRF).
Integration: There are specific web frameworks available based on a variety of applications with unique requirements. If you choose wisely, you can integrate seamlessly to your applications. They come with third-party tools, libraries and APIs that ensure smooth compatibility and flexibility.
How do Python frameworks work?
Python web frameworks are pre-built parts with blueprints. They come with guides and instructions to tell you how and where to use these codes. They have an inbuilt directory structure and create standard project layouts.
They use configuration files to set up database connections, application settings and
URL routing. Inbuilt reusable components allow you to fit them across applications such as authentication systems, form validation, and templating engines.
A framework works like a receptionist to your application as when a request is received, it identifies corresponding views and processes it accordingly. Furthermore, various frameworks come with such tools to help you test your application and help you debugging as well.
Library vs Framework
A library is a general set of pre-written codes. You can use them to fit into the application wherever you need as per their specific functionality. A framework is a detailed structure of libraries, tools, guides and various documents. Rather than helping for a specific part of the application it helps you to build your application as per its rules and conventions.
A library is a subset of a framework. Various libraries are available for Python which you call upon to structure any specific part of the application whereas Framework takes care of whole process of application development from fundamental to advanced level.
Types of Python Frameworks
We have several Python frameworks developed based on features, application requirements, security functions, community and support. We can categorise them broadly into three main types focusing on their scope and capabilities: Full-stack Frameworks, Microframeworks, and Asynchronous frameworks. These frameworks allow you to build websites with Python without a hitch.
Let’s discuss them briefly:
Full stack Framework:
Full-stack Frameworks are complete packages consisting of comprehensive sets of tools and components to help you build an entire application. Frontend and backend development are both covered. They are fully equipped for all sorts of application development requirements such as URL routing, database management, template systems and more. We can put Django and Web2py in this list.
Microframework:
Microframeworks have a minimalistic approach and provide support for basic features of web development. They offer flexibility and freedom to developers to choose and add only essential features. It is very useful for smaller projects. Good examples are Flask and Bottle.
Asynchronous Framework:
Asynchronous Frameworks can handle large number of simultaneous connections efficiently. They are the best for real-time applications requiring high performance such as chat, live feeds, and APIs. They are based on Python’s asyncio library to have asynchronous capabilities.
Top 10 Best Python Frameworks-
Python offers a variety of frameworks catering to new technology, user needs and new features. It is difficult to choose one which is 100% fit for your specific requirements. So, we have curated a list of 10 best Python frameworks covering all categories and specifications.
Let’s discuss them in detail:
Django:
Django is a high-level full-stack Python web framework best known for its robustness, scalability and simplicity. It is free and open source and has ready-to-use features like login systems, database connections and CRUD operations. It has been serving the public since 2005 and it is one of the best Python web frameworks for database-driven websites. Django offers template engines for flawless Python front end for web apps.
Some key features:
It is fast and supports multiple databases with seamless migrations.
Offers multiple customization and extensions for specific projects.
Takes a clear and concise syntax approach to map URLs to views and provide a clean design.
A powerful and flexible template support system and allows you to use filters, custom tags, widgets and field types.
Provides robust security against SQL injections, XSS, CSRF etc.
Best for: Large and complex applications require robust security and high speed.
CherryPy:
CherryPy is one of the best minimalistic Python web frameworks serving the public since 2002. It has extensive libraries in Python and community support making it one of the favourites of developers. It is simple to use and flexible. However, you better learn model-view-controller and object-view-programming before going with CherryPy.
Here are some key features:
Focuses on a minimalistic approach and comes with simple boilerplate codes.
Based on object-oriented programming principles and allows developers to use classes and methods for web development.
A powerful, production-ready HTTP server.
Offers a flexible configuration with Python codes, configuration files, or environmental variables.
Compatible with WSGI standards and allows you to use it with other WSGI servers and frameworks.
Best for: Simple and small applications with straightforward instructions.
Pyramid:
Pyramid is a full-stack Python web application framework and part of the Pylons project that provides comprehensive access to tools and libraries to build entire web applications. However, its flexible nature allows developers to drop some tools and use it as a minimalist framework. This quality makes it useful for both small and complex projects.
Key features:
Flexibility towards minimalism and comprehensiveness is the highlighted feature of this framework.
Compatible with two URL routing mechanisms: URL dispatch and traversal.
Supports multiple templating engines such as Juna2, Chameleon, and Mako.
Suitable for the inclusion and management of status assets including CSS, Javascript, and images.
Provides well-equipped guides and documentation and active communities for support.
Best for: Projects vary from small to large requirements.
Grok:
Grok is also a full-stack framework which leverages Zope Component Architecture to offer comprehensive support from developing, deploying Python web apps to maintaining them. It promotes reusable and adaptable components and provides an agile development experience.
Some key features:
Best fit for all sizes: small prototypes and large applications.
Primarily uses Object Database (ZODB) however can support other databases through various adapters.
With the help of schema definitions, it offers automatic form generation.
Enjoys the rich support of the Zope ecosystem with extensive reusable components and libraries.
Built-in security for authentication and authorization.
Best for: Reusability and component-based development.
TurboGears:
TurboGears is known for its flexible and powerful web development tools. This works as a bridge between microframework and full stack by allowing to adjustment of the scale as required by large or small projects. It is based on Model-View-Controller (MVC) which helps clean the separation of concerns and allows for better maintenance.
Key features:
Implements the MVC architectural pattern.
Provides a powerful and flexible database using SQLAlchemy as its default ORM.
Compatible with various tempting engines such as Genshi, Jinja2, and Kajiki.
Automatic admin interface for managing application data.
Using Websockets and Tornado it supports asynchronous programming as well.
Best for: Projects require both micro and full-stack features.
Web2Py:
Web2Py is a full-stack framework that comes with a web-based Integrated Development Environment (IDE) which makes it swift during development and deployment Python web apps.
It is easy to use and efficiently deployable making it one of the best Python backend frameworks.
Key features:
Works with Database Abstraction Layer (DAL) which provides support for multiple databases such as SQLite, MySQL, and PostgreSQL.
Supports multilingual applications and provides translation for application content in the local language.
Seamlessly scalable with various Python web app deployment options including standalone, behind web servers and on cloud platforms.
For deployment, it offers one-click solutions for many platforms
Robust security features.
Best for: Projects require fast speed with an integrated environment.
Flask:
Flask is the part of microframework category and is one of the best Python web development frameworks. It is based on Werkzeug and Jinja2 WSGI which helps to make it lightweight, flexible and scalable. It is best suitable for both beginners and expert developers. Flask provides powerful tools for Python back-end development.
Key features:
Takes a minimalist approach and provides basic tools for routing, request handling and templating.
Compatible with various extensions and add-on functionalities.
Relies on the Jinja2 templating engine for rendering HTML.
Helps you with cookies, file uploads, and session management.
Supports a built-in development server and enables developers to see changes without restarting the server.
Best for: Small applications and learning purposes.
Bottle:
Bottle is a micro web framework for Python and a popular choice for small applications, prototyping, and learning. It contains only a single file for deployment which makes it easy to use and manage. It is inclusively minimalistic and lightweight which makes it ideal for Python website development.
Key features:
Offers a simplified setup process with no additional configurations.
Contains essential tools only which makes it super light.
Compatible with dynamic URL parameters such as RESTful routing, and URL building.
Built-in template engines, however, supports other templating engines like Jinja2 and Mako.
Allows deployment on WSGI-compatible servers.
Best for: Simple and small projects and prototypes.
Tornado:
Tornado is an asynchronous and scalable Python framework. It is suitable for large projects with its non-blocking web server and framework design. It supports WebSockets and, robust routing to enable developers to handle many concurrent connections with minimal latency. Its flexibility and scalability make it a favourite for a wide range of applications and complex projects.
Key features:
Handle multiple open connections simultaneously using non-blocking I/O.
Perfectly suitable for real-time applications where long-lived connections are required.
Based on asynchronous networking using Python's ‘asyncio’ library.
Supports flexible routing and both dynamic and complex URL patterns.
Comes with an in-built HTTP server with a speed of thousands of requests per second.
Best for: Real-time applications with concurrent needs.
BlueBream:
BlueBream is one of the oldest Python frameworks, formerly known as Zope3. It is based on open-source web applications and uses extensive libraries for building robust and scalable applications. It is a component-based architecture built on Zope and emphasizes reusability and modularity.
Key features:
Based on Zope component architecture(ZCA) which helps to process highly modular and reusable codes.
Object-oriented database storage.
Comprehensive security model with fine-grained access control.
Handle large-scale applications and high-traffic volumes.
Best for: Enterprise-level applications.
How to choose the best Python Frameworks in 2024?
Python web frameworks are comprehensive and versatile in nature catering to different needs and preferences. They spread over a wide range of spectrum of web development: from lightweight to complex frameworks. With robust community support and an extensive library, they can support cutting-edge innovation and AI requirements.
With the carefully curated list of the best Python web frameworks, you can choose the best-suited one for your project by analysing the specific requirements and your learning curve. You can choose from the complexity of projects such as small projects like prototypes or microservices or large projects such as real-time applications or you can make a choice considering your level of knowledge. You can consider flexibility, add-on customization and scalability while choosing the best Python framework.
FAQs: Python Frameworks
What is a framework in Python?
A Python framework is a collection of small modules carrying readymade codes to support developers in building foundational structures more efficiently. It consists of specific tools to handle common tasks such as HTTP requests, database interaction and user authentication which give developers more freedom to focus on critical parts of the projects.
Is Python a framework?
No, Python is not a framework; it is a programming language which is best known for its readability, simplicity and huge range of applications and frameworks. Some of the popular frameworks are Django, Flask, Pyramid etc.
Do you need a framework for Python?
No, you do not need a framework to use Python. It is a self-sufficient programming language which can write scripts and applications without any framework. However, using a framework can help you increase efficiency and reduce time-to-market.
Which Python framework is the best for web development?
Python offers various frameworks ranging from micro to full-stack development. You pick the best based on scope and features, simplicity and complexity, community and support, and scalability. Some of the best Python frameworks are Django, flask, pyramid, Bluebream etc.
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