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Python is one of the most powerful forms of
code in the world right now, and as of 2020, it’s growing rapidly. Utilised by
start-up companies and world-class companies like Google, Netflix, and Spotify,
there seem to be no limits as to what these coding solutions can provide.
However, when implementing Python coding
into your own life, one of the biggest decisions you’ll be making is which
framework to use and why. To help you make this all-important decision, we’ll
be looking at both in detail and explaining all you need to know.
Let’s get right into it.
Who Actually Needs Framework?
Just so we’re on the same page, you don’t
actually need a framework to code with Python. Whatever kind of application
you’re building, you could start from scratch and just go for it. That’s
entirely possible. However, a framework makes the software development process
so much faster than it would otherwise.
If you’re creating apps and using a framework to speed things up, this means you’ll be spending less money on development, and it means you’ll be creating your product so much faster than you usually would. The question is, which framework is right for you, seeing as though Django and Flask are both considered to be one of the best.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Django
Okay, let’s jump straight into what Django
has to offer. This particular framework was released all the back in 2005,
which means it has over 15 years of industry in the coding and software industry.
There are plenty of advantages, including
the incredible support and community that Django has gathered over the years,
plus the fact this is a full start-to-finish package. This means you get
everything from a full admin panel and object relation mapping, all the way
through a directory structure for your apps.
This means there’s no reason you need to
install or use any third-party applications, tools, or libraries. What’s more,
the framework allows you to work with leading database networks and services,
including SQLite, Oracle, and MySQL.
However, there are, of course, some downsides, but not many. After all, the framework has had over 15 years to get itself into the best possible position. The main downside is that there’s a lot to take in. The features and client are massive, so if you’re new and just starting out, the chances are you’d find this very overwhelming.
And the Pros and Cons of Flask
While you would imagine all Python
frameworks are very similar, this simply isn’t the case. Flask
is a much more lightweight package.), known as a microframework. Being so
lightweight, it resembles more of a package that offers basic web application
features and contains basic features like URL routing and error handling.
Since Flask is streamlined and highly
compact, as well as being very easy to use, it’s perfect for beginners and
engineers who are starting out. However, while simple, the framework is
incredibly flexible, which means that even experienced Python coders can get a
ton of use out of it, especially when adding unique features like
authentication and even handling forms.
As you can from the benefits of Flask being a lightweight solution, it should go without saying that this framework isn’t as powerful as other frameworks, Django included. Since the framework hasn’t been around as long either, the support community is also much smaller.
Security in Both
Django offers some Cross Site Scripting
protection, by templating escape specific characters. It also offers built-in
protection from cross site request forgery, by checking every POST request. As
well as this, Django prevents SQL injection because Django’s querysets use
query parameterization. A query’s SQL code is also defined separately from it’s
parameters. Django even has clickjacking protection, since it offers
X-Frame-Options middleware.
Whereas Flask offers Session Based
Authentication through it’s Flask-Login extension, Role/Identity Based Access
through it’s Flask-Principal extension, passlib Password Hashing through it’s
bcrypt function and Token Authentication, amongst other optional features and
extensions.
They also both offer security features HTTP
Authentication.
These are all great features, but it’s
really up to you to use them properly and to choose when to use or disable them
wisely and sparingly.
So, Which is Right for You?
Well, which framework you choose to use
will really depend on your
experience with Python). If you’re just starting out, then Flask will be
much easier to get your head around. However, if you’re looking for something
with more power, and you’re experienced with Python, and what to maximise what
you’re able to achieve, then Django could be precisely what you’re looking for.
Just as an interesting little point, some
of the top brands using Django include platforms like Instagram, Spotify,
YouTube, and Mozilla Firefox. Alternatively, Flask is used by platforms like
Netflix, Reddit, Uber, and Airbnb, so there’s no denying that both frameworks
are incredibly useful, no matter what you’re trying to achieve.
Vanessa Kearney is a tech writer at Thesis
writing service and Academic brits.
She is passionate about writing on how businesses can expand their horizons in
creative ways. She also writes for Originwritings.com_
blog._