Flask vs. Django - Which Python Framework You Should Choose?

Flask vs. Django? Which of these two Python frameworks is better to build your web app? While both of these frameworks are hugely popular, they are quite different in terms of what they implement in the framework, and what they leave for the developer to write.

Flask is a microframework that is focused on simplicity, minimalism and fine grained control. It implements the bare minimum, leaving the developer with complete freedom of choice in terms of modules and add-ons. Django on the other hand, adopts an all inclusive “batteries included” approach, providing an admin panel, ORM (Object Relational Mapping), database interfaces, and directory structure straight out of the box.

So with that in mind, how do you decide which will be the better choice for your app? Here, we take a look at the pros and cons of Flask and Django, then explore which framework is the best option in different cases, to give you everything you need to make the right decision and create a successful app.

Pros and cons of Flask and Django

Before we look at whether Flask or Django is more suitable in particular cases, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each framework.

Development speed

Django was created for fast development of complex web apps. Fully featured right out of the box, developers have all the tools they need to implement and develop easily scalable, reliable, and maintainable web apps, in record time. Flask’s simplicity also allows experienced developers to create smaller apps in short timeframes.

Learning curve

For those not already familiar with Python or web frameworks, it is generally accepted that Django has a slightly steeper learning curve than Flask. Django does provide benefits if you need to change your development team mid-way through the process, or scale the app with a new team after project completion. New, experienced developers should be able to understand the project’s architecture and conventions more easily in Django, rather than taking over a project created in Flask.

Flexibility and control

One of Flask’s greatest strengths, is its minimalism and simplicity. No restrictions means that the developer can implement everything exactly as they want it, using a huge range of external libraries and add-ons, making it flexible and extensible. Django on the other hand, with its built-in features and modules, offers far less freedom and control.

Community

One of the main advantages of Django, is that it has a huge active developer community. This means that if you need help, or when it’s time to scale your app, you will have an easier job finding other developers to join in and start contributing, plus a wealth of useful content already in the public domain. The Flask community is currently not as big, and so information may be harder to come by.

Maturity

Django is a very mature framework, having seen its first release in 2005. This means that it has gathered numerous extensions, plugins and third party apps covering a wide range of needs. Flask by comparison, is much younger, having been introduced in 2010, so doesn’t have quite the same range of options available to it.

Flask or Django? Which framework is the best for developing your app

When deciding which framework will perform better for your app, as well as each framework’s pros and cons, it is important to consider the individual needs of your project:

Size of the project

The size of your project is a good starting point when selecting a framework. Flask is more suited to smaller, less complicated applications, while Django is designed for larger, more complex, and high-load applications. The future growth plans of your project should also be factored in. While Flask is flexible and highly extensible, you will need to be prepared to create most of the functionality yourself. Django, on the other hand will be easier to scale as it is fully featured out of the box.

Structure

The structure of your app may dictate which framework you should use. If you have a need for particular tools and libraries, or want a highly customisable framework, Flask will be the best choice. If, however, you don’t require the granular tuning that Flask allows, Django will save you a lot of time and money in development hours with its myriad of built-in features and reasonable defaults.

Type of project

Certain types of apps lend themselves better to each framework:

• An online store would be well served by Django, as the framework includes e-commerce modules and the ORM possibilities should be sufficient.

• Online media would be suited to Django as this is the purpose for which the framework was originally created.

• A simple app with static content could be created with Flask as it provides all the functionality needed and allows vast scope for customisation, whereas a complex app with dynamic content would be better developed using Django.

Choosing the right Python framework

When comparing Flask and Django, the aim is not to declare that one framework is better than the other. Rather, it is to examine the key points that will enable you to make an informed decision, against the needs of your individual project.

Both frameworks are suitable for rapid development of web apps, although Django is considered to have the steeper learning curve. Flask provides the most flexibility in terms of customisation, however Django has a larger existing community of users and so offers more support.

The main thing to remember when choosing a framework, is that they are not a one-size-fits-all solution; the individual project needs should take precedence. Consider the size of the app you wish to build plus plans for future growth, how much customisation will be required, and the type of app you are building.