Python is a versatile and powerful programming language widely used for web development. Several Python web frameworks can help you quickly create a robust and scalable web application, irrespective of whether you’re building a small-scale web application or a large-scale enterprise-level system.
But with so many options, it can be challenging to choose the best Python framework worth learning in 2023. That’s where this article comes in handy.
This blog post will introduce you to the best Python web frameworks worth studying this year. We’ll discuss Flask, Django, Pyramid, and many more. We will also compare their features, benefits, and use cases.
By the end of this article, you’ll better understand each framework’s strengths and weaknesses and be equipped with the knowledge you need to choose the best Python web framework for your project.
What Is Python?
Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language first released in 1991 by Guido van Rossum. It is designed to be easy to read, write, and understand, with a clean syntax and a focus on code readability.
Python is an open-source language, meaning its source code is freely available to anyone who wants to use, modify, or distribute it.
Python is versatile and suitable for various applications, including web development, scientific computing, data analysis, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and more. Its popularity has been growing steadily over the years, and it is now one of the world’s most widely used programming languages.
Python programming language stands out for its large and active community of developers, who contribute to its development by improving its libraries, tools, and frameworks. This community-driven approach helps make Python a powerful and flexible language for solving various problems.
Reasons Why Python Is Ideal for Web Development
Python is an ideal language for web development due to its simplicity, ease of use, and versatility.
Here are some of the critical reasons why Python is suitable for web development:
- Readability – Python code is easy to read and understand, which makes it easier to collaborate on projects, maintain code, and reduce development time.
- Large and Active Community – It has a large and active community of developers who create and maintain numerous libraries and frameworks often used for web development.
- Plenty of Web Frameworks – Python has several web frameworks, such as Flask, Django, and Pyramid, which provide a structured and organized way of developing web applications.
- Fast Development – Python’s simple syntax and abundance of libraries make it easy to develop web applications quickly and efficiently.
- Scalability – Python’s powerful features, such as multiprocessing and threading, allow developers to build scalable web applications that can handle high traffic and data levels.
- Flexibility – Python can be used for various web development tasks, including server-side scripting, back-end development, and data analysis.
Python’s ease of use, flexibility, and extensive community of developers make it an ideal language for web development. Its numerous libraries and frameworks provide a structured and efficient way of developing web applications.
At the same time, it’s scalability and powerful features allow for the creation of high-performance web applications that can handle large amounts of traffic and data.
Major Python Framework Categories
We should first look into the main Python framework categories to understand Python web frameworks, which generally be divided into three categories:
- Full-Stack Frameworks – Full-stack frameworks provide a complete set of tools and features for building complex web applications. They typically include database support, URL routing, form handling, templating, and security features. Examples of full-stack Python web frameworks include Django and Web2Py.
- Micro Framework – Micro frameworks are lightweight and provide only the essential features needed to build simple web applications. They typically include features such as URL routing and request handling but may not include features such as database support or form handling. Examples of micro frameworks include Flask and Bottle.
- Asynchronous Frameworks – Asynchronous frameworks are designed to handle large amounts of concurrent traffic and requests by using non-blocking I/O. They are ideal for building real-time applications such as chat applications or online games. Examples of asynchronous frameworks include Tornado and aiohttp.
Some frameworks may fall between these categories, offering a balance between simplicity and full-stack features or asynchronous and synchronous request handling. Ultimately, the choice of framework depends on the specific needs and requirements of the web application being developed.
Best Python Web Frameworks Worth Learning
The following are the best Python web frameworks that you should consider learning this year:
1. Django
Django is a high-level Python web framework designed to help developers create web applications quickly and efficiently. It dates back to 2005 and provides a structured and organized way of handling web requests and responses, managing data, and simplifying everyday web development tasks.
Django is ideal for developers of all skill levels and has been used to build a wide range of applications, from small-scale websites to large-scale enterprise-level systems.
Features of Django Python Framework:
- Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) – Django provides an ORM that allows developers to interact with databases using Python code, making it easy to manage and query data.
- Admin Interface – This framework provides an admin interface that allows developers to manage data and perform everyday administrative tasks, such as creating, updating, and deleting records.
- URL Routing – Django provides a powerful URL routing system that makes it easy to map URLs to views and handle web requests and responses.
- Security – It has several built-in security features, such as CSRF protection and SQL injection prevention, which help to keep web applications secure.
- Scalability – Django is highly scalable and useable for building web applications that can handle high levels of traffic and data.
Django is a powerful and flexible web framework that is handy for building complex, scalable web applications. Its many features and benefits, such as ORM, admin interface, URL routing, and security, make it a popular choice among developers.
Besides, its large and active community also provides a wealth of resources and support, making it easier for developers to learn and use the framework effectively.
2. Tornado
Tornado is a robust and scalable Python web framework, which is designed for handling large amounts of traffic. Moreover, Tornado guarantees high-performance web services in most environments.
Tornado is ideal for building real-time web applications that require high concurrencies, such as chat applications, social media platforms, and online gaming platforms.
Features of Tornado Framework:
- Asynchronous Design – Tornado is built on an asynchronous format, which allows it to handle high levels of concurrency and provide fast response times.
- Speed – Tornado is known for its speed and performance, making it ideal for building high-performance web applications.
- WebSocket Support – Tornado provides built-in support for WebSockets, which makes it easy to build real-time web applications that require two-way communication between the client and server.
- Scalability – Tornado is highly scalable and can handle large amounts of traffic and requests, making it ideal for building web applications that handle high traffic volumes.
- Lightweight – Tornado is a lightweight framework, making it easy to learn and use for developers who are new to web development.
Tornado is a powerful and scalable web framework well-suited for building real-time web applications requiring high concurrency and performance.
It features several characteristics that make it a popular choice among developers who value performance and scalability in their web development projects.
3. Flask
Flask is a lightweight and flexible Python web framework that provides a simple and easy-to-use way of developing web applications, making it a popular choice for small to medium-sized projects.
Flask is ideal for developers who want a minimalistic approach to web development and prefer complete control over their applications’ design and implementation.
Features of Flask Framework:
- Lightweight – Flask is a lightweight framework, making it easy to learn and use for developers who are new to web development.
- Flexibility – Flask is highly flexible and can be easily customized to meet the specific needs of a project.
- Extensibility – Flask has a modular design, which allows developers to easily extend the framework’s functionality by adding new libraries and tools.
- URL Routing – Flask provides a simple and intuitive URL routing system that makes it easy to map URLs to views and handle web requests and responses.
- Large and Active Community – Flask has a large and active community of developers who contribute to the framework by developing new libraries and tools and providing support to other developers.
Flask web framework is a simple, flexible, and highly customizable web framework that is well-suited for small to medium-sized web development projects. It guarantees simplicity and control of your web development projects.
4. Bottle
The Bottle framework is a lightweight and minimalist Python web framework, which is designed to provide a simple and easy-to-use way of developing web applications, making it a popular choice for small projects and prototyping.
The Bottle framework is ideal for developers who want a quick and easy way to build web applications without complex setup or configuration.
Features of the Bottle framework:
- Lightweight – Bottle is a lightweight framework, making it easy to learn and use for developers who are new to web development.
- Simplicity – Bottle has a minimalist design, with a small codebase and a simple API, making it easy to understand and use.
- Speed – It is fast and efficient, making it ideal for building high-performance web applications.
- URL Routing – Bottle provides a simple and intuitive URL routing system that makes it easy to map URLs to views and handle web requests and responses.
- Extensibility – The framework is highly extensible and can be easily customized to meet the specific needs of a project.
It is as simple and lightweight as any web framework can be. Its array of features makes it an excellent choice among developers who value ease of use and quick development in their web development projects. However, it may not be suitable for large-scale projects that require complex features and advanced functionality.
5. CherryPy
CherryPy also makes it to the list of the best Python web frameworks. The minimalist and easy-to-use Python web framework is designed to provide a simple and easy-to-understand way of building web applications, making it a popular choice for small to medium-sized projects.
Features of the CherryPy framework:
- Minimalist Design – CherryPy has a minimalist design, with a small codebase and a simple API, making it easy to understand and use.
- Flexibility – CherryPy is highly flexible and can be easily customized to meet the specific needs of a project.
- Easy to Learn – CherryPy is easy to learn and use for developers who are new to web development, making it a good choice for beginners.
- URL Routing – CherryPy provides a simple and intuitive URL routing system that makes it easy to map URLs to views and handle web requests and responses.
- Built-in Web Server – CherryPy comes with a built-in web server, making it easy to develop and test web applications without the need for additional software.
- Active Community – CherryPy has a large and active community of developers who contribute to the framework by developing new libraries and tools and providing support to other developers.
CherryPy is a simple and lightweight web framework well-suited for small to medium-sized projects. You will find its array of features ideal if you value simplicity and ease of use in your web development projects.
6. Web2Py
Web2Py is an open-source and full-stack Python web framework, which is designed to be easy to learn and use and to provide a complete set of tools and features for building complex web applications.
If you are looking for a powerful and flexible web framework that can handle a wide range of web development tasks, Web2Py is your ideal framework.
Features of the Web2Py framework:
- Security – Web2Py strongly focuses on security and provides many built-in security features, such as automatic input validation, secure session management, and cross-site scripting prevention.
- Database Abstraction – Web2Py provides a database abstraction layer that supports multiple databases, making it easy to work with various database systems.
- Rapid Development – Web2Py is designed to enable rapid development, with features such as automatic code reloading, scaffolding, and a built-in web-based IDE.
- Scalability – Web2Py is highly scalable and can handle large amounts of traffic and requests, making it ideal for building web applications that handle high traffic volumes.
- Easy Deployment – Web2Py is easy to deploy, with built-in support for deployment to multiple platforms and cloud services.
Web2Py is a powerful and flexible web framework often used for building complex web applications. Its many features and benefits, such as security, database abstraction, rapid development, scalability, easy deployment, and community support, make it a popular choice among developers who value flexibility and power in their web development projects.
7. Pyramid
Pyramid is a lightweight and flexible Python web framework designed to provide a minimalist approach to web development, allowing developers to build web applications quickly and efficiently without being constrained by the framework’s design.
Pyramid is ideal for building small to medium-sized web applications requiring high flexibility and scalability.
Features of the Pyramid framework:
- Flexibility – Pyramid is highly flexible and can be used for various web development tasks, from building small-scale websites to large-scale enterprise-level systems.
- URL Routing – Pyramid provides a powerful URL routing system that makes it easy to map URLs to views and handle web requests and responses.
- Extensibility – The pyramid is highly extensible and can be easily customized to meet the specific needs of a project.
- Speed – Pyramid is fast and efficient, making it ideal for building high-performance web applications.
Pyramid is a versatile and powerful web framework that is ideal for building flexible and scalable web applications. Its many features and benefits make it popular among developers who value simplicity and flexibility in their web development projects.
Conclusion
That’s the end of our article on the best Python web frameworks worth learning about this year. All the frameworks reviewed in this post have excellent features for web development.
Besides, each has a large and active community of developers who contribute to them by developing new libraries and tools and providing support to other developers.