There’s a great number of general-purpose programming languages but in this particular article, we are going to talk about Python, its popularity, and the best framework. Before we try to outline the best Python framework, let’s get to know more about this language itself. After all, its popularity has been growing for the last 5 years. Actually, it has burst over the last 3 years and there has to be a logical reason for this (actually there are few). By the way, just take a look at what we mean by “burst” below.
Moreover, taking into account the latest Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2020, Python is the 3d most loved programming language among developers worldwide. What’s even more interesting, Python is the #1 among technologies that developers don’t use but want to learn and it holds this position for 4 years in a row now. Also, you should be aware, that experienced data scientists, skilled in Python and R, are considered to be among the most highly compensated developers.
At this point, let’s outline the top advantages of this programming language. Among the main reasons Python is so loved by developers are the following facts:
So, now we know more about the language itself so let’s find out what frameworks and libraries are worth considering.
It’s possible to divide all Python web frameworks into 3 main types. Each type or category can be used in different circumstances and for different purposes. Here are a few words about each of them.
As you could have figured out from the name alone, this type of Python framework is used for all sorts of development: front-end, back-end, and databases. They make the development process much faster and easier by providing a lot of built-in functionalities and common patterns. Projects become more scalable and maintainable. Developers always use existing frameworks unless they have to do something very unusual or unique. With the use of such a framework, a developer can build simple or comprehensive websites as well as all types of applications.
In the case of full-stack frameworks, we can expect overwhelming functionalities but when we are talking about microframeworks, the functionality is limited, size is smaller, and they are used for a specific goal. Usually, these frameworks are usually used to build APIs for other services and apps. Use Python web microframework for rapid development of small and simple apps. Taking into account the fact that microframeworks are small and limited, they are also easier to learn.
Asynchronous technologies are not something new in programming but it’s rather an advanced approach. We have already mentioned that Python is interpreted but with the help of modern tools like the Tornado web framework a developer can do asynchronous programming. Basically, it means that instead of waiting when one process is finished, a developer can write code that does a few processes simultaneously. Such an architecture makes this type of framework very convenient for high-performance networks and web servers as well as database connection libraries, distributed task queues, etc.
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It’s possible to outline the best Python framework only when you understand your project requirements clearly. Otherwise, it’s not wise to name one of them as the ultimate best choice. In this article, we want to outline top frameworks and their strong and weak sides. This should help you get a better understanding in terms of which one is better for you. So, let’s move from one to another trying to mention all the pros and cons as well as significant differences.
These days Django development services are demanded and popular. It’s a full-stack Python framework and among its main advantages are:
The framework Pyramid is a proper choice to build web apps of all sizes. It offers amazing flexibility as developers can choose what kind of templating language, form generation libraries, or database layers they want to use. Let’s outline the top strong sides of the Pyramid Python web framework:
Web2py is another great full-stack framework that has everything a developer might need to build various websites and web apps. Just like the other two, we have mentioned above, it’s free and open-source. It’s amazing thanks to the following features:
There’s a significant number of Python web microframeworks a developer can choose from. In this article, we focus on just a few of them, two of them (the most outstanding ones) to be more precise. We have already mentioned that microframeworks are might lightweight and have limited functionalities. This does not mean they are worse, it only means they are designed to solve a particular task. To put it in simple words, it’s like buying a specific tool to do one job instead of buying a whole set of tools you don’t really need.
Let’s start with Flask framework Python. It’s an outstanding Python web microframework. It has enough libraries and tools to be used to build websites and even web apps. If you need to extend the built-in functionalities you can use additional plugins. Also, there are extensions for form validation, open authentication systems, object-relational mappers, uploading mechanism, and more tools like this. Among the main features of Flask framework Python are:
CherryPy is also a microframework but it’s can also be called a web application library. It is actually one of the oldest, (since 2002), Python web frameworks, that provide a clean interface and reliable platform. Python as a dynamic language, can model and bind HTTP protocol into an API. CherryPy is simple and easy to use. Small apps can be built with fewer lines of code. Developers find the following features of the Python CherryPy framework very appalling:
Tornado is an asynchronous REST API Python framework or asynchronous networking library. A developer can create thousands of open connections with the help of its non-blocking network. Python and Tornado show outstanding performance, it can be used to improve and optimize network processing by handling a lot of clients at the same time. Its main focus is the speed and simultaneous processing of huge volumes of data. Let’s outline the rest of the advantages that have to be taken into account:
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Django sites framework is an extremely popular Python framework, the most popular actually. According to StackOverflow reports it managed to take 6th most popular frameworks among professional developers. Since then it has been slightly moved down by uprising technologies but in the latest 2020 report, it’s the 4th most wanted framework which means that developers have a significant interest in it. Moreover, companies like Mozilla, Instagram, Disqus, and Pinterest prefer Django development services and keep contributing to the community.
Pyramid Python web framework was released back in 2008 but if you are to browse the web looking for some facts about its popularity, you won’t find any decent information. Obviously, Pyramid is not much of a buzz maker yet it stays one of the most popular Python frameworks often used by developers. No wonder it is often compared to the rest of the most popular Python frameworks.
Web2py is used in various industries from news portals to law firms – SimilarTech. Among countries where it is used the most are Japan, the USA, Argentina, and Italy. Its usage is growing and the number of websites built with it is constantly growing – source. At this point, Web2py is one of the most popular Python frameworks and, most likely, its popularity will continue to grow.
Flask framework Python was released in 2010 and it has been almost as popular as Django. Actually, according to StackOverflow surveys, it was right next to Django in 2019 and 2020 both. Django and Flask both at peak of popularity held 3th and even 2nd positions. This fact alone means a lot. Additionally, just take a look at these worldwide popular companies that are using Flask: Red Hat, Airbnb, Netflix, Reddit, and more!
Python CherryPy framework is another popular solution often used by developers. The number of websites built with it is growing according to BuiltWith. It’s not mentioned in StackOverflow surveys but that’s normal for a microframework to be less talked about. Merchantcircle.com is probably the most popular website written with CherryPy.
Tornado web framework is the last one which popularity we are to overview. The initial release date is back in 2009. Since then it has been growing in popularity and among the most popular websites using this framework are Facebook and FriendFeed – source.
In terms of popularity, Django and Flask are definitely leaders with their outstanding popularity and demand among developers. Still, we have to take into account that microframeworks are not all in one solution which is probably the main reason for this popularity gap. meanwhile, all the frameworks mentioned in this article are considered the best solution for Python development. Which one to choose is a very subjective question. Everything depends on your project requirements and goals. Only when you clearly understand what kind of architecture is preferable for your project, you can make technology choices. In case you don’t have a CTO or someone with technical background but you need to come up with a solution, contact us and we’ll help you with your project.
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