SoFunction
Updated on 2025-03-02

Analysis of the difference between Python Flask and Django and examples of applicable scenarios

Similarities and differences between Flask and Django (explained in combination with code)

Flask and Django are two popular Python web frameworks. Although they are both powerful tools for building web applications, their design philosophy, functionality, and usage are very different. Through code examples, you can understand the similarities and differences between Flask and Django more intuitively.

1. Flask example

1.1 Simple Flask application example

Flask is a lightweight web framework with very simple core features, suitable for small projects and rapid development. Here is an example of using Flask to create a simple web application:

# 
from flask import Flask, jsonify
app = Flask(__name__)
# Define a simple route@('/')
def home():
    return "Hello, Flask!"
# Define a route that returns JSON data@('/api/data')
def data():
    return jsonify({'message': 'Hello, this is some data!'})
if __name__ == '__main__':
    (debug=True)

1.2 Running steps

Install Flask:

pip install flask

Run the Flask application:

python

When you visithttp://127.0.0.1:5000/When the page displays "Hello, Flask!" and accesshttp://127.0.0.1:5000/api/data, you will get a JSON response.

1.3 Flask features

  • Lightweight: Flask is a microframework that only provides the most basic functions. Developers can choose the desired extensions as needed.
  • Free structure: Flask There is no mandatory project structure, you can organize project files freely.
  • Flexible plug-in: Developers can selectively use third-party libraries, such asSQLAlchemy(ORM) andWTForms(Form processing).

Flask summary

Flask's flexibility and simplicity make it ideal for small projects or scenarios where a rapid prototype is needed. It does not force developers to use specific development patterns, so additional functionality needs to be manually integrated in complex projects.

2. Django example

2.1 Django simple application example

Django is a full stack framework with a complete feature set, such as ORM, template system, identity authentication, etc. Here is an example of Django creating a simple web application:

Create a Django project:

django-admin startproject myproject
cd myproject

Create an app in the project:

python  startapp myapp

Revisemyapp/, define a simple view:

# myapp/
from  import HttpResponse
from  import JsonResponse
def home(request):
    return HttpResponse("Hello, Django!")
def data(request):
    return JsonResponse({'message': 'Hello, this is some data!'})

existmyproject/Configure routing in:

# myproject/
from  import admin
from  import path
from myapp import views
urlpatterns = [
    path('admin/', ),
    path('', ),  # Define homepage routing    path('api/data/', ),  # Define the route that returns JSON data]

Run Django server:

python  runserver

Open a browser to accesshttp://127.0.0.1:8000/, the page will display "Hello, Django!", visithttp://127.0.0.1:8000/api/data/, will get a JSON response.

2.2 Features of Django

  • Full stack frame:Django provides all the functions required for web development, such as ORM, template engine, authentication, backend management, etc., which are suitable for rapid development of complex applications.
  • Clear project structure:Django has strict project structure and conventions, and a set of file and directory structure is automatically generated when creating a project by default.
  • Built-in ORM:Django provides a powerful ORM system that allows easy manipulation of databases without the need to handwritten SQL statements.
  • Security: Django provides a variety of security features by default, such as preventing CSRF, SQL injection, etc.

Django Summary

Django is a fully functional framework suitable for building complex web applications. Its built-in rich features allow developers to implement many functions from scratch, but it also means that the framework is heavier.

3. Similarities and similarities between Flask and Django

3.1 Core Design Philosophy

  • Flask: Concise, flexible, micro-framework. Developers have full control over project architecture and function selection, suitable for small projects and scenarios that require highly customized.
  • Django: Full stack framework, providing out-of-the-box features, suitable for quickly building complex large-scale projects.

Django forces a unified project structure to help large teams collaborate.

3.2 Routing definition comparison

  • Flaskpass@()Defining routes is very flexible.
  • DjangoThen passFile centrally manages all routes.

Flask routing example:

@('/')
def home():
    return "Hello, Flask!"

Django routing example:

urlpatterns = [
    path('', ),
]

3.3 ORM (Object Relational Mapping) Comparison

DjangoIt comes with a powerful ORM system, allowing you to operate databases with Python classes:

# Define the Django modelfrom  import models
class Item():
    name = (max_length=100)

FlaskThere is no built-in ORM, and third-party libraries are usually usedSQLAlchemy：

# Define SQLAlchemy modelfrom flask_sqlalchemy import SQLAlchemy
db = SQLAlchemy()
class Item():
    id = (, primary_key=True)
    name = ((100))

3.4 Background management comparison

  • DjangoBuilt-in powerful backend management system, no additional development management interface is required.

access/admin/Data models can be managed.

  • FlaskThere is no built-in background management system, and third-party extension libraries are requiredFlask-Admin。

3.5 Scalability comparison

Flask: Very flexible, you can freely choose the required functions and libraries, such as databases, form processing, identity authentication, etc. Its core library is very lightweight, but the extension library selection is rich.

pip install Flask-SQLAlchemy Flask-WTF

Django: As a full stack framework, Django has integrated the features most developers need, reducing the need for additional installation extensions.

If you need more features, you can use the Django plugin:

pip install django-rest-framework

4. Summary: Choose Flask or Django?

Flask suitable scenarios：

  • Small projects, individual projects.
  • Rapid prototype development is required.
  • Need a highly customized project or microservice architecture.
  • Beginners learn the starting point for web development.

Django suitable scenarios：

  • Large-scale application, enterprise-level project.
  • Collaborative team development and long-term maintenance.
  • It is necessary to quickly develop fully functional applications.
  • The project has high safety requirements.

Ultimately, choosing Flask or Django depends on the size, complexity of the project, and the needs of the team. Flask provides flexibility, while Django provides out-of-the-box tools to speed up development. Both are very powerful web development frameworks, each with its own advantages and applicable scenarios.

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