A Complete Guide To Web Development in Python

A Complete Guide to Web
Development in Python
For those new to programming, you might be wondering what exactly web
development is. Though it’s impossible to pinpoint an exact term, web
development is loosely defined as building, creating, and maintaining websites.
Typically, web development involves a frontend, everything that interacts with the
client, and a backend, which contains business logic and interacts with a database.
Want a good overview of web development? Check out our Beginner’s Guide to
Web Development article.
What makes Python suited for web development?
Advantages of developing web applications in Python

Easy to learn: Python is the most popular language for first-time
learners for a reason. The language relies on common expressions and
whitespace, which allows you to write significantly less code
compared to some other languages like Java or C++. Not only that, but
it has a lower barrier of entry because it’s comparatively more similar
to your everyday language so you can easily understand the code.
Rich ecosystem and libraries: Python offers a vast range of library

tools and packages, which allows you to access much pre-written code,
streamlining your application development time. For example, you
have access to Numpy and Pandas for mathematical analysis, Pygal for
charting, and SLQALchemy for composable queries. Python also
offers amazing web frameworks like Django and Flask, which we’ll
dive into later in the article.
Fast prototyping: Because Python takes significantly less time to

build your projects compared to other programming languages, your
ideas come to life a lot faster, allowing you to gain feedback and
iterate quickly. This quick development time makes Python especially
great for startups who can hit the market sooner to gain a competitive
edge.
Wide-spread popularity: Python is one of the most popular

languages in the world, with communities from all over the world.
Because of how popular the language is, Python is continuously
updated with new features and libraries, while also providing excellent
documentation and community support. Especially for new
developers, Python provides extensive support and framework for one
to begin their developer journey.
Python web frameworks
What are web frameworks, and why are they important?

Think of a toolbox. A web framework is a collection of packages and modules
made up of pre-written, standardized code that supports the development of web
applications, making development faster and easier, and your programs more
reliable and scalable. In other words, frameworks already have built-in
components that “set up” your project, so you have to do less grunt work.
Python web frameworks are only utilized in the backend for server-side
technology, aiding in URL routing, HTTP requests and responses, accessing
databases, and web security. While it is not required to use a web framework, it is
extremely recommended because it helps you develop complex applications in
significantly less time.
Enjoying the article? Scroll down to sign up for our free, bi-monthly
newsletter.
What are some popular Python web frameworks?

Django and Flask are, by a wide margin, the most popular Python web
development frameworks
Django is a Python web framework that offers an open-source, high-level

framework that “encourages rapid development and clean, pragmatic design.” It’s
fast, secure, and scalable. Django offers strong community support and detailed
documentation.
Django is incredibly flexible in which you can work with MVPs to larger
companies. For some perspective, some of the largest companies that use Django
are Instagram, Dropbox, Pinterest, and Spotify.
Read out tutorial on Django for more details: What is Django Python?
Build your first program from scratch
Flask is considered a microframework, which is a minimalistic web framework.

It’s less “batteries-included,” meaning that it lacks a lot of features and
functionality that full-stack frameworks like Django offer, such as a web template
engine, account authorization, and authentication.
Flask is minimalistic and lightweight, meaning that you add extensions and
libraries that you need as you code without automatically being provided with it
by the framework.
The philosophy behind Flask is that it gives only the components you need to
build an app so that you have the flexibility and control.
Flask is also a prevalent and powerful web framework as it’s used by large
companies like Netflix, Linkedin, and Uber.
Other notable frameworks:

Pyramid
Web2Py
Turbogears
Which should you use?

So, you might ask yourself: what framework should I choose? The answer is that
it depends. Consider your skill level as a web developer. If you are quite
experienced, consider developing your program with something more
“barebones.”
Whereas if you are a junior dev, it might be better to use a framework that
provides more support like Django.
Also, ask yourself, would you prefer a “foundation” codebase to build off or have
the flexibility to build the backbone of your codebase? If you prefer the first
option, go with Django; if you prefer the second option, go with Flask.
At the end of the day, they can both achieve the same functionality, and it’s more
important to start coding rather than fretting over which framework is better.

A Complete Guide To Web Development in Python

Uploaded by

A Complete Guide To Web Development in Python

Uploaded by

A Complete Guide to Web

What makes Python suited for web development?

Advantages of developing web applications in Python

Rich ecosystem and libraries: Python offers a vast range of library

Fast prototyping: Because Python takes significantly less time to

Wide-spread popularity: Python is one of the most popular

Python web frameworks

What are web frameworks, and why are they important?

What are some popular Python web frameworks?

Django is a Python web framework that offers an open-source, high-level

Flask is considered a microframework, which is a minimalistic web framework.

Other notable frameworks:

Which should you use?

You might also like