Revolutionizing Web Development with Python Frameworks in 2024

Developers use various programming languages when they want to build projects, and Python is one of the popular ones. The ease of learning it offers, and mature libraries like object-relational mapping (ORM) have helped it gain a top position. The TIOBE 2024 index shows that the language has beaten Java and become a developer’s favorite.?

Before coming to the Python framework, let us understand a web app. A web application represents a web pipeline with many programs working together. Developers have to take care of URLs, code, and security concerns, among other things, to develop a website or a web app.

Frameworks come with pre-built components, consistent structure, and built-in security features to ease the web development process.?

What is a Framework in Python?

A framework represents a structure in general. A framework in Python is a structure with modules, classes, and functions that help developers streamline their Python workflows. These structures enforce coding practices and offer built-in features and tools that accelerate project development.?

Think of it like a pre-build house where you can customize the interiors to make it a home for someone. Developers use its pre-defined tools and conventions for everyday tasks. These tasks include handling HTTP requests, managing databases, and rendering templates.??

Why Use A Framework?

There are several reasons why developers use a framework, and a few such reasons are explained below.?

1. Streamlining the Development Process

The frameworks come with pre-built components and conventions. Developers can boilerplate codes while reducing the need to write code themselves. It helps speed up the development process and reduce the chances of human errors.?

1. Improving Code Quality

Frameworks offer a set of guidelines for coding. They enforce coding standards and best practices, helping developers create more readable and consistent code. The frameworks are usually packed with testing and debugging tools, making the development more manageable.??

1. Better Security and Reliability?

The frameworks are designed to protect web applications from security vulnerabilities as they include built-in security features. They also offer tools that optimize and monitor performance to ensure better reliability.?

What are the Advantages Of Frameworks?

Python frameworks offer a multitude of advantages to streamline the web development process. The built-in features and functionalities reduce the need to create boilerplate codes . This helps developers focus on innovations rather than re-invent the standard features.?

There are different plugins available that help with the development of specific websites. Woocommerce helps with stock management and accelerates e-commerce web development. On the other hand, the QuantLib plugin is for quantitative financial web development, and smart-on-fhir helps with healthcare web development. Some other common advantages of frameworks are listed below.?

• Open-source

Most Python frameworks are open-source, making them freely available for viewing and modifying. Developers can change them to suit the project’s requirements, making them adaptable.??

• Good documentation

Python frameworks are known for the extensive documentation they offer. The documentation feature usually includes tutorials, guides, and API references. This enables the developers to provide clear explanations, examples, and guidance, making learning and using frameworks easy.?

• Efficient

The frameworks offer a structured and organized approach to web development. This makes the development process faster as tools and pre-built components reduce the need for developers to write the code from scratch.?

• Secure

The frameworks do not guarantee complete security but offer a solid foundation to secure your web apps. They are packed with security features like cross-site scripting (XSS) prevention, cross-site request forgery (CSRF) protection, SQL injection prevention, secure password hashing, and many more.?

• Integration

Python frameworks have built-in support for integrating with different tools and services. Standard integrations include database integrations like PostgreSQL and MySQL , third-party APIs, task queues, deployment tools like Docker and Heroku , and more.?

How do Python Frameworks Work?

Every Python framework has a well-organized structure that includes several components. The components help developers focus on building the web app rather than focusing on the underlying infrastructure.?

A few such standard components include-

1. Routing: This determines the function that will handle a specific URL request.?
2. Templating: It creates HTML pages by combining templates with data.?
3. Database interactions: Offers tools to interact with databases for easy storage and data revival.?
4. Session management: Tracks user sessions.
5. Caching: improves performance by storing frequently accessed data in the memory.?

Although every Python framework works differently, here’s a simple breakdown of how they generally work.

• Request handling: The work begins with the user visiting the web page. The web server receives the HTTP request, and the framework intercepts it. It then routes it to the proper handler function based on the URL.?
• Data processing: The handler function processes the HTTP request. The request may include fetching data from the database, performing calculations, or interacting with other systems.?
• Template rendering: the handler function generates an HTML response using the templating engine. This includes combining data with a predefined template to create the content that the user receives.?
• Response sending: The framework then sends the response to the web server directed to the user's browser.?

Library v/s Framework

A library and framework are different concepts in software development. The following table describes the two with their distinctions.?

Criteria?

Library?

Framework?

Meaning?

A collection of reusable codes that a developer can use. The codes can be imported and utilized in other programs. When developers use a library, it does not impose any structure or conventions on the application.?

Fit is a complete structure that is used for building applications. Pre-defined tools and conventions offer a high-level abstraction over the underlying infrastructure.?

Scope?

Focus on a specific functionality.?

Offer a broader structure to create an entire application.??

Control?

Developers have control over how they use it.?

Frameworks impose structure or workflow. There is a systematic way in which they work.?

Dependency?

Libraries can be used independently.?

Frameworks often require the use of specific components or conventions.?

Types of Python Frameworks

The frameworks, in general, are of three types, as described in the points below.

1. Full-stack Framework?

As the name suggests, the frameworks offer end-to-end web development. They provide comprehensive tools, libraries, template layouts, and more to build web apps from front-end to back-end.?

1. Micro Framework

These lightweight frameworks help developers with specific tasks related to web development. They are ideal for smaller and more specialized projects.?

1. Asynchronous Framework

The frameworks work well when the developers want to handle multiple tasks concurrently. They are specially designed to handle I/O-bound operations and can provide significant performance gains.??

Top 10 Best Python Frameworks

Below is the list of top Python frameworks you can use in web development. The list includes information on the Python language it supports and its unique features. The content highlights why you should use the mentioned framework and the web development problems it can address.?

○ Django

Django is known for its "batteries-included" approach, providing a full-stack framework with an ORM, admin interface, and robust security features. Django 4 supports Python 3.9 and is BSD-licensed. Its unique features and the web development problems each solves are listed hereunder.?

• Admin Interface: Django comes with a built-in admin interface you can customize. This interface makes it easier to manage application data.

Makes Administrative tasks easier: Building back-end interfaces to manage data is challenging. The admin interface does this job, so developers can spend more time creating features than admin tools.

• ORM (Object-Relational Mapping): Django's ORM system lets developers work with the database using Python objects. This means they don't need to write as many raw SQL queries.

Makes Database Interactions smoother: Developers often deal with many SQL queries. ORM turns complex SQL queries into simpler Python code. This reduces mistakes when working with databases, making the development process quicker and easier.

• Form Handling: Django has a robust forms library that makes form validation, rendering, and handling easier.

Simple Form Management: Django's forms library makes it simpler to handle user input, check data, and show forms. This cuts down on repetitive code and improves how data is dealt with.

• Link to its code repository.??

○ CherryPy

CherryPy provides a minimalistic and lightweight web framework with its own HTTP server. Developers get flexibility when developing web applications and services. It requires Python 3.6 and over versions to operate and is BSD-licensed.?

It works well for applications requiring control over the web server. The list below highlights special features and the specific web development problems they cater to.?

• Built-in HTTP Server: CherryPy has a web server that lets you run apps without needing extra server software.

Easy Deployment: The built-in HTTP server solves the problem of setting up and tweaking an outside web server. This makes it easy to roll out more minor projects.

• WSGI Compatibility: It supports WSGI, which allows it to integrate with other WSGI-compliant tools and frameworks.

Integration: WSGI compatibility lets CherryPy work with other Python web technologies. This makes it easier to integrate with different tools and libraries.

• Configurability: CherryPy gives developers flexible options to set up the web server.

Customization: The flexible setup options help developers adjust the web server's behavior to meet specific needs and performance goals.

• Link to its code repository.?

○ Bottle

Bottle is a lightweight, straightforward micro-framework ideal for small web applications and prototyping. Its single-file design makes it easy to deploy and use without much overhead. It supports several Python versions , and it is MIT-licensed. Some of its unique features and the web development issues it solves are listed below.?

• Single-File Framework: Bottle framework comes as a single file. This makes it very small and easy to use.

Simple Design: The one-file setup meets the demand for an uncomplicated, easy-to-use framework that works well for small projects and test versions.

• Ready-to-Use Server: It comes with a server for development and testing, eliminating the need to set up outside servers.

Building and Checking: The included server makes it easier to build and check by giving you a ready-to-go setting without extra setup.

• Basic Features: Bottle offers the key features you need to create web applications.

User-Friendly: Bottle's bare-bones approach solves the problem of too much complexity in small projects by giving you a clear, easy-to-grasp framework.

• Link to its code repository.?

○ Pyramid

Pyramid offers excellent flexibility, allowing developers to build small and large applications. It supports various routing and templating options and is highly customizable, making it ideal for projects with specific needs. Pyramid 2.0.1 supports Python 3.10 and newer versions and is BSD-licensed. A few unique features of this framework, along with the web development problem it solves, are given.?

• Flexible URL Routing: Pyramid supports multiple routing mechanisms, including URL dispatch and traversal, which allows for flexible URL design.

URL Design Flexibility: The backing of different routing mechanisms impacts the ability to design complex URL schemes and route requests.

• Extensible Architecture: It offers a modular architecture that backs various plugins and extensions.

Scalability: Pyramid's extensible architecture enables developers to begin small and grow as needed, which helps to adapt to increasing project needs.

• Authorization and Authentication: Pyramid contains strong mechanisms to manage permissions and user authentication.

Access Control: Built-in authorization and authentication mechanisms help to ensure secure access control and user management.

○ Grok

Gork is a framework that has a component-based architecture and offers automatic configuration. It’s suitable for applications that benefit from a modular, reusable code structure and a powerful object-oriented approach. Grok 3.3 supports Python 3.9 and Zope Public License-certified (ZPL).?

• Component-Based Architecture: Grok has a component-based design that makes modular development and code reuse easier.

Modularity: The component-based approach helps create modular and maintainable applications by encouraging developers to reuse code and separate concerns.

• Automatic Configuration: It sets up configurations based on how the application is structured and its components.

Configuration: Automatic setup cuts down on manual work and boilerplate code, which speeds up how fast developers can build things.

• Built on Zope Toolkit: Grok gets powerful features from the Zope Toolkit, including advanced ways to program with objects.

Advanced Features: Using the Zope Toolkit's features gives developers sophisticated tools to build complex applications.

• This framework has no official website; here is a link to its code repository.?

○ TurboGears

TurboGears offers a full-stack framework with a focus on modularity. It integrates well with various components like SQLAlchemy and provides rapid development and deployment tools. It supports Python 3.4 and versions above and is BSD-licensed.?

• Full-Stack Framework: TurboGears influences web development by combining parts like SQLAlchemy and Genshi to offer a total package.

Comprehensive Solution: TurboGears solves the challenge of putting different tools and libraries together by giving developers a unified environment in which to work.

• Flexible Configuration: Depending on their project needs, developers can use it as a complete framework or a simple toolkit.

Versatility: TurboGears adapts to big and small projects, fixing the problem of matching different project sizes and needs.

• Built-In Components: TurboGears has ready-to-use parts to manage databases, create templates, and do more tasks.

Integrated Features: Built-in components make development more accessible and reduce the need for outside libraries and tools.

○ Web2Py

Web2Py includes an integrated development environment (IDE) and operates as a self-contained environment with minimal setup. It is suited for developers looking for an all-in-one solution with built-in tools. The framework currently includes Python 2.7 but supports other versions and is General Public License-certified (GPL version 2).?

• Integrated Development Environment (IDE): Web2Py has a web-based IDE to code, test, and deploy applications.

Development and Deployment: The built-in IDE makes it easier to develop and deploy, meeting the need for a smoother development setup.

• No External Dependencies: It works as a standalone system without extra installs or setups.

Self-Containment: Not needing outside parts solves the problem of handling and setting up many software pieces.

• Built-In Tools: Web2Py offers tools to manage databases, sessions, and user login.

Swiss Army Knife: The built-in tools reduce the need for outside libraries and make everyday web tasks easier.

○ Flask

Flask is a microframework that offers simplicity and flexibility. It provides the essentials for web development and allows developers to choose their tools and libraries, making it suitable for custom applications and prototypes. Using the latest version of Python while using this framework is recommended.?

• Small but Mighty: Flask gives you the basics for web work without forcing you to use a specific project layout or extra bits and pieces.

Keeps Things Simple: Flask's stripped-down approach meets the demand for a small framework that doesn't add unnecessary fuss to small or medium-sized projects.

• Plays Well with Others: It works with lots of add-ons that can boost its capabilities, like user log in, database hookups, and more.

Customizability: Its adaptability lets coders pick and add the best tools and libraries for their projects, fixing stiff frameworks with few customization choices.

• Flexibility: Flask gives coders complete control over the parts and tools used in their work.

Extension Support: Flask's ability to expand solves the problem of adding more features by making it easy for coders to add third-party extensions.

• Link to its code repository.?

○ Tornado

Tornado is designed to handle asynchronous operations and large numbers of simultaneous connections. It is ideal for real-time applications and services that require high performance and scalability. Tornado 6.3 requires Python 3.8 and newer versions.?

• Asynchronous Networking: Tornado is built to handle long-lasting network connections and asynchronous I/O tasks, which works great for real-time apps.

Real-Time Capabilities: Tornado has an asynchronous nature that meets the need to handle updates in real-time and connections that last a long time, like chat apps or live data streams.

• Non-Blocking Web Server and Scalability: It has a web server that performs well and doesn't block. This server can handle many connections at once without a hitch. Tornado also supports high concurrency and can scale up, which makes it a good fit for extensive applications.

Performance and Scalability: The server that doesn't block and supports high concurrency solves the issue of handling large amounts of traffic and connections efficiently.

○ BlueBream

BlueBream (formerly Zope 3) focuses on a component-based architecture, providing a highly modular and reusable framework. It is suited for complex and enterprise-level applications that benefit from a sophisticated, object-oriented design. The framework supports several Python versions and is ZPL-certified.

• Component-Based Framework: BlueBream uses an architecture based on components. This stresses modular design and code you can use again.

Modularity and Reusability: The component-based design impacts the need to build modular and maintainable applications by encouraging code components you can use again.

• Object-Oriented Programming: It uses object-oriented principles to boost flexibility and make maintenance easier.

Complex Application Development: BlueBream's wide range of features solves the need for advanced tools to create complex and enterprise-level applications.

• Rich Features: BlueBream provides complete security, templating, and data management tools.

Flexibility and Maintainability: The object-oriented approach makes the application more flexible and easier to maintain, tackling the challenges of complex codebases.

• Link to its code repository.?

How to Choose the Best Python Frameworks in 2024??

The choice of Python framework can impact the efficiency and performance of your project. Understand the project requirements. If it is simple, prefer a lightweight framework like Flask, and if it is complex and is expected to handle many users, use Django.

Examine the team's expertise and preference and look if it has the support of a large active community. Ensure your chosen framework aligns with the project’s needs and helps your business achieve its development goals.

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FAQs -

● What is a framework in Python?

Python framework is a collection of modules, functions, and classes that help developers build Python applications.

● Is Python a framework?

No, Python is a high-level programming language. It provides the developers with a general-purpose platform to build different apps.?

● Do you need a framework for Python?

It is not necessary to use a framework while using Python. However, using the same simplifies and streamlines web development.??

● Which Python framework is best for web development?

There is no best Python framework. Developers may choose different frameworks depending on their expertise and the project’s requirements. However, a few mentions, like Django, Flask Bottle, and CherryPy, are popular in the software industry.?