Top 10 Python Frameworks You Must Know

Python’s meteoric rise in popularity is attributed to its simplicity, versatility, and the wealth of resources available to learners. It’s often the starting point for budding programmers and is extensively utilized across industries, from web development to data analysis.

The Python community stands as a testament to its immense growth, with GitHub reporting a staggering 22.5% increase in Python usage by 2022. By 2023, it had solidified its position as the third most widely used programming language. This surge has led to a rich tapestry of frameworks, predominantly open-source.

This article aims to dissect and explore the most sought-after and impactful Python frameworks that warrant your attention.

What Is a Python Framework?

A Python framework essentially comprises a collection of Python modules, offering a standardized set of functionalities to serve as a foundation for building diverse applications.

Frameworks are crafted to streamline the development process by outlining a general approach to software development, abstracting complex or repetitive tasks. This allows developers to concentrate on crafting unique and tailored logic for their applications, rather than dealing with routine tasks repeatedly.

For instance, consider the handling of HTTP requests, a task common to most web applications. Instead of rewriting this functionality from scratch or duplicating code across projects, developers utilize existing frameworks specifically designed to ease this function.

The Three Main Python Frameworks

There are three main Python frameworks which are used by the Python development company: full-stack, micro, and asynchronous frameworks. Each of these has its unique offerings.

Full Stack Framework

True to its name, this framework offers a comprehensive solution for web development, encompassing features like form generation, validation, and template layout. Its versatility allows it to be applied across various application types, but its usage might involve a slightly steeper learning curve.

Micro Framework

Characterized by its lightweight nature, this framework is user-friendly but lacks additional built-in features such as data abstraction layers or form validation. Developers using a micro framework need to manually add code to attain extra functionalities. It shines particularly for smaller-scale applications due to its simplicity.

Asynchronous Framework

This framework has gained traction recently, leveraging the asyncio library for its operations. Its primary strength lies in facilitating concurrent connections, particularly in managing substantial volumes effectively.

Top Python Frameworks List

Bottle

The Bottle framework suits small-scale applications, primarily focusing on crafting APIs. It stands out among Python web frameworks as it operates independently, relying solely on the standard Python library for application development. This framework simplifies work for programmers by enabling direct interaction with hardware. Falling into the micro-framework category, Bottle condenses everything into a single source file.

The Bottle framework:

• facilitates access to form data, cookies, file uploads, and other HTTP-related metadata
• highlights an efficient Request-dispatching route
• comes equipped with a built-in HTTP server
• supports plugins for various databases
• allows the use of third-party template engines and WSGI/HTTP servers.

Django

This framework belongs to the full-stack framework category. It has gained recent popularity and stands out as one of the leading Python web frameworks. It adheres to the “Don’t Repeat Yourself (DRY) principle.

Django boasts numerous built-in libraries and simplifies database migration. By default, it seamlessly operates with MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, and SQLite databases, while other databases can be utilized through third-party drivers. Django utilizes ORM for object-to-database table mapping.

The Django framework:

• emphasizes robust security, ranking higher in comparison to other Python frameworks
• offers URL routing capabilities
• provides comprehensive support for authentication
• incorporates a database schema migration feature
• supplies an array of prebuilt libraries for full-stack development
• Adheres to the MVC-MVT architecture, where developers define a model, view, and template; Django then handles the URL mapping and subsequent tasks automatically.

Flask

Flask stands out as another lightweight and popular micro-framework. Its modular design enhances adaptability, allowing developers to craft robust web applications. The framework’s flexibility facilitates the effortless incorporation of various extensions.

The Flask framework:

• is compatible with Google App Engine
• supports the jinja2 template and Werkzeug WSGI toolkit
• offers a built-in debugger for debugging purposes
• facilitates unit testing capabilities
• supports client-side sessions through cookies
• employs restful request dispatching
• highlights Unicode-based functionality
• handles HTTP request management efficiently
• provides the option of integrating any ORM.

CubicWeb

This Python framework operates as a full-stack solution, employing cubes instead of separate models and views. It’s an open-source, freely available framework that operates within the realm of semantic web technology used by the Python development company.

The CubicWeb framework:

• offers support for multiple databases
• emphasizes security and reusable components
• utilizes RQL (Relational Query Language) to streamline data-related queries
• provides compatibility with Web Ontology Language (OWL) and Resource Description Framework (RDF).

Falcon

This is yet another micro framework geared towards constructing web APIs. Embraced by prominent entities such as LinkedIn, OpenStack, and RackSpace, it empowers developers to create well-defined structures for HTTP and REST architectures.

The Falcon framework:

• strives for achieving 100% code coverage
• supports upfront exception handling
• features an extremely extensible and optimized codebase
• provides convenient access to headers and bodies via its request and response classes
• implements WSGI helpers and mocks for unit testing
• utilizes Cython support to enhance the framework’s speed.

Growler

This framework operates asynchronously, relying on the Python asyncio library. Drawing inspiration from NodeJS and the express/connect framework, it processes requests by navigating them through middleware technology.

The Growler framework:

• employs decorators for crafting clean and reusable code
• offers the ability to bundle the entire application into a single execution file using the Ziapp module
• extends support for numerous open-source packages.

Giotto

This full-stack framework, based on the MVC (Model-View-Controller) architecture, segregates model, view, and controller components, allowing developers and system admins to operate independently. Giotto empowers users to construct applications atop the web, IRC (Internet Relay Chat), and command-line interfaces through its inclusive controller module.

The Giotto Framework:

• offers automatic URL routing functionality
• utilizes Jinja2 for HTML templates
• implements functional CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) patterns
• provides generic model and view components
• incorporates multiple pluggable controllers
• facilitates database persistence using SQLAlchemy.

Web2Py

This belongs to the full-stack framework category, offering an open-source and scalable solution compatible with all operating systems. Web2Py features its web-based Integrated Development Environment (IDE), encompassing essential IDE functionalities like a debugger, code editor, and simplified one-click deployment. However, it doesn’t support Python 3.

The Web2Py Framework:

• implements a ticket system, alerting users if any issues arise within the framework
• operates independently across various platforms
• ensures backward compatibility, enabling progress without severing ties with previous versions
• maintains readability across multiple protocols
• enforces role-based access control
• requires no prerequisites for installation or configuration
• provides support for internationalization.

CherryPy

CherryPy stands as one of the earliest microframeworks, embracing a simplistic approach. It operates as an open-source, object-oriented framework, offering the flexibility to employ diverse technologies for data access and template creation. Applications developed through this framework are self-contained Python applications embedded with a multithreaded server.

The CherryPy framework:

• allows the simultaneous operation of multiple servers
• functions seamlessly across various platforms
• includes built-in features for coverage, profiling, and testing
• supports execution on Android platforms
• boasts a robust configuration system
• utilizes an HTTP WSGI compliant thread-pooled web server
• offers additional functionalities like caching, encoding, and authentication.

Aiohttp

This framework falls under the category of an asynchronous framework, serving not only as a server web framework but also capable of functioning as a client framework. Built upon Python 3.5+ features like async and await, it heavily relies on Python’s asyncio library to power its operations. aiohttp utilizes request objects and routers for directing queries.

The Aiohttp framework:

• simplifies the creation of views
• offers support for middleware
• boasts pluggable routing and middleware support, distinguishing it as a widely used framework
• provides compatibility for both server and client-based web sockets.

FAQs

What Is the Python Framework?

A Python framework is essentially a set of modules or packages that aid in building web applications. These frameworks streamline development by offering prebuilt solutions for repetitive tasks, easing the workload in Python development services.

Which Python Framework Is Best for Beginners?

For newcomers, Flask and Django stand out as solid starting points. Flask, in particular, proves advantageous due to its simplicity, easy learning curve, and concise code requirements compared to Django. It simplifies web development endeavors.

How Do You Create a Framework?

Crafting a framework involves understanding its key components: URL routing, views, models, and templates. Begin by comprehending these elements, develop each segment, and then interconnect them. Once the components function harmoniously, test them within a simple project. Upon completion, package the framework and upload it to PyPI.

Is Django the best Python Framework?

Django holds strong potential as a top-tier framework due to its swift development pace, comprehensive technical features, and the capability to access additional functionalities through third-party drivers. It’s notably well-suited for database-centric websites.

Is Django Better than Flask?

Django and Flask both enjoy significant popularity. Flask, ideal for beginners, requires developers to manage most tasks independently. Meanwhile, Django offers an array of advanced features, making it conducive for learning intricate concepts. Beginners might prefer starting with Flask due to its simpler learning curve before advancing to Django.