Pieces 🌟A website's back-end consists of processes that a user cannot see, such as a server providing data on request and databases that organize information.
A backend framework has ready-made components for developing the server-side of websites. It consists of libraries that make the development process stress-free and convenient. There are many backend frameworks that are based on different programming languages such as JavaScript, Python and Ruby.
Python backend frameworks, in the same way as Python, have easy-to-read syntax and are object-oriented and scalable. With these frameworks, developers don’t need to worry about low-level details like sockets and protocols.
In this article, four of the top Python backend web frameworks are introduced, with their features, advantages and disadvantages highlighted as well. The aim of this article is to help you pick a backend Python framework for your next web application or website.
The 4 Best Python Backend Frameworks
The 4 following backend web frameworks Django, Flask, Cherrypy, and TurboGears are the most popular backend frameworks you as a developer can use. We will break down each of the following python backend frameworks with a description about the framework, features, pros, and cons for each.
Once you have figured out what backend framework you are going to use on your next project download our IntelliJ plugin or VS Code extension to improve your developer productivity wherever you code.
Django
The Django python framework is the most popular Python web framework for rapid web development. It helps experienced developers save time by allowing them to focus on their website’s content rather than coding from scratch.
Django’s Features
- SEO optimized
- Robust template system
- Object-relational mapper
- Automatic admin interface
- Highly scalable and secure
Pros of Django
- Rapid development to get an MVP
- Batteries included to avoid coding from scratch
- Large community that can provide answers to questions
- Comprehensive documentation that helps beginners get started
Cons of Django
- Has a steep learning curve
- Not good for complex websites
- Lack of a set of principles developers can follow
Flask
The Flask python framework is a micro web framework built with Python. It’s considered a micro web framework because it lacks certain features such as an object-relational mapper.
Flask’s Features
- URL routing
- Jinja template
- Unicode support
- Integrated unit testing
- Werkzeug WSGI compliance
Pros of Flask
- Lightweight
- Easily scalable
- Suitable for small projects
- Trouble-free web development
Cons of Flask
- Fewer tools to work with
- Slower development process to get an MVP
- More complicated maintenance for larger projects
Cherrypy
Cherrypy is a minimalist web backend framework for Python. It allows developers to build web applications with smaller source codes and less time. It is a microframework as well.
Cherrypy Features
- Built-in server
- Testing support
- CRUD functionality
- MVC and OOP based
Pros of Cherrypy
- Modular
- Simplicity
- Extendable
- Easily modifiable
- Code reusability (you can save code snippets in Pieces)
Cons of Cherrypy
- Lack of comprehensive documentation
TurboGears
TurboGears is another Python backend framework that is scalable. It starts as a microframework and can scale up to a full-stack framework.
TurboGears Features
- ToscaWidgets
- Multi-database support
- Object-relational mapper
- MVC pattern architecture
- Standard WSGI components
Pros of TurboGears
- WSGI friendly
- Highly scalable
- Data partitioning support
- Ability to create pluggable applications
Cons of TurboGears
- Expansion of the framework can be stressful
- Lack of complete documentation and error messages
Conclusion
These are the 4 best Python backend frameworks. Products are as good as the tools used to build them. By knowing the features, pros and cons of the backend frameworks for Python listed above, it’s easier to pick a suitable tool for your next project, whether it’s an MVP, a simple project or a complex project.
Want to learn more about backend frameworks? Pieces has you covered with the top 5 backend web development frameworks.
