Python Web Development Frameworks: Django or Flask?

I love Python, I’ve been using it close to three years now after a friend gave me a Raspberry Pi they had grown bored with. In the last year I’ve also started to seriously get into web development for my own personal projects but juggling all these different languages can sometimes get a bit too much for me; so this New Year I’ve promised myself I’m going to get into the world of Python web development.

Python web dev has exploded in the last year. Django has been around for a decade now, but with long term support and the wealth of improvements that we’ve seen to the framework in just the last year it’s really reaching new heights of popularity. Not only Django, but Flask’s rise to fame has meant that writing a web page doesn’t have to involve reams and reams of code too!

Both these frameworks are about cutting down on time spent coding without sacrificing quality, but which one do you go for? In this blog I’m going to show you the best bundles you need to get started with taking Python to the world of the web with titles I've been recommended - and at only $5 per eBook, hopefully this little hamper list inspires you to give something new a try for 2016!

So, first of all which do you start with, Django or Flask? Let’s have a look at each and see what they can do for you.

Route #1: Django

So the first route to enter the world of Python web dev is Django, also touted as “the web framework for perfectionists with deadlines”. Django is all about clean, pragmatic design and getting to your finished app in as little time as possible. Having been around the longest it's also got a great amount of support meaning it's perfect for larger, more professional projects.

The best way to get started is with our Django By Example or Learning Django Web Development titles. Both have everything you need to take the first steps in the world of web development in Python; taking what you already know and applying it in new ways. The By Example title is great as it works through 4 different applications to see how Django works in different situations, while the Learning title is a great supplement to learning the key features that need to be used in every application.

Now that the groundwork has been laid, we need to build upon that. With Django we've got to catch up with 10 years of experience and community secrets fast! Django Design Patterns and Best Practices is filled with some of the community's best hacks and cheats to get the most out of developing Django, so if you're a developer who likes to save time and avoid mistakes (and who doesn't?!) then this book is the perfect desk companion for any Django lover.

Finally, to top everything off and prepare us for the next steps in the world of Django why not try a new paradigm with Test-Driven Development with Django? I'm honestly one of those developers that hates having to test right at the end, so being able to peel down a complex critical task into layers throughout just makes more sense to me.

Route #2: Flask

Flask has exploded in popularity in the last year and it's not hard to see why – with the focus on as much minimal code as possible, Python is perfect for developers who are looking to get a quick web page up, as well as those who just hate having to write mountains of code when a single line can do. As an added bonus the creators of the framework looked at Django and took on board feedback from that community as well, so you get the combined force of two different frameworks at your fingertips. Flask is easy to pick up, but difficult to master, so having a good selection of titles to help you along is the best way to get involved in this new world of Python web dev.

Learning Flask Framework is the logical first step for getting into Flask. Released last month it's come heartily recommended as the all-in-one first stop to getting the most out of Flask. Want to try a different way to learn though? Well, Learning Flask video is a great supplement to the learning title, it shows us everything we need to start building our first Flask titles in just under 2 hours – almost as quick as it takes the average Flask developer to build their own sites.

The Flask Framework Cookbook is the next logical step as a desktop companion for someone just starting their own projects. Having over 80 different recipes to get the most out of the framework is essential for those dipping their feet into this new world without worrying about losing everything. Finally, Flask Blueprints is something a little different, and is especially good for getting the most out of Flask. Now, if you're serious about learning Flask you're likely to get everything you need quickly, but the great thing about the framework is how you apply it. The different projects inside this title make sure you can make the most out of Flask's best features for every project you might come across!

Want to explore more Python? Take a look at our dedicated Python page. You'll find our latest titles, as well as even more free content.