Python is amazing. Python has no words. Working with Python is one arrow and a few marks. We have heard such phrases a lot and we hear them every day. But what do you think makes Python so popular? Undoubtedly, one of these reasons is frameworks. Python has a wide variety of frameworks in web design field that in many cases increase the power of Python. The framework is a frame for keeping code consistent, saving time, and better coordinating with team members. Using frameworks makes it easier for developers and makes the programming process more enjoyable. We know that Python is also used in web development and has well-known frameworks for doing so. One of these frameworks is called Flask and helps you build powerful web applications in no time. Join us to enter the wonderful world of Flask and find out what the Flask framework is and what its uses are.
Table of Contents
What is Flask?
Before we get into what Flask is, let’s answer the question of what Flask is not! Knowing this prepares our minds to better understand the concepts:
- Flask is not a server-side service
- Flask is not a web server
- Flask is not a web programming language
- Flask is not the best tool to get into the Python language
Flask is a lightweight web framework designed and written in Python. Of course, more precisely, Flask is a micro-framework because it does not have many of the common tools and libraries of other frameworks. For example, Flask can not work with databases or validate forms by default, and you must go to existing libraries and databases. Flask was officially launched in 2010 under the BSD license and was written by Armin Ronacher.
Flask is partly influenced by the Sinatra framework written by Ruby. Unlike most of its competitors, Sinatra does not support the MVC model and instead focuses on “building high-speed web applications“. This framework provides the basic features for building a web application, and if you need more modules you can add them to your project. Also, Flask installation is very easy and does not require the installation of special tools.
Where is Flask used?
Flask is a small or so-called compact library. But you should not confuse this smallness with being weak. Flask is so powerful that many large companies trust it and use Flask in their projects. For example, Uber, which is the largest online taxi request service, or Samsung, which is one of the largest manufacturers of digital components in the world, have used Flask. The following is a list of some of the most popular brands that have trusted Flask:
- Red Hat
- Netflix
- Mozilla
- Hotjar
- Nginx
How does Flask work?
To understand what Flask is, we have to say that Flask generally works with two components, Werkzeug (this is a German word and it may be a little difficult to pronounce) and Jinja. Things like routing, debugging, connecting to a web server, etc. are done by Werkzeug. Jinja is also a template Engine that displays various data in the format you want. Both components are made by the creator of Flask, Mr. Ronacher, and are released under the BSD license.
In fact, frameworks are a set of ready-made codes that make it easy for programmers. For example, designing a Python web server that can host sites without a framework is difficult and time consuming. But with a framework like Flask, you can do this with less than 120 lines of code and write a simple web server. In fact, Flask helps you focus on developing your service without having to deal with complex low-level issues. To learn about other Python frameworks used in web design, see:
Why should we use Flask?
While Python has other web frameworks like Django, Bottle, Tornado, etc., the question is why should we go for the flask framework? Before answering this question, we must remember that none of the frameworks is superior to the other and we must make the best choice according to the conditions of the project and our needs. In fact, every framework has its strengths and weaknesses. Some of the strengths of Flask that encourage programmers to use are:
- Learning Flask is very easy. If you are a little familiar with the Python language, you can get started by looking at the Flask codes.
- When working with Flask, you are free to do things as you wish. This means that the framework is quite flexible.
- They put a strong community behind the Python language and the Flask framework that you can count on when a problem arises.