Python

Flask vs Django: Key Differences

Core Philosophy

  • Flask: Microframework (minimal core, extensible)
  • Django: "Batteries-included" full-stack framework

Quick Comparison Table

Feature Flask Django
Template Engine Jinja2 (default) Built-in
ORM Extension Built-in
Admin Interface None by default Built-in
Authentication Extension Built-in
Project Structure Flexible Strict MVC
Learning Curve Gentle Steeper
Default Database None SQLite
REST API Support Extensions DRF (3rd party)

When to Use

Choose Flask for:

  • Small to medium projects
  • Microservices architecture
  • Custom component selection
  • Simple REST APIs (with extensions)

Choose Django for:

  • Complex web applications
  • Rapid development of CRUD apps
  • Projects needing built-in admin
  • CMS/CRM/e-commerce systems

Performance Notes

  • Flask: Lighter footprint (~1MB), faster in simple use cases
  • Django: Optimized for complex operations, better for large-scale
  • Flask: Lyft, Netflix, Airbnb (internal tools)
  • Django: Instagram, Spotify, Pinterest

Code Comparison

Basic App Setup

# Flask
from flask import Flask
app = Flask(__name__)

@app.route('/')
def home():
    return 'Hello World'

if __name__ == '__main__':
    app.run()

# Django
# Requires startproject/startapp commands
# Multiple files: urls.py, views.py, settings.py
from django.http import HttpResponse

def home(request):
    return HttpResponse("Hello World")

Ecosystem

  • Flask: 1,300+ extensions (Flask-SQLAlchemy, Flask-Login)
  • Django: 6,000+ packages (Django REST Framework, Django CMS)

Alternative Consideration: For modern API-focused projects, consider FastAPI as a third option combining features from both.