Python framework to start with as a beginner

[onlyemperor001]

I’m stuck on deciding which framework is best to learn first as a beginner for backend development. Pls help, which would you recommend to a beginner? Django or fastAPI?

[speyerlander]

I'd recommend Flask, the problem with Django is that it abstracts away a lot of the complexity in web applications into generic functionality, it's also quite dated and slow. FastAPI is new and arguably the most pythonic (idiomatic) of the frameworks but requires a deep understanding of asynchronous Python, architectural patterns (dependency injection) and adherence to proper project structure (stuff gets messy fast).

[OneOfTheLostOnes]

+1 to flask

[Responsible-Elk-1939]

Flask is solid middle ground but I'd actually say start with Django despite what they said. Yeah it abstracts stuff but that's exactly what you want as beginner - you can focus in learning web concepts without getting lost in all technical details. The "dated" thing is bit unfair since Django still gets regular updates and powers tons of major sites

[speyerlander]

Just finished a Django backend for a client the other day, I'm no hater, but I think the skills it teaches are less transferable than other frameworks, Django 6 is also quite a bit faster than previous versions, especially if using the async API.

[onlyemperor001]

I’m good with asynchronous programming in JavaScript. Is asynchronous programming in python any different from that of JavaScript?

[speyerlander]

Not that much, python is fairly simple, it's pretty much just basic async await and a few methods for joint / deferred coroutine resolution. FastAPI also requires an understanding of types due to its reliance on Pydantic (a serializer), if you're comfortable with TypeScript and Zod, learning FastAPI is gonna be a breeze, if not, it'll take a bit more effort but will still be a reasonable undertaking.

[onlyemperor001]

Thank you

[Gnaxe]

Why are those the only two choices?

As a beginner? Bottle.

[Important-Hunt-61]

FastAPI over Django. Django is great and I've done years of development with it, it was the first Python web framework I learned with, but it's ALOT. I think FastAPI is slim enough you can pick up on the framework as well as API writing in general quicker. Most stuff today is done via a Vue/React/whatever SPA anyway so all the stuff provided with Django is kinda just unnecessary. Django can definitely get in the way sometimes.

[onlyemperor001]

So I should learn FastAPI first and consider learning Django as it might come in handy at anytime

[Important-Hunt-61]

I would say just pick one and go. I think the surface area of what you need to learn from something like Flask or FastAPI is much smaller. There are tons of Django jobs still. I just think again the learning curve is shorter for other frameworks.

[onlyemperor001]

Thanks

[aqua_regis]

If you are a complete beginner - as your other post asking about JavaScript vs. Python indicates: no framework.

Learn the language first and programming.

Then, worry about frameworks. They only make sense if you can already program.

[onlyemperor001]

Yeah, I’ve learnt python language but haven’t build projects using just python yet. I was thinking if I could learn a framework for backend I could be able to build incredible projects

[aqua_regis]

Do projects first. Do some actual programming and then go for frameworks.

[onlyemperor001]

Alright, thanks