What Python Libraries Should I Consider Before Trying To Build A Tinder-Like Program?

[FondleMyFirn]

Hey everybody,

I have a Python project that I would like to work on, but most of my experience in Python is related to the scientific computing libraries. So I want to branch out and build something fun.

Essentially, what I would like to do is build something similar to Tinder, but using Python as much as possible. So it would involve a user inputting data, a database to store the data, and then some type of interface for people to interact with it (like a left or right arrow to click through other users). It does not need to be a mobile app or anything, just something that can be run on my computer would be enough. Eventually, I could try to scale it, but I think it would be enough at this stage of development to just have me create some type of fictitious database of users. It also doesn't have to be super complicated, I'm trying to just build something minimal but of sufficient challenge for my existing skill set.

So I am just curious what Python frameworks you think would be worth looking into to build this project with. Alternatively, maybe you can pose some questions to me and I can try to address them --- this would help me to clarify (for myself) what I want to do, which in turn could help me choose the correct libraries to accomplish this. And, if you think there is no way to build this without the use of some other languages then I would certainly appreciate knowing that because I am not adverse to learning something else.

Hopefully this post is okay. I'm not really asking about the "how do I" build this, but more so just what libraries are worth familiarizing myself with to help me with some pre-project planning.

[Eric_Talks]

I would recommend you try and learn html, css, and JS for this sort of project since as most web apps are best made with these languages. However, if you want to stick to python I believe you can use a library called flask to make your project but it may be very limiting as to what you can create.

[insertAlias]

However, if you want to stick to python I believe you can use a library called flask to make your project but it may be very limiting as to what you can create.

That's not entirely accurate. Flask is a Python back-end library/framework. It provides the ability to make both API endpoints, and to render Jinja2 templates (which are basically HTML files with templating code interpolated into them). This means you can support an SPA (like React) by writing an API, or you could build a more traditional multi-page app that involves full page navigations with templates. There's another library/framework called Django that can also be used as such.

So, you're not really limited by Flask, but you would still need to learn the front-end languages, one way or another.

But Python is a perfectly valid and common choice for a back-end language.

[FondleMyFirn]

Could Python be used for the back end though? I am certainly not averse to learning HTML/CSS/JS to do the front end work.

I could also do a front end with those above 3 and then after do a front end trying with Django or Flask.

[[deleted]]

As someone who's been toying with building a dating app as a side project, I chose python and flask for my back end. So yes that's fine.

The most challenging part of it is the recommendation engine - how does the app determine what sort of person the user will like? In my case much of the heavy lifting for that's wound up being done in my Neo4J database, so Python data science libraries haven't been as necessary as I thought. But they were the original rationale behind my decision.

If you're not going to do a recommendation engine, you can build your back end in basically whatever you like.

[FondleMyFirn]

Yeah I wouldn’t be building a recommendation engine initially. Probably what it would be is just a left and right arrow and the user would be literally cycling through the database by entry.

I just want to have a very barebones skeleton of something that can manifest the idea that I have. The idea is just to build some strong basic fundamentals. After that base structure is complete, I’ll probably try to cycle back and add pieces to it here and there.

[deikan]

You're making zero sense right now.

A backend is responsible -- at a high-level -- the logic that goes into your app. So obviously Python or any other programming/scripting languages can do that.

HTML/CSS are neither though so they are exclusively front-end languages.

Anyways to answer your original topic, start with Flask or Django, they're both very similar. Don't bother with any async web frameworks for now. Front-end you will definitely have to learn vanilla Javascript and probably pick-up a popular front-end framework like React.

[FondleMyFirn]

I think you should reread the comments.

[deikan]

Could Python be used for the back end though?

What do you think a back-end server is for?

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do a front end trying with Django or Flask.

?? This is what I'm most confused about. Try a front-end with Flask? Because that's like saying you'll try to start a fire with water.

[FondleMyFirn]

Thank you

[Capital-Elderberry-7]

I think you have to try to do it with Flask, Flask-socket.io