Python Flaskのメリット3つとデメリット4つ

What is Python Flask?

Flask basics

Flask is a tool for creating web applications using the programming language Python. A web application is an application that can be used over the Internet. With Flask, you can easily and quickly create websites and apps. It is used by many people because it is particularly suitable for beginners and small projects.

The features of Flask are as follows:

lightweightFlask has only the bare minimum functionality, so it is simple and has few unnecessary features.
High degree of freedom: It is easy to customize because you can add functions according to your needs.
Extensive documentation: It comes with easy-to-understand instructions, making it easy for even beginners to learn.

These features make Flask the choice of many developers.

Flask's purpose and features

The main purpose of Flask is to make it easy to create web applications. Even people who don't have much programming experience can use Flask to put their ideas into shape. In addition, Flask's design philosophy is to "use only what you need." This means that there are few unnecessary functions and you can create apps the way you like.

The features of Flask are as follows:

Plenty of extensionsFlask has many additional features (extensions) that you can use if you need them.
Supports large-scale projects: We can handle projects of various sizes, from small to large apps.
ACTIVE COMMUNITY: There are many forums where developers share information with each other, so it's easy to get help when you're in trouble.

By understanding these features, you will discover the fun of developing with Flask.

Three advantages of Python Flask

Simple and easy to use

The biggest advantage of Flask is its simplicity. Even people who are just starting programming can easily start using it. Specifically, the following points can be mentioned:

Simple code: With Flask, you can create a web page by writing just a few lines of code. For example, an app that simply displays Hello World can be completed with just a few lines.
Intuitive StructureFlask has an intuitive file and folder structure, making it easy to know what to put where.
Extensive resources: There are many tutorials and examples available on the internet, making it easy to learn.

As you can see, Flask is very beginner-friendly, and as a first step I recommend you build a small app with Flask.

Highly scalable

Flask is highly extensible because users can add functions as needed. This makes it possible to handle even larger projects. Specifically, it has the following features:

Extensive extensionsFlask has many extensions that allow you to add functionality such as database manipulation and user authentication, allowing you to pick and choose only the functionality you need.
Customize it to your liking: It is flexible because you can combine only the features you need for your project.
Sustainable growth: It stands the test of time because new features can be added as your project grows.

As you can see, Flask is easily extensible, so you can start small and grow your projects into bigger ones later.

Great community and support

Another big advantage of Flask is that it has an active community, which makes it easier to get help when you run into problems. Specifically, it has the following advantages:

Forums and Groups: There are forums and social networking groups where you can ask questions and get advice about Flask, and share information with other developers.
Extensive tutorials: There are various tutorials available, from beginner to advanced, so you can learn at your own level.
Events and study sessions: By participating in regularly held events and study sessions, you can get the latest information and make friends.

As you can see, the Flask community is very active and there is a great learning environment. With support, you can work on development with peace of mind.

4 disadvantages of Python Flask

Not suitable for large projects

One of the disadvantages of Flask is that it is not suitable for large-scale projects. Specifically, it has the following problems:

The structure is too free: While it offers great freedom, the code can easily become complicated and difficult to manage in large projects.
Lack of featuresFlask has minimal functionality, so for larger apps you need to add a lot of functionality yourself.
Difficulties in team development: When working on a project with multiple developers, it can be difficult to maintain consistency.

For these reasons, if you are considering a large project, we recommend that you consider other frameworks.

Security is a must

Another disadvantage to be aware of when using Flask is that security management is required. Specifically, there are the following issues:

Security features are not enough by defaultFlask is a simple framework and does not provide sufficient security by default. For example, you must authenticate users and protect their data yourself.
Vulnerability response: If developers do not have security knowledge, they may create vulnerabilities, which increases the risk of the app being attacked.
You need to keep up to date with the latest information: It is important to always stay up to date on security and take measures.

As such, it is important to pay close attention to security when using Flask.

There is a learning curve

While Flask is easy to use, it does have a learning curve as it requires some knowledge, specifically:

Basic programming knowledge required: To use Flask, you are required to understand basic Python grammar and programming concepts.
Framework-specific thinkingFlask has its own unique way of thinking and design, so it may take some time to get used to it.
Practice is key: By actually doing a project and doing it yourself, you can deepen your understanding, not just by studying theory. Therefore, a certain amount of practice is required.

For this reason, in order to master Flask, it is important to actually get your hands dirty and create a project. For example, you can learn Flask in the following ways:

Start with a small project: You will learn the basics of how to use Flask by creating a simple web page or API.
Take an online course: Self-paced online courses allow you to gain knowledge efficiently.
Refer to the actual app: You can gain practical knowledge by looking at Flask projects published on GitHub and other sites.

As you can see, Flask has a learning curve, but it is a framework that can be mastered with enough effort.

Python Flask vs Django

Fundamental differences between Flask and Django

Flask and Django are both frameworks for developing web applications using Python, but they have some important differences: First, Flask is lightweight and simple in design, while Django is feature-rich and suitable for large-scale projects.

design philosophy:

Flask: Emphasis on simplicity and freedom, allowing developers to pick and choose the features they need.
Django: Comes with a lot of built-in functionality and is ready to use out of the box.

Project Scale:

Flask: Good for small apps and prototypes.
Django: Great for large web apps and enterprise projects.

Learning curve:

Flask: Easy to learn and a good place for beginners to start.
Django: It has a lot of features, but it may take some time to learn.

As you can see, Flask and Django have different characteristics, so it is important to choose the appropriate framework depending on the purpose and scale of your project.

Which one should you choose?

Choosing between Flask and Django depends on your project goals and the skills of your team. The following points can help you make the right choice:

Project Scale:

For small to medium-sized projects, Flask is a good choice because its simple structure and fast development allow you to bring your ideas to life quickly.
If you need a large-scale project or complex functionality, Django is the way to go. It has many default features, making development more efficient.

Development team skills:

If you have many members who are new to programming or have little experience, Flask is a good choice. It is intuitive and easy to learn.
If you have experienced developers, Django is a good choice as it offers a rich set of features.

Project growth potential:

If you think your project may grow into something bigger in the future, choosing Django will give you a scalable architecture.
On the other hand, if you need quick development time, Flask may be a good choice.

As you can see, choosing between Flask and Django depending on the characteristics of your project is key to success.

Use cases for Python Flask

Real projects using Flask

Flask is used in many projects, and its usefulness can be seen by looking at actual usage examples. Below are some concrete examples of projects using Flask.

Blog site: Using Flask, you can build a simple blogging platform that allows users to post articles and leave comments.
API ServicesFlask is also great for creating RESTful APIs, allowing you to connect to databases and serve data to other applications.
Data VisualizationYou can also create a web app to visualize your data. You can use Flask to collect data and display it in graphs and charts.

As these examples show, Flask is a versatile framework, especially useful for quickly building simple applications.

Why Flask?

Flask is popular among many developers for the following reasons:

Ease of use: With its simple design and extensive documentation, even beginners can get started right away. It's easy to learn, so many people can get started.
flexibility: It offers a high degree of freedom, allowing you to select and add only the functions you need, so you can develop according to your project. This allows you to create efficient apps without unnecessary functions.
Community Support: The Flask community is very active and provides an environment where it is easy to ask questions and get advice. You can develop with peace of mind knowing that you can get help when you are in trouble.

For these reasons, Flask continues to be the framework of choice for many projects, especially for prototyping and small applications, where its simplicity is a big attraction.

Summary and future use

Points to consider when choosing Python Flask

When choosing Flask, it is important to consider a few points. Here are some factors to consider:

Project Objective: It is important to clarify what kind of functions you want to create an app with. Choose from simple to complex depending on your purpose.
Team Skills: It is important to choose a framework that suits you, taking into account the programming skills and experience of your development team.
future potential: Consider the growth potential of your project and whether it can be used in the long term. Flask is a framework that is easy to grow from a small project.

Learning resources and next steps

There are plenty of resources available to help you learn Flask. Below are some useful resources to help you learn:

Official Documentation: The official Flask website has a detailed explanation and tutorials, which I recommend you read first.
Online Courses: You can learn efficiently by taking Flask courses offered on platforms such as Udemy and Coursera.
booksThere are many books about Flask available, ranging from beginner to advanced.

Using these resources, you can deepen your understanding of Flask by getting hands-on and building projects. It's a good idea to start with a simple app and gradually improve your skills.