Comparison between Flask, FastAPI, and Starlette
- Authors
- Name
- Andy Cao
Table of content
Flask and app builder
A Web Developer's Guide: Flask vs Starlette/FastAPI vs Quart
As someone who's navigated the Python web framework landscape for quite sometimes, I've watched Flask grow from its inception to become the Swiss Army knife for web developers. Meanwhile, the newer kids on the block, Starlette (bolstered by FastAPI) and Quart, have been changing the game with their asynchronous features. Let's dive into a short comparison of these frameworks, including a peek into some selected extension ecosystems for features like admin panels, which can be quite the lifesavers for a lot of dev work.
Flask: The Old Reliable
Flask is like that old friend you can always rely on – it's been around, and it's comfortable. Its minimalist and flexible nature has made it a mainstay in the web development toolbox.
Key Features:
- Extension-friendly: Flask's superpower lies in its extensions. Need an ORM? SQLAlchemy's got you. Form validation? WTForms to the rescue.
- Admin Panels: Flask-Admin is a testament to Flask's maturity, offering customisable admin interfaces with a breeze.
Use Cases:
- Startups and prototypes that need to hit the ground running.
- Educational projects, where simplicity is key to understanding concepts.
Starlette/FastAPI: Speed Meets Elegance
Starlette is a svelte ASGI framework, and FastAPI builds on it like a high-performance sports car with all the trappings – especially its auto-generated API docs.
Key Features:
- Speed demon: With Starlette as its foundation, FastAPI leaves many frameworks in the dust.
- Cutting-edge validation: Pydantic models make data handling a dream with auto-validation.
Use Cases:
- APIs that need to handle high loads at breakneck speeds.
- Asynchronous services where performance can't be compromised.
Quart: Flask's Async Sibling
Quart might be mistaken for Flask at first glance – and that's by design. It's built for those who love Flask but are ready to dip their toes into the async pond.
Key Features:
- Async made easy: With Quart, you can take your existing Flask knowledge and go async without a steep learning curve.
- WebSockets and more: Real-time communication is built into its core, unlike Flask, which needs extensions.
Use Cases:
- Real-time applications where Flask feels too synchronous.
- Projects that aim to scale with the ease of async programming.
Extension Ecosystem: Admin Panels on Display
The true power of a framework can often be seen in the richness of its extensions, and admin panels are the cherry on top for rapid backend management.
| Framework | Admin Panel | Maturity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flask | Flask-Admin | Mature | The go-to for Flask, highly customisable. |
| Starlette/FastAPI | fastapi-admin | Growing | Not as feature-rich, but getting there. |
| Quart | Flask-Admin (sort of) | Mixed | Can work, but it's like fitting a square peg in a round hole – possible, but not perfect. |
Flask-Admin is the seasoned player here, offering a plug-and-play experience for Flask enthusiasts. FastAPI's fastapi-admin is the new entrant, still proving itself but growing rapidly. Quart's situation is a tad more complicated – Flask extensions aren't always a perfect fit in an async world, and Flask-Admin is no exception.
In Summary
Flask is your dependable choice, seasoned by time and bolstered by an extensive ecosystem. FastAPI (and Starlette) is for those who want to push the boundaries of performance, while Quart serves as a bridge for Flask lovers looking to harness async capabilities. Also, an ideal framework is more than its performance – it's about community support, extension availability, and how much it resonates with your project's philosophy.