A website's back-end consists of processes that a user cannot see, such as a server providing data on request and databases that organize information.

A backend framework has ready-made components for developing the server-side of websites. It consists of libraries that make the development process stress-free and convenient. There are many backend frameworks that are based on different programming languages such as JavaScript, Python and Ruby.

Python backend frameworks, in the same way as Python, have easy-to-read syntax and are object-oriented and scalable. With these frameworks, developers don’t need to worry about low-level details like sockets and protocols.

In this article, four of the top Python backend web frameworks are introduced, with their features, advantages and disadvantages highlighted as well. The aim of this article is to help you pick a backend Python framework for your next web application or website.

The 4 Best Python Backend Frameworks

The 4 following backend web frameworks Django, Flask, Cherrypy, and TurboGears are the most popular backend frameworks you as a developer can use. We will break down each of the following python backend frameworks with a description about the framework, features, pros, and cons for each.

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Django

The Django python framework is the most popular Python web framework for rapid web development. It helps experienced developers save time by allowing them to focus on their website’s content rather than coding from scratch.

Django’s Features

SEO optimized
Robust template system
Object-relational mapper
Automatic admin interface
Highly scalable and secure

Pros of Django

Rapid development to get an MVP
Batteries included to avoid coding from scratch
Large community that can provide answers to questions
Comprehensive documentation that helps beginners get started

Cons of Django

Has a steep learning curve
Not good for complex websites
Lack of a set of principles developers can follow

Flask

The Flask python framework is a micro web framework built with Python. It’s considered a micro web framework because it lacks certain features such as an object-relational mapper.

Flask’s Features

URL routing
Jinja template
Unicode support
Integrated unit testing
Werkzeug WSGI compliance

Pros of Flask

Lightweight
Easily scalable
Suitable for small projects
Trouble-free web development

Cons of Flask

Fewer tools to work with
Slower development process to get an MVP
More complicated maintenance for larger projects

Cherrypy

Cherrypy is a minimalist web backend framework for Python. It allows developers to build web applications with smaller source codes and less time. It is a microframework as well.

Cherrypy Features

Built-in server
Testing support
CRUD functionality
MVC and OOP based

Pros of Cherrypy

Modular
Simplicity
Extendable
Easily modifiable
Code reusability (you can save code snippets in Pieces)

Cons of Cherrypy

Lack of comprehensive documentation

TurboGears

TurboGears is another Python backend framework that is scalable. It starts as a microframework and can scale up to a full-stack framework.

TurboGears Features

ToscaWidgets
Multi-database support
Object-relational mapper
MVC pattern architecture
Standard WSGI components

Pros of TurboGears

WSGI friendly
Highly scalable
Data partitioning support
Ability to create pluggable applications

Cons of TurboGears

Expansion of the framework can be stressful
Lack of complete documentation and error messages

Conclusion

These are the 4 best Python backend frameworks. Products are as good as the tools used to build them. By knowing the features, pros and cons of the backend frameworks for Python listed above, it’s easier to pick a suitable tool for your next project, whether it’s an MVP, a simple project or a complex project.

Want to learn more about backend frameworks? Pieces has you covered with the top 5 backend web development frameworks.

The Top 4 Python Backend Frameworks for Your Next Project