Flask vs Django

by Gralio Feb 27, 2025

Flask and Django are popular Python web frameworks catering to different project needs. Flask offers simplicity, flexibility, and control, making it ideal for smaller projects, microservices, and developers who prefer a minimalist approach. Django provides a comprehensive, "batteries-included" framework that accelerates development for larger, complex applications by offering built-in features like an ORM, templating engine, and security measures.

At Gralio.ai we help to simplify your decision-making process by offering detailed, side-by-side software comparisons like this one, to help you confidently choose the tool that aligns with your business goals.

This comparison was created by analysing 213 reviews and 58 websites, saving 1 hour, 40 minutes of reading.

Flask

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Django

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About

It seems you've submitted a link to a logistics company, not the Flask web framework. Flask is a tool that helps developers build websites and web applications quickly. It's known for being lightweight and easy to get started with, making it popular for smaller projects and startups.

Django is a free and open-source web development framework built with Python. Designed for building web applications quickly and efficiently, it prioritizes security and can handle large amounts of traffic. Django provides tools and features that streamline web development, allowing your team to focus on creating unique features for your business needs.

Summary

Main difference

Flask is a lightweight and flexible framework, ideal for smaller projects and microservices where simplicity and control are paramount. Django is a full-featured, "batteries-included" framework best suited for larger, more complex applications where rapid development and built-in functionalities are prioritized.

Relative strengths of Flask (compared to Django)

Greater Flexibility and Control: Flask's minimalist approach offers more control over the application's structure and components.
Easier Learning Curve: Flask's simplicity makes it easier to learn and get started with, especially for beginners.
Lightweight and Faster: Flask's smaller footprint can lead to faster development and deployment, particularly for simpler applications.

Relative weaknesses of Flask (compared to Django)

Requires More Manual Configuration: Flask requires more manual setup and integration of third-party libraries.
Less Built-in Functionality: Django offers more built-in features like an ORM and templating engine, requiring less manual integration.
Less Scalable Out-of-the-Box: Django is better equipped for larger applications and scaling due to its built-in features and structure.

Who should use Flask VS. Django

Flask is a lightweight and flexible Python web framework perfect for small to medium-sized businesses, particularly in e-commerce or software development. Users praise its simplicity and minimal setup, enabling quick development of web apps and APIs. However, some find it lacking in built-in features for complex applications.

Django is a robust Python framework for experienced developers building secure, scalable web apps. Users praise its extensive security features, vast library support, and rapid development capabilities. However, some find the learning curve steep. Best for medium to large businesses in E-commerce or Software/IT/Telecommunications.

Ideal for small to medium-sized software companies.
Best for e-commerce and software companies.

Ideal for medium-sized businesses (101-1000 employees) and a good fit for large enterprises.
Best fit for E-commerce and Software/IT/Telecommunications industries.

Flask and Django features

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Type in the name of the feature or in your own words tell us what you need

Rapid Development

Supported

Flask's lightweight design, flexibility, and minimal setup enable rapid application development.

Supported

Django facilitates rapid development with its rich features and DRY principle.
Secure Framework

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Flask relies on extensions and best practices for security, not built-in measures.

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Django offers built-in protection against common web vulnerabilities like XSS, CSRF, and SQL injection.
Versatile Framework

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Flask is highly adaptable and scales well due to its modular design and extensions.

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Django is highly adaptable and scales well due to its flexible architecture and modular design.
Form Handling

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Flask supports forms via the Flask-WTF extension.

Supported

Django offers robust form handling capabilities, including form definition, HTML generation, data validation, processing, and seamless integration with views and templates.
ORM (Object Relational Mapper)

Partially supported

Flask supports ORM via Flask-SQLAlchemy extension.

Supported

Django has a built in ORM that enables interacting with databases using Python code.
Admin interface

Partially supported

An admin interface is supported via Flask-Admin, a Flask extension.

Supported

Django has a built-in web interface for user and permission management.

Qualities

Value and Pricing Transparency

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Customer Service

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Ease of Use

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Reliability and Performance

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Ease of Implementation

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Scalability

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Flask and Django Pricing

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We couldn't find a pricing page for Flask.

Django is a free and open-source web framework, meaning there are no costs associated with using it.

See full Pricing page

Flask and Django review insights

Users love

Simplicity and ease of use for small web apps and APIs.
Lightweight and minimal boilerplate code.
Flexible and modular design.
Easy integration with other Python libraries.
Quick setup and deployment.

Extensive security features and vast library support enable rapid and scalable development.
Built-in admin panel simplifies implementation of complex functionalities.
High accessibility of customer support.
Easy integration with SQL and NoSQL databases.
Built-in user authentication, roles management, and security features.
Powerful Python ecosystem and pip for easy integration of new features.
Streamlines web application development with built-in tools and conventions.
Handles large-scale applications effectively.
Provides tools and shortcuts for faster website building.

Users dislike

Lacks built-in features, increasing reliance on third-party libraries.
Not suitable for large, complex applications.
Limited concurrency, handling only one request at a time.
Difficult linting and dynamic analysis with extensions.
Mediocre documentation.

Difficult for beginners due to multiple conventions and a steep learning curve.
Monolithic structure can be cumbersome for small projects.
Dependency and compatibility issues with libraries and modules.
Template engine can be slow and requires other dependencies in production.
Limited flexibility in project design due to convention over configuration.
ORM can be limiting for complex queries and NoSQL databases.
Can be slow serving heavy traffic and requires multiple instances for scaling.
Admin panel customization can be challenging.
Deployment can be difficult, not all platforms support it.
Database migrations can be complex and error-prone.

Flask and Django Ratings

G2

4.5/5

(45)

G2

4.5/5

(170)

Company health

Employee growth

No change in the last year

14% increase in the last year

Web traffic

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Financing

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How can I minimize Django's learning curve for my team?

Start with a structured tutorial or online course specifically designed for Django. Supplement this with the official Django documentation as a reference. Encourage team members to start with small, manageable projects to apply learned concepts practically. Pair more experienced Django developers with those just beginning to provide mentorship and guidance. Consider using a structured learning platform or internal workshops to standardize the learning experience. Focus on core concepts like models, views, templates, and URLs before moving onto more advanced topics. Regular code reviews and collaborative coding sessions can further reinforce best practices and help identify and address knowledge gaps.

Which framework, Flask or Django, better suits my scaling needs?

Django is better suited for scaling needs. While Flask offers simplicity and is suitable for smaller projects, its limited concurrency and reliance on extensions for core features hinder scaling. Django, being more robust and feature-rich, including an ORM and built-in security features, is designed to handle larger applications and higher traffic loads more effectively. User reviews also highlight Django's scalability as a strength, while Flask users point to its limitations in this area.

What are the advantages of Flask?

Flask's advantages include simplicity and ease of use, making it ideal for smaller projects, startups, and developers new to web frameworks. Its lightweight nature and minimal boilerplate code contribute to faster development times. Flask is also highly flexible and modular, allowing easy integration with other Python libraries and customization according to project needs.

What are the disadvantages of Flask?

Flask's minimal nature leads to a lack of built-in features, increasing reliance on third-party extensions, which can complicate development and maintenance. It's not ideal for large, complex applications due to limited concurrency and difficulties with linting and dynamic analysis when extensions are used. The documentation is considered mediocre, potentially hindering troubleshooting and learning.

Alternatives to Flask and Django

CodeIgniter

CodeIgniter is a framework for building websites and web applications. Designed to help developers build faster, it provides a collection of ready-to-use components and tools. Known for its small size, speed, and flexibility, CodeIgniter prioritizes simplicity and ease of use without sacrificing power. This makes it a good choice for businesses seeking efficient and secure web development.

WebJ Framework

WebJ Framework lets you build web applications without writing code or knowing SQL. It's designed for individuals or teams, especially those familiar with desktop software development. With WebJ, you can create interactive applications that look and feel like traditional desktop programs, pulling data from various sources like databases or spreadsheets. The framework also offers tools for data analysis, reporting, and even social media management. You have the flexibility to host your application on your own servers or in the cloud.

eCard

eCard is a software designed for creating and sending digital greeting cards. It allows businesses to personalize eCards with their branding and messaging. eCard can be used for various purposes including event invitations, employee recognition, customer appreciation, and fundraising campaigns. It offers customizable templates, design tools, and the ability to track engagement. eCard aims to help businesses strengthen their brand, improve communication, and increase customer engagement.

CppCMS

CppCMS is a free, open-source web development framework designed for building high-performance web applications. Unlike content management systems, it's a tool for developers to create custom web solutions. Its strength lies in handling large amounts of traffic efficiently, making it suitable for projects requiring speed and reliability. While primarily aimed at experienced developers comfortable with C++, its speed and ability to build both websites and web services make it a versatile choice for demanding projects.

angularjs

AngularJS is a JavaScript framework used by developers to build dynamic and interactive websites. Think of it as a toolbox that makes it easier to create websites that update in real-time, have features like forms and menus, and can handle large amounts of information. While AngularJS is no longer actively supported, it was a popular choice for medium to large sized projects looking to streamline their website development. For new projects, its successor, Angular, offers an updated and actively maintained approach.

WordPress.org

WordPress.org is free, open-source software that you can use to build and manage websites. It's known for its flexibility, allowing you to create anything from simple blogs to complex e-commerce platforms. While the software itself is free, you'll typically need to pay for web hosting and a domain name to make your website accessible online.

Page co-authored by

Michal Kaczor

CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

Tymon Terlikiewicz

CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.

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