A complete guide to web development in Python

In the past few years, Python has exploded in popularity. The programming language has surpassed Java in popularity, but, for many, this is no surprise. With the rise in machine learning, data analysis, and web application development, many developers utilize Python for its powerful and abundant libraries, easy-to-learn syntax, and portability.

Without a doubt, it’s a great time to be a Python developer. Today, you will learn how Python is utilized in web development.

We will cover the following:

• What is web development?
• What makes Python suited for web development?
• Python web frameworks
• Python libraries for web development
• A roadmap for web development with Python
• How to create your first web application in Python
• Become a Python web developer

For those new to programming, you might be wondering what exactly web development is. Though it’s impossible to pinpoint an exact term, web development is loosely defined as building, creating, and maintaining websites. Typically, web development involves a frontend, everything that interacts with the client, and a backend, which contains business logic and interacts with a database.

Want a good overview of web development? Check out our Beginner’s Guide to Web Development article.

Think of a toolbox. A web framework is a collection of packages and modules made up of pre-written, standardized code that supports the development of web applications, making development faster and easier, and your programs more reliable and scalable. In other words, frameworks already have built-in components that “set up” your project, so you have to do less grunt work.

Python web frameworks are only utilized in the backend for server-side technology, aiding in URL routing, HTTP requests and responses, accessing databases, and web security. While it is not required to use a web framework, it is extremely recommended because it helps you develop complex applications in significantly less time.

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What are some popular Python web frameworks?#

Django and Flask are, by a wide margin, the most popular Python web development frameworks

Django is a Python web framework that offers an open-source, high-level framework that “encourages rapid development and clean, pragmatic design.” It’s fast, secure, and scalable. Django offers strong community support and detailed documentation.

Django is incredibly flexible in which you can work with MVPs to larger companies. For some perspective, some of the largest companies that use Django are Instagram, Dropbox, Pinterest, and Spotify.

Read out tutorial on Django for more details: What is Django Python? Build your first program from scratch

Flask is considered a microframework, which is a minimalistic web framework. It’s less “batteries-included,” meaning that it lacks a lot of features and functionality that full-stack frameworks like Django offer, such as a web template engine, account authorization, and authentication.

Flask is minimalistic and lightweight, meaning that you add extensions and libraries that you need as you code without automatically being provided with it by the framework.

The philosophy behind Flask is that it gives only the components you need to build an app so that you have the flexibility and control.

Flask is also a prevalent and powerful web framework as it’s used by large companies like Netflix, Linkedin, and Uber.

Other notable frameworks:

• Pyramid
• Web2Py
• Turbogears

Which should you use?#

So, you might ask yourself: what framework should I choose? The answer is that it depends. Consider your skill level as a web developer. If you are quite experienced, consider developing your program with something more “barebones.”

Whereas if you are a junior dev, it might be better to use a framework that provides more support like Django.

Also, ask yourself, would you prefer a “foundation” codebase to build off or have the flexibility to build the backbone of your codebase? If you prefer the first option, go with Django; if you prefer the second option, go with Flask.

At the end of the day, they can both achieve the same functionality, and it’s more important to start coding rather than fretting over which framework is better.

Step 1: HTML + CSS#

When you’re starting with web development, it’s important that you first learn HTML and CSS, which are the fundamentals of learning how to build websites. It would be best if you learned how to structure responsive static pages to start your web development journey. It might also be helpful to learn concepts like the internet, HTTP, browsers, DNS, hosting, and more.

You can also learn a CSS framework like Materialize or Bootstrap, which significantly speeds up your development, but it’s not needed.

Step 2: Javascript#

An excellent next step is to learn vanilla Javascript. You should learn basic concepts like data types, variables, general conventions, string manipulation, arithmetic and operators, control statements, loops, etc. Learning the basics of Javascript will make it easier for you when you’re applying Javascript to the client-side code.

Step 3: DOM & jQuery#

After you learn javascript fundamentals, you should learn how to manipulate the DOM and jQuery, which is a javascript library that makes DOM manipulation easier. Now you know how to create dynamic pages.

Frontend Framework (optional)#

While it’s not required to learn a frontend framework like React to build a functional full-stack web application, it’s recommended. Not only does it help you create beautiful SPAs, but it’s also often a requirement to be hired as a frontend or full-stack developer.

Step 4: Python#

Now, onto the backend. You should cover the basics of Python just like you did for Javascript before learning DOM manipulation. Learning the fundamentals will prepare you for Django, so you don’t have as much head-ache jumping right in. Learning introductory Python shouldn’t be too tricky, though, as many of the concepts will be similar to Javascript.

Step 5: Django + Database#

With Django, you’ll be able to set up your backend environment and develop the business logic. You will also have to learn about databases such as SQLite, how to make queries, and the CRUD function. With this, you can make a full-stack application!

• Line 1 imports Flask

• Line 2 instantiates Flask with app variable, using the __name__ attribute

• Line 4 sets up a route / for your index, or default, page. When a user goes to locahost:5000/, you can set up particular code to be triggered

• Line 5 creates a function called hello

• Line 6 returns the string Hello World! to the user

• Line 8 tests to make sure the right script is being run

• Line 9 runs the application from the app variable we initialized so that the user can visit the web application by going to localhost

Continue reading about Python and web dev#

Here’s a list of resources for you to learn more about web development with Python.

• Dynamic Programming Tutorial: making efficient programs in Python
• 50 Python Interview Questions and Answers
• 3 Tips for Beginner Python Devs: advice from an industry expert