Introduction to Flask

Flask: A micro web framework

Flask is a popular and lightweight web framework written in Python. It is classified as a micro framework because it provides only the essentials for building web applications, keeping the core simple and flexible. Flask follows the micro philosophy, which means it focuses on simplicity, minimalism, and extensibility. It allows developers to start small and add functionalities as needed, making it an excellent choice for small to medium-sized projects.

• Minimalistic design: Flask’s design philosophy emphasizes simplicity and minimalism. It provides a small but powerful set of tools and features without imposing unnecessary dependencies or conventions. This simplicity allows developers to have more control over their codebase and make decisions tailored to their specific project requirements.

• Routing and URL mapping: Flask provides a robust routing system that allows developers to map URLs to specific functions, known as view functions. This makes it easy to define the different routes and endpoints of a web application and handle incoming requests efficiently.

• Template engine: Flask includes a built-in template engine called Jinja2, which allows developers to separate the presentation logic from the application logic. Templating enables the generation of dynamic HTML pages by incorporating data and logic into templates, enhancing code readability and maintainability.

• Extensibility: Flask is highly extensible and offers a vast ecosystem of extensions and libraries that can be integrated seamlessly into Flask applications. These extensions provide additional functionality, such as database integration, authentication, caching, and more, allowing developers to leverage existing solutions and focus on building specific features.

Flask architecture

Here’s an overview of the key components and architectural considerations in a typical Flask application.

Understanding the client-server model

In web development, the client-server model is a standard architectural pattern where the client (usually a web browser) sends requests to a ...