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What is the difference between Django and Flask?
Updated 2 min read7 differences
In short
Django is a full-featured Python framework with an ORM, admin panel and authentication built in, while Flask is a minimal one that leaves those choices to you.
Django
Django is an open-source Python web framework that comes with an ORM, an admin panel, authentication and security protections, so teams can build quickly.
Read the page on DjangoFlask
Flask is a lightweight Python web framework offering routing, request handling and templates, leaving the database and project structure to the developer.
Read the page on FlaskDjango and Flask compared
| Aspect | Django | Flask |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy | Batteries included | Minimal microframework |
| Database | Built-in ORM and migrations | Add an extension such as SQLAlchemy |
| Admin panel | Built in | Via extensions |
| Authentication | Built in | Via extensions such as Flask-Login |
| Project structure | Defined by Django | Up to you |
| Learning curve | More to learn up front | Quick to start |
| Best for | Full web apps with a database and admin | Small services, APIs and custom setups |
The difference, explained
Django, released in 2005, follows a batteries-included philosophy. A new project comes with an ORM and migrations, a ready-made admin interface, user authentication, forms, templates, security protections against CSRF and SQL injection, and a standard layout of apps, models, views and URLs.
Flask, released in 2010, provides routing, request handling and Jinja templates, and almost nothing else. Databases, login, forms and admin come from extensions you choose, such as Flask-SQLAlchemy and Flask-Login, and you decide how to organize the project.
That makes Django faster for typical database-backed applications such as content sites, marketplaces and internal tools, where its built-in pieces save weeks of work, and its conventions keep larger teams consistent. Flask suits small services, APIs, prototypes and projects with unusual requirements, where Django's structure would get in the way.
A common misconception is that Flask can't handle large applications, or that Django is too heavy for anything small. Both run large production systems; the difference is how much is decided for you. For JSON APIs with automatic validation, many teams now also consider FastAPI.
Which one should you use?
Choose Django when…
- You build a database-backed web app with users and an admin area.
- You want security features and structure built in.
- Your team values shared conventions.
Choose Flask when…
- You build a small service, API or prototype.
- You want to choose every component yourself.
- Your project doesn't fit a standard web app structure.
Readers ask
Is Django better than Flask?
Neither is better in general. Django saves time on full web applications; Flask gives more freedom for small or unusual projects.
Which is better for REST APIs?
Both work. Django REST Framework adds powerful API tools to Django, Flask is simple for small APIs, and FastAPI is popular for typed APIs with automatic documentation.
Which should a beginner learn first?
Flask shows how web requests work with very little magic. Django teaches a complete, structured way to build real applications. Either is a good start.