Flask is a popular lightweight web framework of Python. The reason behind its popularity is that it is pretty easy to use for beginners compared to other frameworks like Django. If you’re wondering what are the applications of Flask, and what can you do with this framework, let’s find it out in this article.
Let’s just understand the basics of Flask before we jump in.
What Is Flask?
Flask is a backend framework that is used to build web applications. A framework is a foundation for developing applications and it contains several in-built modules and libraries which makes the process easier for developers. It provides a structure for developers to follow while creating a web app.
Here is a simple explanation for you if you didn’t understand what a framework is. Well, consider a physical building. It has got a framework that acts as the essential supporting structure of that building. Now, in programming terms, think of the framework as some software that’s already been developed and is used to help you create your own application.
So, it’s basically a reusable code that provides specific functionality that can be used in your programs. In short, a framework is a collection of libraries and modules that help you develop faster and smarter applications. Apart from Flask, there are several other software frameworks developed for various functions.
Flask is a micro web framework of Python. What does that mean? Well, If I told you that you could create a web server of your own and host a website in less than seven lines of code, you might have probably been amazed! That’s the power of flask. It’s light, efficient and in just a few lines of code, you can get your very own website up and running.
Flask was developed by Armin Ronacher. One major highlight of using Flask is that it is highly intuitive and easy to use, especially for beginners. The reason being it has less base code for the implementation of a simple web app. Some of the popular applications that use the flask framework are Pinterest, Netflix, Reddit, and Linkedin.
What Is Flask Used For?
Flask is a Python framework that is used for building web applications. Flask is a back-end framework, which means that it provides the technologies, tools, and modules that can be used to build the actual functionalities of the web app rather than the design or look of it.
Flask is considered one of the easiest frameworks to learn for beginners. The syntax and rules of this framework are comparatively simple and easy to understand for newbie coders. Flask and Django are the two most used web frameworks of Python. In comparison, Django is a bit tough to learn but comes up with a lot of features to be used for large-scale applications, whereas Flask is lightweight and simple.
Even though it is beginner-friendly, Flask has all the capabilities to be used for creating a useful web application. Many developers and software companies prefer Flask for building the backend of web applications.
Flask is considered a microframework because it does not require any extra tools/libraries. Flask is based on Wekzeug(a WSGI tool) and Jinja2 (template engine). It is designed to make getting started in web application development quick and easy with the ability to scale up to complex applications.
How To Create Web Applications Using Flask?
Creating web applications using Flask is fun and easy. To learn Flask, you need to be familiar with the basics of Python. Apart from Python, you also need to be familiar with the front-end basics. You don’t need to be a pro in front-end development. If you know how HTML works, that is enough to learn Flask. But having the knowledge of CSS and Javascript will help to make the app look and work better.
However, if you want to become a full-stack web developer (a developer who works on both the front-end and back-end parts of a website), you need to be really good at HTML, CSS, Javascript, and some JS libraries along with Flask.
If you want to get started with Flask, I’ve written an introductory guide for learning the Flask framework. Click here to check out the article where you can learn how to install Flask and create a basic “hello world” application using it.
If you’re serious about learning Flask, I would highly recommend you to get an online course that will cover all the ins and outs of the framework. The Python and Flask Bootcamp by Jose Portilla on Udemy is a great course for beginners and it is extremely cheap. If you’re interested, click here to check its current price.
Some Examples Of Flask Projects
Flask can be used to create simple as well large-scale web applications for various needs. If you want some examples of web applications that can be created using Flask, here are some:
- Blog App
- Social Network Web App
- Weather App
- Portfolio Website
- Feedback Form
- Rest API App
- Deploying Machine Learning models using Flask app
If you want to see the potential of this framework, I would recommend you check out the article that I’ve written on 7 Python Flask Project Ideas. In this article, I talk about all these different web applications created using Flask along with tutorials that can be used to build them. Check it out if you’re interested.
Is Flask Good For Big Projects?
There is a misconception among tech enthusiasts that Flask is not good for building big projects. But that isn’t exactly true. Many businesses use Flask to build and maintain large-scale web applications.
Since Flask is a lightweight framework, it doesn’t come up with all the features in the world. But still, Flask is good enough to be used for building big web application projects. Take a look at some examples of companies that use Flask for their web applications.
List Of Companies Using Flask Framework
Flask is used by various companies all over the world to run their website-based businesses over the Internet. If you’re looking for some examples of companies using Flask for their businesses, here is a list of some popular brands that you might be familiar with:
- Twilio
- Uber
- Netflix
- Airbnb
- Red Hat
- PythonAnyWhere
- Patreon
- Samsung
- Lyft
- MIT
- Mozilla
- CRED
- Trivago
- Mailgun
- Hotjar
- Nginx
- Zalando
- Barogo
Final Thoughts
Flask is an easy to learn but very useful web development framework. Many developers and companies use this to build useful web applications that will solve real-world problems. I hope you got a better picture of the use cases of the Flask framework after reading this article.
Now that you know what to do with Flask, it’s time to dive in and master the framework. Use the links and resources that I’ve mentioned in this article. I hope you’ll create the next big thing using this amazing Python framework. All the best and happy coding!
