Understanding The Core Basics of Web Development In Python For Beginners
Choosing Python for web development is increasingly becoming the new norm among web developers due to some pretty good reasons, of course.
The programming language is packed with some truly amazing features that allow the developers to go beyond the mere web development clutter to ensure innovation.
This programming language can be used to design innovative desktop and web applications. You can also opt for developing sophisticated scientific and numeric applications. According to research, Python is one of the top five languages to learn in 2019 if you belong to the programming world.
The versatile, easy-to-use, and fast-to-develop Python traits have made it more popular than Java. It is also considered one of the most viable programming languages out there due to the rise of technologies such as machine learning, web apps, AI, and data analysis.
Although Python is slower than other programming languages, however, Python’s data handling capacity is great.
So, if you’re willing to capitalize on Python, a growing programming language, you’ve come to the right place. Today in this article, we’re going to cover what Python is in web development? Python Backend & Frontend, and how Python is used in web development?
So, without any further ado – let’s start understandingPython for web development and more by covering the following key points in this article:
- Python Web Development for Beginners.
- How Is Python Used in Web Development?
- What Are the Python Web Frameworks?
- Some Well-know Python Web Development
- Python Libraries & Their Uses For Web Development.
- Starting with Python for Web Development.
Python Web Development For Beginners
Businesses are on the hunt for experienced web developers. According to a study, web development stands among the top 10 best career options for
professionals. So, if you’re someone who willing to dive deep into the world of programming and coding, this article is just for you.
For starters, let’s discuss web development. Web development is the process of building, creating, and maintaining a website. The overall process is quite similar to the web designing project; however, coding and programming are involved in web development.
Generally, Python’s web development also involves two ends; the Python front-end, which your prospects, customers, clients, or audience interacts with. The Python back-end is the server-side of development that a company uses to maintain the performance or functionality of the side.
How is Python used in web development? Well, Python can also be used to build the server/technical side of a website or mobile application. Experience Python developers tend to write their web application projects using two programming languages, i.e., Python and JavaScript.
Thanks to simplicity, flexibility, robust nature, features, compatibility, speed, and versatility, Python is being used by some of the tech world’s biggest names. Word-class tech giants like Instagram, Spotify, Google, Facebook, Quora, and Dropbox are examples of businesses that consider Python an essential part of their architecture.
How Is Python Used InWeb Development?
There are several advantages of using Python for web development which is why it is being used by most web developers. Here are a few advantages:
Easy To Learn
Python’s most well-known advantage is the fact that it is comparatively easier for beginners. The readability of the programming language makes it the best choice among fresh developers.
The multipurpose nature of the language helps developers create robust and speedy applications. From Python’s back-end to Python’s front-end, you can easily develop both by learning the language.
Since Python relies on expressions and whitespace, it becomes significantly easier for developers to opt for coding than coding in other programming languages. This quality of Python also enables fresh developers to easily understand the code.
Rich Libraries
Python’s web front-end and back-end development come with a vast range of libraries, modules, tools, and packages that allow you to leverage pre-written codes that streamline your project’s development and help your ideas come to life.
Figuratively speaking, there are literally 137,000 libraries present in Python today. Also, these libraries play a vital role in the development of machine learning, deep learning, data visualization, data science, and more. Additionally, Python also gives you web frameworks like Django, Flask, and Pyramid.
Quick Prototyping
Python is comparatively easier to understand and code; hence, it is less time-consuming for developers to build projects using Python. This fast prototyping also enables you to go through the iteration and feedback phase quickly.
Numerous businesses can take advantage of Python’s spectacular features by creating a website or application and hitting the market quicker before the competition.
Python Is Popular
Python’s popularity as a web development programming language can also be considered one of its strengths. There’s a massive community behind the programming language supporting new developers by solving their issues by providing solutions.
Since Python is a popular language, it is also constantly updated/upgraded with new features and libraries; hence using the language gives you the most modern functionalities.
Furthermore, several other technical advantages come along with Python. One of these advantages is the web frameworks that Python gives to its users. Here’s an overview of the web frameworks for Python.
Python Web Frameworks
What Are Web Development Frameworks?
Basically, Web development frameworks are a collection of packages and modules made up of pre-written standardized codes. These codes are designed to help you set up your project.
This Web development framework makes it easier, faster for developers to develop their projects. A web development framework also makes your program more reliable and scalable. The following are some popular examples of web development frameworks:
- Laravel
- Ruby on Rails
- Django
- Flask
- Angular
- JQuery
Moreover, web development frameworks are not necessary, and your project can be completed without them; however, experts recommend using a web development framework because they can help you develop complex projects with ease.
What Are ThePython Web Development Frameworks?
Python web development frameworks are designed to support the back-end for server-side technology. These frameworks can be used in URL routing, HTTP requests, accessing databases, and web security.
Some Well-known Python Web Frameworks
Two of the most well-known web development frameworks by Python are Django and Flask. Here’s a breakdown of both of the web development frameworks:
Django
Django is a Python Backend web development framework that is free for all users. This framework allows quick, efficient, and clean development. The reliable and scalable nature of Django just adds more to the feasibility of its offering. Django is also supported by a massive community that offers detailed documentation and solution.
Today, Django is being used by some of the most well-known companies in the world, i.e., Instagram, Spotify, and Pinterest. From minimal MVPs to sophisticated websites or applications, Django has become one size fill all solution.
Flask
Flask is a Python web development framework designed for minimalistic and less sophisticated projects. As compared to Django – which is a full-stack web development framework, Flask does not have several features, specs, and functionalities such as account authorization or template engine.
However, the missing features and functionalities don’t define the viability of this spectacular web development framework. Flask is being used by some popular brands such as Netflix, Uber, and even LinkedIn.
Flask is also lightweight and quick, and you can add extensions and libraries during the coding process. Moreover, the basic ideology behind Flask is to give you the most basic components you need to build your app development project with flexibility and control.
Django Vs. Flask – Which One Should You Use?
Web development is certainly not an easy task. To get on par with the latest development methodologies and trends, you need to adapt to the latest techniques.
Hence, you have to use the most feasible and optimum web development framework for your business. So, in the end, you might be wondering which web development framework by Python you should use for your project?
And the answer is, “It depends.”
When choosing a web development platform, you should consider your expertise as a developer and your requirements. An experienced python front-end or back-end developer might use a simpler web development framework for his project mainly due to his powerful development capabilities.
In contrast, a developer who lacks experience or is on a junior level might use Django, a web development framework that provides more functionality, options, features, support, and more.
You can also determine your codebase preference when selecting the best Python-based framework for your project. If you prefer a “foundation” codebase to build off your project, go for Django. If you have the expertise to build the backbone of your codebase, go for Flask.
Furthermore, by the end of the day, both Python web frameworks can help you achieve your project’s same features and functionalities. A conclusion to the choosing part would be to select a framework depending on your experience as a developer and coding capabilities.
Python Libraries& Their UsesFor Web Development?
There are several ways through which Python enables developers to create feature-packed and innovative web development projects.
Here are some of the most amazing Python libraries that you can use for your web development:
- Scrapy is a great web crawler that helps you extract data for your application. This crawler is given to you when you’re using Python for web development. Let it be data mining, automated testing, or scrapping; with Scrapy, you’ve got this all covered.
- Thinking of developing a powerful serverless application? With the Zappa library, you can easily develop a serverless application on AWS Lambda.
- Request a library that allows you to send HTTP requests easily.
- Dash is another powerful library that enables you to opt for data visualization for your web application. Basically, this library is based on Flask, and it gives you features like the dashboard, charts, graphs, percentage bars, etc.
Starting With Python For Web Development
1. Understanding Basic Languages (HTML & CSS)
When you’re starting with web development for Python, it is important to understand web development basics and how the languages HTML and CSS can shape your website.
So, you need to learn the fundamentals of CSS and HTML before initiating your web development project. Go for understanding how your website’s structure can be changed with the help of these programming languages.
Moreover, understanding these languages will also help you understand the internet, browsers, HTTP, DNS, and hosting.
2. Learn JavaScript
A revolutionary step in your Python for web development learning would be to learn and understand vanilla Javascript. For Javascript, there is some basic component that you should learn, i.e., data types, general conventions, string manipulation, operators, control statements, loops, variables and more.
3. Learn The Manipulation Of DOM & jQuery
Learning the manipulation of DOM and jQuery is the 3rd most important task after you’ve learned the fundamentals of JavaScript. Understanding JavaScript enables you to easily manipulate DOM through which you can create dynamic pages.
Moreover, you can also opt for learning a Pythonfront-end framework to build a fully functional full-stack application. However, it’s not necessary or recommended. Still, learning the framework would enable you to create beautiful SPAs.
4. Covering The Basics Of Python
Finally, after covering all the above steps of learning python web development for beginners, you should start covering Python’s basics. You should follow the same learning approach as you did with the above-mentioned programming languages.
Moreover, learning Python’s fundamentals will give you an understanding of Django and how you can use it. Learning Python after thoroughly understanding Javascript should not be difficult, considering that you’ve already learned the basic programming languages and their uses.
5. Developing Python Backend By Django
Django would enable you to build the back-end of your project. While developing Python backed with the help of Django, I would recommend that you learn about databases such as SQLite, how to create queries, and the CRUD function. By learning these, you’ll be able to make full-stack applications.
Conclusion
Here’s all you need to know to start your career as a Python web development expert. Python is a revolutionary language. The sheer number of features, functionalities, and specs you get when choosing Python is amazing and modern.
By the end of this article, you may have a clear idea of where you want to start if you’re considering Python for web development. With these new insights, you can pursue learning Python appropriately.
Although becoming proficient in Python front-end or back-end development is not an easy task, it would require a significant amount of time to learn the development concepts in Python. However, Python web development is a promising career path.