Advantages and Disadvantages of Django: The Python Web Framework
As you already know, there are many web frameworks in the industry. Choosing one among them to learn from or work with may need to be clarified. Django, one of those Python web frameworks, was introduced in 2005. It is popular among web developers because of its robustness and simplicity.
Although Django competes with many other web frameworks, including PHP, many programmers still favour it because of its advantages and disadvantages. For example, Instagram, YouTube, Google, and even NASA use it for their websites because it is so popular. In this article, you can read about the pros and cons of the framework. It will be helpful to developers who are still deciding whether to choose this framework.
Benefits of the Framework
The search for good frameworks for building and maintaining great web applications will end once developers know the Django framework’s benefits. It includes its battery-included approach, the fact that it’s a Python web framework, the security offered, and many others. Check out a few of them right here.
- Implemented in Python
- Batteries Included Approach
- Security
- Community Support
1. Implemented in Python
One of the main advantages of the Django framework is that it implements the programming language Python, which is easy to read and powerful. So, it gives immense support on the backend while compromising nothing on the front end. If you are already an expert in Python, learning Django is a small deal.
Its easy syntax structure and loads of built-in libraries and packages make it the best option, eliminating the need to write additional code. So, being a Python web framework, it allows developers to create or build applications quickly.
2. Batteries Included Approach
Another advantage of employing the framework is the battery-included approach it takes. You will, therefore, be open to various functionalities, including those you will not require to develop anything other than your unique application. Instead of writing their own code, developers can use the framework to get the needed resources.
The only thing you should do to use these features is import packages. Django lets you use the solutions implemented by world-class developers as part of the convention over the configuration paradigm. Such features will help cut down on web development time. Some features include authentication, admin interference, sitemaps, URL routing, and session management.
3. Security
Having no loopholes in security is another advantage and reason why Django becomes a developer’s favourite. As you know, security is one of the most crucial aspects to consider when developing high-end web applications. It is a framework with in-built security features to safeguard the applications from threats like SQL injection, Cross-site scripting, clickjacking, and various other forms of attacks.
User authentication is another important feature provided by the framework for securely managing user accounts and passwords. Automatic encryption ensures that the passwords are hidden from view in the Django database. It will avoid the risk of the passwords being visible when transmitting data via the GET method.
4. Community Support
It has a large community of support as it is open-source software. They make the framework beginner-friendly by making efforts to fix the errors and bugs in it. The developers can find solutions for any possible problems they may encounter in coding. It has excellent documentation so that programmers and newbies can wrap their heads around various features in the form of tutorials, blog posts, and community forums.
Disadvantages of the Framework
Yes, it is an amazing framework. But like every other framework, it also has some drawbacks you should be aware of. It includes the fact that it is unsuitable for small projects, its monolithic nature, etc. You can read about them in detail here in this article section.
- Monolithic Nature
- Not Suitable for Smaller Projects
- No Multiprocessor Support
- Lacks Conventions
- Learning Curve
1. Monolithic Nature
The monolithic nature is one of the cons of Django, which means it comes with a standard way of defining and performing tasks. If you fail to adhere to these rules, you cannot use the framework. You cannot use your file structure. You must learn a particular set of files and predefined variables before creating a project using Django.
2. Not Suitable for Smaller Projects
As mentioned, it offers many advanced functionalities with lots of code. Low-end websites can run on very little bandwidth compared to high-end websites. Since Django is designed for building large applications, using it for smaller projects will waste a lot of bandwidth. Smaller projects only sometimes need all of the framework’s sophisticated features. So implementing them in smaller applications can be an extra burden.
3. No Multiprocessor Support
Today, multiprocessing is a necessity. Applications must support multiprocessing. Managing multiple requests simultaneously is not possible with Django. Other frameworks, like Java, are much more adaptable and practical. It places restrictions on the writing of code and compels programmers to look for workarounds.
4. Lacks Conventions
It is built around configurations. It lacks conventions and a set of guidelines to adhere to, unlike other frameworks. The absence of convention makes it challenging for developers to match components. This will eventually slow down the development of applications.
5. Learning Curve
It is written in Python. Not everyone can understand Python. A Python framework frequently includes many syntaxes that not everyone, especially inexperienced developers, can quickly grasp. As a result, developers must devote some time to mastering this framework.
You would have learned more about the advantages and disadvantages of Django as a web framework. In conclusion, it is a robust framework that will maintain the performance it provides through its advanced features. But there are Django ways to make use of them. It would help if you learned how to implement them.
It has long been used in several industries, including real estate, e-commerce, and scientific computing. The advantages previously mentioned can outweigh the disadvantages previously mentioned. Using Django when developing large applications rather than small ones is preferable.
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Hi, my name is Rahil. I work at YUHIRO Global and I help web agencies and software companies from Europe to build developer teams in India.