


Creating RESTful APIs with Python Flask or Django REST Framework
Jul 06, 2025 am 02:39 AMFlask is suitable for small projects or customized needs, while Django REST Framework (DRF) is more suitable for medium and large projects. 1. Flask is a lightweight framework with high freedom. It defines routing and processing request logic through @app.route(), which is suitable for quickly building simple interfaces; 2. DRF is based on Django, providing core functions such as Serializers, Views and Routers, supporting automatic URL management, permission control and paging, improving development efficiency and code structure clarity; 3. Selection basis includes: if the project is low, select Flask, choose DRF, if there is already a Django project or needs long-term maintenance, use Flask for high flexibility requirements, and use DRF to emphasize development efficiency and team collaboration; 4. Beginners recommend learning Flask first to understand the underlying mechanism, and then advanced to use DRF to master advanced functions.
Want to quickly build a RESTful API with Python? Flask and Django REST Framework (DRF) are both good choices, depending on your project needs and your familiarity.

Flask: Lightweight and flexible, suitable for small projects or customized needs
Flask is a micro-framework with a simple core and high degree of freedom. If you don't have many API features, want to control details, or just make a prototype, Flask is a good choice.

Basic steps to create a RESTful API using Flask:
- Install Flask:
pip install flask
- Define routes with
@app.route()
- Processing logic according to request methods (GET, POST, etc.)
- When returning JSON data,
jsonify()
is usually used
For example, write a GET interface to obtain user information:

from flask import Flask, jsonify app = Flask(__name__) @app.route('/users/<int:user_id>', methods=['GET']) def get_user(user_id): # Suppose the data is fetched from the database here user = {"id": user_id, "name": "Alice"} return jsonify(user)
Flask has the advantage of being quick to get started and has few configurations, but the disadvantages are also obvious: as the number of interfaces increases, the code is prone to become messy and lacks a unified structure.
Django REST Framework: Full-featured, suitable for medium and large projects
If your project is large or has used Django as the backend, DRF is a more suitable choice. It is based on Django, encapsulates many commonly used functions, and has higher development efficiency.
Several core concepts of DRF:
- Serializers : Responsible for data conversion and verification
- Views : Processing requests and returning responses
- Routers : Automatically manage URL configuration
For example, define a user serializer and view:
from rest_framework import serializers, viewssets from .models import User class UserSerializer(serializers.ModelSerializer): class Meta: model = User fields = '__all__' class UserViewSet(viewsets.ModelViewSet): queryset = User.objects.all() serializer_class = UserSerializer
Then registering the route will complete the construction of the entire CRUD interface. This approach is not only clear in structure, but also comes with functions such as permission control and paging, which is very suitable for team collaboration and long-term maintenance.
How to choose a model? It's enough to look at these aspects
The choice of Flask or DRF mainly depends on the following factors:
- Project complexity : Choose Flask for simple projects, and choose DRF for complex projects
- Is there a Django project already : if so, use DRF directly
- Requirements for flexibility : Highly customized selection of Flask
- Development efficiency requirements : It is recommended to use the ready-made functions provided by DRF to quickly launch.
- Team Experience : If everyone is familiar with Django, it will be easier to use DRF
In addition, if you are just starting to learn, it is recommended to use Flask to figure out how the API works, and then transition to DRF. This not only allows you to understand the underlying mechanisms, but also master the use of advanced tools.
Overall, the Flask is more like a Swiss Army knife, while the DRF is like a complete toolbox. Only by selecting the right tools according to the actual scenario can you complete the task efficiently and safely. Basically that's it.
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