Python is a prominent programming language that is commonly used in web development. Beloved for its versatility, ease of use, readability, and simplicity, Python is a go-to choice for a wide range of use cases by the development community worldwide. Python expedites application creation and reinforces site robustness with the support of powerful frameworks like Django and Flask.
From small blogs to social networks with millions of users, Python websites account for some of the biggest names in the digital age, including Instagram, Spotify, and Netflix. The language powers some of the most popular and influential websites across niches and industries.
Why Use the Python Programming Language for Web Development?
Developers and dev teams choose to work with Python for many reasons. Python code is simple and readable, helping streamline the development process by allowing devs to not only write clean and concise code but code that’s comprehensible and maintainable as time goes on. This readability also makes it easier for dev teams to collaborate with one another and reduces the learning curve for new team members.
The versatility of the Python language also makes it an appealing choice for many web development projects. Python is dynamic, which helps dev teams with rapid prototyping and a seamless integration process when adding new features. The language features an extensive standard library as well to further its capabilities. These libraries help with everything from providing pre-built modules for many different functionalities to handling data manipulation and managing network protocols.
Another of Python’s compelling attributes is the active and supportive online community of developers related to the language. With countless online forums, documentation, and tutorials, new developers have access to a wealth of resources to help them learn the language and troubleshoot their problems. This community also helps with building even more innovative libraries and frameworks to assist other developers as they create feature-rich web apps.
Python’s simplicity, strong online community, and versatility make it a top choice for many web developers again and again.
Python Web Frameworks
The extensive catalog of incredibly useful web frameworks for the Python programming language is a significant contributing factor to its success.
Django
As a high-level Python web framework, Django helps developers make web applications more robust and scalable while improving the efficiency of the development process. This framework features many built-in tools, including those to handle URL routing, user authentication, and database management, to help eliminate repetitive tasks. This saves developers time and streamlines the process. It also features a Model-View-Controller architecture to promote maintainability while ensuring clean code separation.
The Django web framework is one of the most popular Python frameworks with widespread adoption. With thousands of contributors to the Django GitHub and over 70,000 stars, Django’s online community remains vibrant and active even nearly two decades after its original release. Many popular websites of today rely on Django’s capabilities for their backend infrastructures, including Pinterest and Instagram. The Django framework is a great option for larger or more complex projects.
Django’s success as a Python framework and continual assistance in creating feature-rich web apps and sites stem from its commitment to rapid development, use of best practices, and security levels as well.
Flask
A micro web framework for Python, Flask helps developers with a minimalist approach to web development. This framework offers the essential components of a good framework, such as request handling, routing, and template rendering, and allows developers to build lightweight and functional web apps.
The simplicity and flexibility of this micro-framework make it a great option for smaller projects and API development and prototyping. Many of today’s top sites also utilize Flask in their web development, including popular sites like Airbnb and Netflix.
Flask also features a strong online developer community to help empower developers. Its extensibility and straightforward, no-frills design also contribute to its success for a variety of different web dev projects.
Other Notable Frameworks
While Django and Flask are two of the most popular Python frameworks, other notable frameworks offer many advantages, too. Pyramid, for example, is suitable for both small and complex applications and emphasizes flexibility as a priority. TurboGears integrates multiple libraries seamlessly to allow for more rapid development. Each Python framework caters to specific project needs and allows developers to utilize the language for many diverse use cases.
Top 5 Examples of Python Websites
Python is a go-to programming language for a variety of different types of websites, including many of the most visited and well-known websites online today.
#1 Google
The most popular search engine in the world, Google utilizes the power of Python for a variety of its web services and critical systems. The simplicity of the language paired with its ability to enable rapid development helps Google build and deploy applications fast.
Google services built with Python include Google Search and Google Maps, as well as the Google Cloud Platform, Compute Engine, Cloud Machine Learning Engine, App Engine, and more. Google extensively uses Python in its machine learning endeavors with TensorFlow as well.
#2 Instagram
Instagram chose Python because of its reputation for simplicity and practicality. Currently, the popular social media app features the world’s largest deployment of the Python web framework Django as well.
As the social media giant continues to expand at an incredible rate, Instagram developers maximize their web service efficiency without needing to add to their Django tiers. According to their software engineers, Instagram plans to continue to scale their service infrastructure using Python for the foreseeable future and is exploring a move to version 3 of the language.
#3 Reddit
Developers actually wrote the code for Reddit in a different language and then rewrote it in Python because of the language’s many benefits. Reddit utilizes the Pylons framework, which is a rapid web app development framework.
The language’s simplicity and extensive library catalog help enhance the user experience for Reddit and expedite feature development. The advanced search capabilities, personalized recommendations, and comment threading are just a few examples of how Pythong’s versatility help Redditors have a better experience using the website. The subreddit for Python also features over a million “Pythonistas.”
#4 Netflix
Netflix utilizes Python in a variety of different areas, including throughout the full content lifecycle from the process of deciding which content to fund all the way through serving the final video to millions of members. Netflix developers not only use Python but also contribute to many of its open-source packages.
Netflix teams use Python for automation tasks, data exploration and cleaning, and visualization. Their information security team also uses the language in accomplishing many important tasks, like security automation, auto-remediation, risk classification, and the identification of vulnerabilities. Its personalization algorithms, powered by machine learning, utilize Python to train models and hundreds of other use cases within the app.
#5 Spotify
Spotify dev teams utilize Python in many aspects of the music streaming service, including backend services, playlist recommendations, and data analysis. The versatility of this programming language actually contributes to the personalized and curated user experience of Spotify.
Data analysis is a huge part of what makes Spotify work, both in terms of decision-making and inside the product itself. Paired with Hadoop, Spotify developers actually created their own package called Luigi, which powers the Radio and Discover features of the app.
Python in Web Development: The Future
Python’s applications and use cases in web development only continue to expand over time and with new technologies. With newer asynchronous programming frameworks, like Quart and FastAPI, Python helps improve real-time performance and user experiences.
The language also features a growing role in serverless computing while its compatibility with the architecture of microservices has the potential to redefine scalability for applications.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning integrations with websites will help make web interactions even more personalized as well. As Python continues to evolve, its ability to work seamlessly with other emerging technologies makes it a go-to choice even in an ever-changing web development landscape.
Conclusion
Python is a powerhouse in the world of web development, and its influence remains undeniable as many of today’s most used and popular web apps and sites harness its power for a variety of cases.
From social media giants to big names in data storage and beyond, Python remains a go-to choice for dev teams across the globe. Its useful frameworks, like Django and Flask, help make development more efficient as well.
The innovation and adaptability of Python make it an indispensable asset in creating impactful web experiences, even as the digital landscape continues to rapidly evolve.
If you enjoyed this article, check out one of our other Python articles.
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FAQ
Why is Python so popular for web dev?
Python’s popularity in web development stems from its versatility, readability, useful frameworks, rich libraries, and extensive online support community.
Can I build a website entirely with Python?
Developers could build a complete website using Python by utilizing its frameworks and libraries. However, they may require additional tools for front-end development work.
What are the limitations of using Python for web development?
Python is sometimes slower when compared to languages like JavaScript, which means that it isn’t an ideal choice for high-performance, real-time apps.
How can I start learning Python for web development?
New devs should start by learning Python fundamentals, followed by an exploration of the language’s web framework. Helpful resources for learning include online tutorials, coding exercises, and documentation.
