FastAPI vs Flask

What is FastAPI?

FastAPI is a modern, high-performance Python framework specifically built for creating production-ready web APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). Released in 2018, it was designed from the ground up to take advantage of modern Python features like type hints and asynchronous programming.

Think of FastAPI as an advanced, automated toolkit for data:

• The Core: It focuses heavily on speed, data validation, and automatic documentation.
• Type Safety: You define what your data should look like using standard Python type hints, and FastAPI automatically checks if incoming data is correct, rejecting bad data instantly.
• Speed: It is asynchronous by nature, meaning it can handle thousands of digital requests simultaneously without slowing down.
• Analogy: It is like a high-speed electric sports car that comes pre-equipped with advanced sensors, automated driving assists, and a built-in diagnostic screen.

What is Flask?

Flask is a classic Python web framework designed to be simple, lightweight, and highly flexible. Released in 2010, it is known as a micro-framework because it does not force you into a specific folder structure or require tools like databases or form validation out of the box. 

Think of Flask as a blank canvas:

• The Core: It only includes the absolute essentials needed to run a server, route URLs to functions, and render HTML pages.
• Extensibility: If you need a database, user login systems, or form handling, you choose and plug in external libraries (like Flask-SQLAlchemy or Flask-Login) yourself.
• Analogy: It is like buying a base-model car where you get to pick and install all the custom modifications yourself.