Python Frameworks: Top 10 Python Frameworks To Learn in 2025
By Rohit Sharma
Updated on Jun 23, 2025 | 21 min read | 17.43K+ views
Share:
For working professionals
For fresh graduates
More
By Rohit Sharma
Updated on Jun 23, 2025 | 21 min read | 17.43K+ views
Share:
Table of Contents
Latest update: In 2025, Python frameworks continue to evolve, offering enhanced features and capabilities to developers. Notably, Django has introduced support for Python 3.13, enabling developers to leverage the latest language features and application improvements. |
Python frameworks are pre-written code libraries that offer a structured foundation for building applications, letting developers focus on logic over repetitive tasks. They simplify complex processes like routing, database handling, and UI creation. Popular Python frameworks like Django, Flask, FastAPI, and Pyramid provide built-in tools, scalability, and security, making them ideal for web apps, RESTful APIs, and microservices. Python frameworks are essential for faster development and maintaining clean and efficient code.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 Python frameworks to learn in 2025, covering their core features, advantages, and real-world use cases where they excel.
Popular Data Science Programs
Python frameworks are development tools that provide a pre-built structure and set of libraries for building software applications efficiently. These frameworks eliminate the need to write repetitive, boilerplate code and offer built-in support for key functionalities like URL routing, database interaction, user authentication, and more. They help developers focus on the core logic and features of the application rather than foundational infrastructure.
Based on speed, scalability, community backing, and adaptability, here are 10 Python frameworks you should prioritize.
If you want to gain expertise in Python and web development for enterprise-grade applications, the following courses from upGrad can help you succeed:
Before diving into specific frameworks, it’s important to understand the different types available in Python. Let’s explore the main categories of Python frameworks and how each serves different development needs.
Python frameworks are generally classified into full-stack frameworks and microframeworks. Full-stack frameworks like Django and Web2Py provide everything needed to build a complete application, including ORM (Object Relational Mapping), templating engines, and built-in security features. Microframeworks like Flask and FastAPI, on the other hand, offer more flexibility and minimalism, giving developers control over which components to use.
The following table addresses some of the prominent types of Python frameworks, such as full-stack frameworks, along with their benefits, descriptions, and use cases.
Framework Type |
Description |
Key Benefits |
Ideal Use Cases |
Full-Stack Frameworks | Comprehensive frameworks like Django and Web2py that cover front-end and back-end development in a single package. | Complete development environment- Built-in features (authentication, ORM, form handling)- Enforces consistent project structure- Easily scalable- Security features included by default | Large-scale applications, enterprise projects, content management systems |
Micro-Frameworks | Minimalist frameworks such as Flask and Bottle that provide core functionality with high flexibility for customization. | Fast setup with minimal configuration- Freedom to choose components like databases and templates- Lightweight codebase for easy maintenance- Simple debugging process | Small applications, APIs, prototypes, microservices |
Asynchronous Frameworks | Modern frameworks like FastAPI, Sanic, and Tornado built to support concurrency and non-blocking operations. | - Handles multiple simultaneous requests efficiently- Low latency and fast response times- Optimizes CPU and memory usage- Suitable for real-time and data-heavy apps | Real-time services, streaming platforms, chat apps, and high-performance APIs |
Data Science Courses to upskill
Explore Data Science Courses for Career Progression
Also Read: Python Developer Salary in India in 2025 [For Freshers & Experienced]
Now that you understand the importance of selecting the right framework, let's explore the top 10 Python frameworks you should consider learning in 2025.
When choosing a Python framework in 2025, it’s important to consider your project’s purpose and the specific benefits and limitations of each option. You should also stay updated on current trends, including the rise of async-first designs, growing enterprise AI APIs, and evolving standards like compatibility with Python 3.13.
Depending on your project's needs, frameworks can simplify development by offering built-in tools and features, or they can provide flexibility for more custom solutions.
Here’s a quick comparison of the top 10 Python frameworks in 2025, highlighting their core features and the types of projects they’re best suited for.
Framework |
Key Features |
Django | Authentication, ORM, URL routing, template engine |
Pyramid | Routing, HTML form validation, URL dispatch |
Turbo Gears | Genshi, SQLAlchemy, Repoze, WebOb |
Web2py | Built-in IDE, debugger, one-click deployment |
CherryPy | Minimalistic, extensible design |
Flask | Jinja2 template, Werkzeug WSGI toolkit |
Sanic | Asynchronous support, Async/Await |
FastAPI | High performance, automatic validation, and async capabilities |
Bottle | Lightweight, single-file, minimal dependencies |
Dash | Data apps, Plotly integration, interactive dashboards |
Subscribe to upGrad's Newsletter
Join thousands of learners who receive useful tips
upGrad’s Exclusive Data Science Webinar for you –
The Future of Consumer Data in an Open Data Economy
Let's discuss each one of the above in detail.
Django is a high-level Python web framework for fast development and clean, pragmatic design. It's known for its scalability and robustness, making it one of the most widely used frameworks in the industry.
Django’s built-in components like its ORM, URL routing, and database schema migration provide reliability and scalability, though it is not optimized for lightweight or async-first applications
Django powers high-traffic platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest, demonstrating its ability to support scalable and high-performance web applications.
Features of Django:
Also Read: SQL for Data Science: Functions, Queries, and Best Practices
Advantages of Django:
Companies Using Django:
Instagram, Mozilla, Pinterest, National Geographic, and more.
Want to build a solid foundation in database design while mastering tools like MySQL Workbench? Enroll in upGrad’s free Introduction to Database Design course with MySQL to structure data efficiently and confidently manage relational databases.
Also Read: Top 16 Django Project GitHub for Beginners and Experienced Professionals [2025]
Pyramid is a flexible and minimalistic Python framework known for its simplicity and scalability. It's designed for both small applications and large, complex systems, making it a popular choice for developers who require flexibility.
Pyramid's routing system and HTML form validation allow for quick and efficient web application development. With the option to extend or replace its core components, Pyramid is perfect for building high-performance applications.
Features of Pyramid:
Advantages of Pyramid:
Companies Using Pyramid:
Reddit, Mozilla, and Yelp.
Also Read: Top 25+ HTML Project Ideas for Beginners in 2025: Source Code, Career Insights, and More
Turbo Gears is a Python framework that integrates various components, such as Genshi, SQLAlchemy, and WebOb, to streamline the development process. It's well-suited for building scalable, database-driven applications.
With Turbo Gears, developers can easily manage complex data models and enhance their application's performance. It's a great choice if you're looking to work on projects with demanding database interaction and need flexibility.
Features of Turbo Gears:
Also Read: HTML Vs XML: Difference Between HTML and XML[2025]
Advantages of Turbo Gears:
Companies Using Turbo Gears:
The Washington Post, CNET.
Want to take your SQL skills to the next level with advanced functions and formulas? Enroll in upGrad’s Advanced SQL course to master complex queries, optimize performance, and confidently gain deeper data insights.
Also Read: Top 27 SQL Projects in 2025 With Source Code: For All Levels
Web2py is a full-stack Python framework with an integrated web-based IDE that offers code editing, debugging, and one-click deployment. It's designed for rapid application development, especially when working on projects that require quick turnarounds.
The self-contained environment makes it easy to develop, deploy, and maintain web apps. It's particularly useful for those who want an all-in-one solution without relying on external tools.
Features of Web2py:
Advantages of Web2py:
Companies Using Web2py:
Express Technologies, Betfair, and Computaris.
CherryPy follows a minimalistic approach, offering a lightweight framework for building web applications. It is designed for extensibility, allowing developers to add new features without modifying the core framework. CherryPy's simple yet powerful architecture makes it a great choice for smaller projects or for developers who want fine control over their application's design.
Features of CherryPy:
Advantages of CherryPy:
Companies Using CherryPy:
Netflix, OpenStack, and Red Hat.
Flask is a lightweight micro-framework for Python that's perfect for small applications or APIs. With minimal built-in functionality, Flask gives developers complete flexibility to choose their tools and libraries. It's designed to be simple yet extendable, making it an ideal choice for projects that don't require a heavy framework.
Features of Flask:
Advantages of Flask:
Companies Using Flask:
Netflix, Airbnb, and LinkedIn.
Sanic is an asynchronous Python framework designed for high-performance web applications. It supports asynchronous request handlers and is built to handle large numbers of concurrent requests. With native support for Python 3.5's 'async' and 'await’ syntax, Sanic is ideal for building fast, scalable APIs and services.
Features of Sanic:
Advantages of Sanic:
Companies Using Sanic:
Cigna, Darktrace, and Uber.
FastAPI is an asynchronous Python framework designed for high performance and ease of use. It leverages Python's type hints for automatic validation and documentation, making it incredibly productive for developers. FastAPI is well-suited for building modern, scalable APIs and backend services, particularly when speed and performance are critical.
Features of FastAPI:
Advantages of FastAPI:
Companies Using FastAPI:
Microsoft, Uber, and Netflix.
Bottle is a minimalist micro-framework ideal for small applications and rapid prototyping. With a single-file design, it's extremely lightweight and easy to use. Despite its simplicity, Bottle supports essential features like routing, templating, and request handling, making it perfect for projects with minimal complexity.
Features of the Bottle:
Advantages of Bottle:
Companies Using Bottles:
Hootsuite, GitHub, and Dropbox.
Dash is a specialized framework for creating analytical web applications and dashboards using Python. Its integration with Plotly allows developers to easily create interactive visualizations and data apps. Dash is especially popular in the data science and business intelligence sectors, where data-driven insights are key.
Features of Dash:
Also Read: Data Structures in JavaScript Explained: Importance, Types & Advantages
Advantages of Dash:
Companies Using Dash:
NASA, Google, and Deloitte use Dash to create sophisticated dashboards. NASA utilizes it for telemetry visualizations, Google for real-time metrics interfaces, and Deloitte for business intelligence dashboards, integrating SQL and machine learning models.
Also Read: Top 70 Python Interview Questions & Answers: Ultimate Guide 2025
It's important to distinguish between libraries and frameworks before selecting a framework. This understanding will shape how you approach your project's architecture and development.
The key difference between libraries and frameworks in Python lies in control and structure. A library offers a set of functions and tools that you call as needed to perform specific tasks, giving you control over the flow. In contrast, a framework defines the overall structure and flow of your application, calling your code at predefined points.
For example, using the Requests library, you decide when to make HTTP calls in your script, while using Django, the framework manages requests, routing, and responses to build a full backend stack. In the next section, we'll explore how to choose between them based on your project needs.
Here's a detailed comparison to help you understand their key differences:
Aspect |
Python Library |
Python Framework |
Control Flow | You control the flow of the program and call library functions when necessary. | The framework controls the application's flow; it calls your code at predefined points (Inversion of Control). |
Purpose | Libraries provide reusable code that handles specific tasks, such as data processing or making HTTP requests. | Frameworks provide a structured foundation for building entire applications, often including design patterns. |
Structure | There is no prescribed structure. You can use libraries freely within your application as needed. | Frameworks enforce a certain structure and dictate how the application is organized. |
Flexibility | Libraries offer high flexibility; you can use them for specific tasks without following a pattern. | Frameworks are less flexible, as they impose specific guidelines, rules, and patterns that must be followed. |
Integration | Libraries can be easily integrated into existing applications and systems without altering the overall design. | Frameworks may require a significant restructuring of your existing codebase to fit within their structure. |
Learning Curve | Libraries generally have a lower learning curve. You simply pick up the functions you need. | Frameworks have a steeper learning curve since you need to understand their design patterns, rules, and conventions. |
Complexity | Libraries are simple and designed to be used for specific tasks or functions. | Frameworks are more complex because they offer a comprehensive set of tools to manage an entire application. |
Customization | You can easily customize libraries to fit your specific needs since they are modular. | Frameworks offer less customization, as they are built to enforce a certain structure and flow in applications. |
Examples | NumPy (for numerical computations), Pandas (for data manipulation), Matplotlib (for data visualization), and Requests (for HTTP requests). | Django (for web development), Flask (for microservices), FastAPI (for fast APIs), Pyramid (for flexible web apps). |
Usage | Libraries are used for specific tasks within a program, such as performing calculations, managing data, or interacting with an API. | Frameworks are used to build the core structure of an application, providing predefined tools for different layers. |
Customization Level | High customization, as you can select only the functions you need. | Limited customization, as frameworks enforce predefined structures and logic flow. |
Development Speed | Libraries can speed up development by offering specific tools, but you must manage the architecture and design yourself. | Frameworks accelerate development by offering a ready-to-use structure and integrated tools, saving you design time. |
Code Ownership | With libraries, you decide when and how to call functions. Frameworks, however, control the overall flow and call your code at designated points. | The framework owns the application's structure and logic flow, and you plug your code into the predefined points. |
Maintenance | You are responsible for maintaining how libraries are integrated into your project. | Frameworks help with maintenance by standardizing how the application is structured, making long-term maintenance easier. |
Testing | Testing libraries often require custom setups to ensure everything is integrated correctly. | Frameworks generally come with built-in testing utilities and guidelines to make testing easier. |
Common Usage | Libraries are often used for single tasks or to extend functionality within existing projects. | Frameworks are often used to build large, scalable applications from the ground up, such as web apps or APIs. |
Key Insights:
Now that we've clarified the distinction between libraries and frameworks, let's explore how to choose the right Python framework for your project.
Choosing the right Python framework is a critical decision that can significantly impact your project's success, scalability, and maintainability. While understanding what a framework is in Python is important, the bigger question lies in how to select the most suitable one for your specific needs.
The choice depends on several key factors such as project type, development speed, scalability requirements, community support, security features, and learning curve.
Example: A high-level framework like Django offers built-in tools and rapid development capabilities if you're building a full-featured web application with tight deadlines.
A minimal framework like Flask or FastAPI may provide more flexibility and performance for lightweight APIs or microservices. Additionally, considering aspects like ORM support, asynchronous capabilities, and integration with third-party tools can influence long-term efficiency and ease of maintenance.
Here's a clearer way to compare popular frameworks based on key criteria that affect real-world development:
Example Scenario:
A startup building a social media MVP might start with Flask for speed, while a company developing an enterprise CRM would benefit from Django's structure.
Example Scenario:
A real-time analytics dashboard is a good example where FastAPI’s speed can be critical.
Example Scenario:
For projects where compliance and data protection are paramount, Django's framework helps ensure safety by default.
Example Scenario:
Teams new to Python web development might start with Flask before scaling up.
Example Scenario:
FastAPI supports modern DevOps workflows with its lightweight footprint and automatic documentation.
Want to build a strong foundation in cloud technology and architecture? Enroll in upGrad’s Fundamentals of Cloud Computing course to master core concepts and confidently navigate the cloud ecosystem.
Also Read: 10+ Top DevOps Online Courses and Certifications for Career Growth in 2025
Understanding how to choose the right Python framework sets the foundation. Now, upGrad can help you build advanced skills to put that knowledge into practice.
Choosing the right Python framework depends on your project needs, such as scalability, ease of use, and community support. Frameworks like Django offer full-featured solutions, while Flask and FastAPI provide lightweight, flexible options. Understanding these differences helps you pick the best fit for your development goals.
If you're struggling to choose the right Python framework or gain hands-on experience, upGrad’s structured courses can help. Learn Django, Flask, and FastAPI through real-world projects and expert mentorship to fast-track your development career.
While the courses covered in the tutorial can significantly improve your knowledge, here are some free courses to facilitate your continued learning:
Curious which courses can help you gain expertise in Python frameworks? Contact upGrad for personalized counseling and valuable insights. For more details, you can also visit your nearest upGrad offline center.
Unlock the power of data with our popular Data Science courses, designed to make you proficient in analytics, machine learning, and big data!
Elevate your career by learning essential Data Science skills such as statistical modeling, big data processing, predictive analytics, and SQL!
Stay informed and inspired with our popular Data Science articles, offering expert insights, trends, and practical tips for aspiring data professionals!
References:
https://docs.python.org/3/whatsnew/3.13.html
Django is a solid choice if you’re building a complex, feature-rich application with built-in admin panels, ORM, and authentication. It follows the batteries-included philosophy and is ideal for projects that need rapid development and scalability. On the other hand, Flask is great for smaller, lightweight applications or when you want full control over the components you integrate. If flexibility, minimalism, and microservices are your priorities, Flask might be the better option. Choose based on your project scope, timeline, and how much customization you want to manage yourself.
FastAPI is quickly becoming a favorite for developers who work with APIs. If you’re dealing with high-performance applications that rely on asynchronous code, FastAPI is a game changer. It uses modern Python type hints to validate and serialize data, making your code cleaner and generating automatic docs using Swagger. You’ll appreciate its speed and developer experience especially if you're building data-heavy, real-time, or ML-backed systems.
This choice depends on how much control you want and the scale of your project. A full-stack framework like Django gives you everything from the box – ORM, templates, routing, admin, and more. It’s ideal for monolithic apps and teams that want speed over configuration. Microframeworks like Flask and FastAPI let you handpick every component, which can be great for custom solutions, microservices, or if you need more performance optimization. Ask yourself how much you want pre-built versus custom and how fast you need to go from concept to production.
If your goal is to build RESTful APIs with minimal setup and maximum performance, FastAPI is your go-to framework. It’s built for speed and simplicity, using Pydantic and Python type hints for automatic data validation. You get automatic docs, fast async support, and a development experience that rivals more mature frameworks. If you’re just getting started or building prototypes, Flask is also a strong choice due to its lightweight nature. But for modern API-first projects, FastAPI edges ahead.
Scaling a Python app depends not just on your framework, but also on your architecture. You can scale vertically with Django by optimizing middleware, caching, and Django channels for asynchronous tasks. For FastAPI, since it’s async-ready, you can scale horizontally using event loops and ASGI servers like Uvicorn or Hypercorn. Either way, ensure you’re decoupling services, using a proper database connection pool, and leveraging tools like Redis, Celery, and load balancers to distribute traffic.
Flask and FastAPI are the most popular choices for ML integration due to their flexibility and minimal overhead. Flask is straightforward for wrapping ML models and exposing endpoints. FastAPI adds the benefit of async support, data validation, and type hinting, which makes your ML API production-ready faster. You can also easily deploy models with Docker and run them on cloud platforms using these frameworks. Choose FastAPI if performance and modern Python features are a priority.
Django has strong security features, such as protection against SQL injection, XSS, CSRF, and clickjacking. It also provides secure password handling and authentication mechanisms out of the box. Flask is more minimal, so you’re responsible for adding most security layers using extensions or middleware. Whichever framework you choose, you should always follow security best practices such as HTTPS, input sanitization, secure authentication flows, and regular dependency updates.
Technically, you can use multiple frameworks in the same ecosystem, especially if you’re working with microservices. For example, you might have your core product in Django, but build a separate high-performance API using FastAPI. However, combining frameworks within the same codebase is usually discouraged because it adds complexity, increases dependency conflicts, and makes maintenance harder. Stick to one framework per service unless you have a strong architectural reason to split.
Django is often the top choice for SaaS products due to its robust feature set. You get user authentication, admin panels, ORM, middleware, and scalability support immediately. Its reusable apps and built-in support for common SaaS components make it ideal for fast iteration. If your product is API-first or requires high throughput and async capabilities, FastAPI can be a solid alternative. Choose based on whether your product is monolithic or service-oriented.
When choosing a framework for a team, consider the learning curve, documentation, and community support. Django is great for teams that want a structured, opinionated approach with fewer decisions to make. Flask and FastAPI give more flexibility but require a deeper understanding of architecture and component integration. Think about your team’s experience with async programming, database management, and deployment. Also, long-term maintainability, scalability, and the size of the community around the framework should be considered.
Yes, frameworks like Pyramid, Tornado, and Sanic are worth exploring. Pyramid is a flexible full-stack framework that lets you scale from small apps to complex systems. Tornado and Sanic are great for async workloads and real-time apps, offering performance that rivals Node.js. These frameworks may have smaller communities, but they serve specific use cases well. If your application needs something beyond the mainstream, these underrated options can give you a performance or design edge.
834 articles published
Rohit Sharma is the Head of Revenue & Programs (International), with over 8 years of experience in business analytics, EdTech, and program management. He holds an M.Tech from IIT Delhi and specializes...
Speak with Data Science Expert
By submitting, I accept the T&C and
Privacy Policy
Start Your Career in Data Science Today
Top Resources