Using Python For Web Development: Pros & Cons
12 Oct 2021Development
Python has grown in popularity as a dynamic, agile, and powerful programming language that many software programmers prefer to established languages like C++ and Java. Python has also gained a lot of favor among web developers. While the web developer community is split on whether Python is beneficial for creating feature-rich websites, it’s time to weigh in on the language’s advantages and disadvantages.
Python is a developer-friendly programming language that helps you build dynamic web apps. It is one of the most widely used programming languages, allowing programmers to design applications with minimal coding.
In this regard, we should pay close attention to all of the main websites and famous web platforms that have successfully implemented Python. Let’s have a look at some of the most popular Python-based websites and online apps.
- Spotify: This music streaming app is built using Python.
- Instagram: The core technology behind this extremely popular social networking platform with over 4 million daily users is Python.
- Disqus: Python was chosen as the primary programming language for the popular commenting plugin.
From the previous examples, it is evident that Python, as a powerful web-ready language, is well suited to a wide range of development projects. Python is a popular programming language for websites in a wide range of industries, including travel, administration, education, entertainment, social networking, healthcare, and enterprise websites.
Despite the numerous advantages, many web developers decide not to use Python for their projects and instead use another programming language. That is why, in this article, we will discuss the fundamental advantages and disadvantages of Python in a balanced approach.
What are the advantages of using Python?
- Flexible, simple to use, and quick to create
Python is dynamically typed, making it easier and faster to program with, with REPL and notebook-like environments like Jupyter. For data scientists, the latter is increasingly becoming the mandated working environment.
Python’s flexibility makes exploratory data analysis simple, which is essentially looking for needles in a haystack while you’re not sure what the needle is. Python enables you to combine the best aspects of many programming paradigms. It’s object-oriented, but it also uses functional programming techniques.
- Lowest learning curve
It’s as uncomplicated to pick up as the English language we use every day. This language has a very short learning curve due to its basic syntax.
Python is a free programming language that can be downloaded and used in minutes. Python development is simple and straightforward.
- Vibrant community
Python programmers’ community is one of the greatest in the world, with a sizable and active user base. Some of the world’s brightest IT brains have contributed to both the language and its support forums.
- Asynchronous coding
Python supports and preserves asynchronous code, which is great news. Allowing each code to run independently speeds up the process of solving and resolving issues.
- Has every library you can think of.
From web development to game development to machine learning, there is a library for almost anything you can think of.
Another advantage of Python is that it can help you become more productive. Its integration and control capabilities can help programs work more efficiently. Python is more productive than Java in comparison to other languages since it is dynamically typed and compact.
- Use of AI & Machine learning
Artificial intelligence and machine learning have been increasingly used and implemented in response to app users’ expectations of more sophisticated app use. Python encourages the use of AI and machine learning in application development, which is why developers prefer Python for its coding flexibility and adaptability.
In addition, the developer may find effective tools and machine learning packages in Python, which is ideal for data analysis and the development of a wide range of services in apps.
- IoT Opportunity
Python has a platform called Raspberry Pi, which connects your project to the actual world. Python may have gotten so familiar with the Internet of Things as a result of this (IoT). Python is a beautiful and strong programming language thanks to the documentation that comes with the Raspberry Pi. Because of its ease of use, the Raspberry Pi is the most popular choice for writing documentation. Furthermore, Raspberry lets the project to quickly connect to the outside world.
Despite all of the benefits listed above, Python does have some limitations. Let’s have a look at these flaws in more detail.
What are the main disadvantages of Python?
- Speed limitations
Python is slower than other programming languages since it is an interpreted programming language.
- Threading Issues
Python’s Global Interpreter Lock (GIL) prevents several threads from running at the same time. The language is severely limited as a result of this.
- Not native for mobile development
Python is not designed for mobile environments, and some programmers consider it to be a weak language for mobile computing. Python is not an official programming language on Android or iOS.
Python can still be used for mobile applications, although it takes a little more effort.
- The use of memory
You should keep in mind that Python uses a lot of RAM. As a result, it might not be the greatest choice for tasks that require a lot of memory. When a large number of items are active in RAM, this could be an issue.
While the Python programming language’s simplicity appears to be a benefit, it is also one of the language’s major disadvantages. Switching from a language with easy syntax to a language with complicated grammar, such as Java, can be difficult for programmers. This is why switching from Python to another language is difficult due to the vast libraries and late-binding dynamic models.
- Low code reuse
Because of the code’s significant reusability, developers find coding with Python exceedingly difficult when designing enterprise-level systems. It can convey the impression to developers that GitHub-like tools will make it easier for data scientists and programmers to archive their code so that others can access and utilize it. When it comes to reality, however, this is not the case. The more complicated the app, the more complicated the code becomes. Many developers become involved in coding when firms have larger goals to achieve.
This article may help you decide whether or not to choose Python as your programming language.
Python may be the ideal option if you want to construct simple and clear apps, but this may not be the case if you want to build enterprise-level applications.
For machine learning, data analysis, and visualization, this language is a natural fit. It should be a boon to AI-first firms.
Python, like any other programming language, isn’t ideal for every project, but it may be a good fit in a variety of situations.
In almost every case, the major advantages of the Python programming language outweigh the language’s flaws and deficiencies. Because of the language’s unrivaled versatility, ease of use, and modularity, it remains a popular choice among web developers across the board.
The presented content was written by our experts and is based on our company's experiences.