Exploring the Flask web framework in Python
Hip Flask
The Flask micro framework emerged from an April Fool's prank, but this simple and easy web development aid is no joke.
Developers who are looking for a Python web framework often turn to the popular Django framework [1], but Django isn't the best choice for every situation. For instance, developers occasionally face tasks that are very difficult to solve with Django's object relational mapper (ORM) or that require additional applications or other frameworks. In some cases, the versatility of Django leads to a complexity that simply isn't needed for a quick and simple project. When less is actually more, a micro web framework such as Flask [2] is often a better option.
This article demonstrates the Flask web framework by putting it to work on a real-world web application: a handy little brainstorming tool known as Geistesblitze. The word Geistesblitze is German for brainstorms or flashes of genius. The tool consists of a web application with graphical Web UI for quickly capturing and associating ideas. This simple example will introduce you to the most important and interesting aspects of Flask. The complete code is available under a BSD license on GitHub [3].
April Fool!
In 2010, the Denied [4] micro web framework popped up on the web for the first time. Python developer Armin Ronacher published it as April Fool's day joke; he wanted to poke fun at the business model of various micro web frameworks that were popular at the time. He bundled all the code into a single file called deny.py and posted a badly programmed web page (Figure 1) with fake quotes. He also shot a movie with a Dutch friend posing as the French developer of Denied [5].
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Linux Mint Shares a Possible Kernel Cleanup Solution
For those on Linux Mint who like to keep multiple kernels around but don't want them to take up too much space, you might be getting a new automated tool.
-
CachyOS Gets an Update
CachyOS August 2026 release is now available with the latest version of KDE, some new features, and plenty of improvements.
-
The Linux Kernel Dev Staging Area Now Rejects AI-Generated Patches
Unless a kernel patch is a valid security fix, it will be rejected if it was created using AI.
-
Linux Surpasses Double-Digit Market Share
According to two sources, the Linux operating system has hit a major milestone in market share that naysayers thought would never happen.
-
AI Helped Develop a Linux Exploit
A use-after-free race exploit was discovered and exploited on CentOS Stream 9.
-
Yet Another Linux Kernel Vulnerability Discovered
Affecting millions of systems, a kernel flaw discovered by Qualys could allow users to gain root privileges.
-
Ubuntu 26.10 to Include Ubuntu Certified Hardware Check
If you've ever wondered if your laptop or PC is officially certified to run Ubuntu, that curiosity will soon be met.
-
Substantial Update to IPFire Now Available
The lastest version of IPFire features a fundamental change to how the system handles DNS.
-
Gnome Working on Test Center App to Make Testing Easier
It's now possible to test experimental features on the Gnome desktop without worrying that you'll break things.
-
New Vulnerability Discovered in Linux Kernel
Hiding out for nearly 15 years, the Ghostlock vulnerability allows a standard logged-in user to gain root privileges.