Python App Development: Use Cases, Examples, and Frameworks

If you’re familiar with coding even a little, you must’ve heard of Python. Developed in 1991, it has become one of the most widely used programming languages around the world. There is a large community behind Python actively supporting it, and this, combined with its clean syntax and variety offered in its library, makes app development faster and more cost-effective. You can use Python for all sorts of development, whether it’s a web application or a mobile app. Python has all the right characteristics needed to develop scalable, modern solutions.

Unlike some programming languages that are specialized for certain domains, like SQL for databases and HTML for web page structure, Python is a general-purpose language that can be used for a wide variety of purposes. Python powers everything from Instagram to Netflix, and its fast development times make it a favourite for startups as well as enterprises.

If you’re considering using Python for app development purposes, it would be foolish not to explore it properly. This article covers everything about Python application development, including its importance, real-life cases of applications powered by Python, its frameworks, and the associated cost implications.

Importance of Python app development 

Python has risen to prominence and has become crucial to application development for the following reasons:

• Python substantially reduces an app’s time to market because of its rapid development. The simplicity and readability integrated into it allow teams to work faster and build applications more efficiently.
• Applications developed using Python have no scalability issues, with frameworks like Django and Flask being more than capable of scaling well, even for enterprise-grade applications.
• Python doesn’t serve a single specific domain, and neither was it built to do so. It works well for web, mobile, enterprise, machine learning, automation, and much more.
• Python has a large developer community behind it, and it offers thousands of libraries helping speed up development.
• Cost-efficiency is another benefit of using Python; it requires fewer lines of code as well as shorter development cycles, allowing businesses to save costs.

Python app development use cases:

Python isn’t limited to a single domain or application, but it serves several applications, the most important ones being:

Web applications

Python is often used in developing web applications due to its rapid development nature. Frameworks such as Django, Flask, and Pyramid make Python one of the best languages for building fast, secure, and scalable web apps. Python can handle millions of users seamlessly, and there are numerous examples of this in Instagram, Pinterest, and Quora.

Mobile applications

Python’s usage in developing mobile applications isn’t as common as in web applications. Frameworks like Kivy and Beeware are used for developing mobile apps in Python. There is a huge benefit in this, as developers can create cross-platform apps, but with native performance. For this reason, startups might go down this route since it also helps them reduce costs by not having to build two separate apps for iOS and Android.

Enterprise applications

Python offers a lot of features like scalability, integration capabilities, and robust frameworks, which are crucial for enterprises. In fact, in industries such as healthcare, banking, and logistics, you will encounter numerous Python-based systems, including CRMs, ERPs, and workflow automation apps.

AI & Machine Learning Applications

AI and ML are at the forefront of whenever there area any Python-related discussions today. Python offers libraries like TensorFlow and PyTorch, which make Python the optimal language for building any machine learning or deep learning apps. For example, the recommendation system in Spotify or the content engine in Netflix both run on Python.

Game development

Python isn’t the first choice, and it is not often used for building today’s modern AAA games. Python is usually used to build prototypes and lightweight games. Python frameworks like Pygame are used in education, indie games, and gamified apps etc.

IoT applications

IoT apps require a lightweight and flexible code to work optimally, and Python provides exactly that. Libraries such as MicroPython allow Python to run on microcontrollers, helping power smart home usage devices, wearables, and industrial IoT apps.

Automation and scripting

Python is extremely powerful for automating repetitive and manual tasks. Many businesses rely on Python to automate tasks such as report generation, data scraping, and DevOps tasks.

Blockchain applications

The simplicity and security offered by Python make it a favourable language for developing blockchain-based apps. Frameworks such as PyEthereum and web3.py allow developers to experiment with decentralized apps, also known as dApps and cryptocurrencies.

Best frameworks for Python app development

The frameworks offered by Python are extensive and are what make Python efficient for app development. Here are some popular ones:

Django

Django is one of the most renowned and widely used Python frameworks, and it’s best suited for developing large and complex applications, such as social media platforms and marketplaces. Features like authentication, ORM, and security make Python reliable and secure.

Flask

Flask is perfect for developing smaller apps and APIs due to its lightweight and micro framework. Startups use Flask to develop MVPs because of its flexibility.

Fast API

As the name gives it away, FastAPI is great for building APIs, specifically for ML-powered apps. FastAPI is known for its incredible speed and performance, and its asynchronous support makes it even better than Django and Flask in certain cases.

Kivy

Kivy is a popular framework for developing cross-platform mobile apps. Kivy supports touch interfaces too, making it useful for mobile, desktop, as well as IoT projects.

Beeware

BeeWare is an important framework in the sense that it allows developers using Python to build native mobile apps for iOS and Android, without having to switch to Java or Swift.

Pyramid

Pyramid is a very specific framework, and it’s ideal for complex applications where developers may want to add or remove components selectively.

Tornado

Tornado is designed to handle extensive network connections that have existed for a long time. Tornado is great for apps that require WebSockets or real-time features.

CherryPy

CherryPy is a minimal framework used for developing small-scale web applications. Due to its minimalism, it’s quite lightweight and easy to deploy.

How to create an app with Python? Step by step

Python makes app development easier and faster, but you’ve got to know where to start. Here’s a simplified roadmap:

Define Purpose

As with any application of any kind, the very first step involves defining the purpose of the app, and whether it’s a web app, a mobile app, or an ML-powered app.

Choose Framework   

The next step is choosing the right framework, and this completely depends on your needs and the kind of app you’re developing. In general, Django/Flask are used for web app development, Kivy/BeeWare for mobile, and TensorFlow for ML.

Set up Environment

Setting up your environment is a crucial step, and you can use virtual environments such as venv or pipenv to manage dependencies.

Design Architecture

Designing your app and its architecture is a crucial step that significantly impacts your app’s long-term success. Database schemas, APIs, and user interfaces should all be set up and designed to attract and retain users, and have an app that can scale with an increase in traffic.

Coding

Your app’s code should initially be written to only include the core features for your MVP, and then scaled later with an increase in resources and users.

Deployment

After all these steps are completed and checked for any security issues or bugs, the next step is to deploy the app. You can host the app on cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Heroku.

Post-launch

Launching your app isn’t the final step; it’s just the beginning. After launch, you have to monitor the app’s performance, collect user feedback, and roll out regular maintenance updates. 

Factors to consider when developing Python apps

Developing an app can be a tricky process, and if you’re looking to develop an app using Python, here are some factors to consider:

• Scalability can be a huge issue if not taken into account from the beginning. Will the app handle thousands or millions of users?
• You should always plan and build according to your budget and resources. Python is a cost-effective and efficient alternative, but large apps, such as enterprise-scale apps, require larger teams.
• Python also offers cross-platform support, so if you’re looking to target both mobile and web, consider frameworks like Kivy or BeeWare.
• Instead of having to protect against every security vulnerability, you can utilize Python’s libraries, which provide built-in protection against common security issues.
• Performance requirements should also be taken into consideration, and what performance you want your app to have. For real-time apps, frameworks like FastAPI and Tornado can be used.

What are the famous examples of Python applications?

Today, some of the biggest and most renowned apps and companies run on Python.

• Netflix

Netflix uses Python in its recommendation engines, content delivery, and backend development.

• Instagram

Django, a Python framework, powers Instagram’s entire backend development.

• Pinterest

Pinterest relies on Python for its efficient scalability and flexibility.

• Spotify

Spotify, the famous music player, also uses Python for data analysis and in its recommendations algorithm.

• Dropbox

Dropbox uses Python as its programming language for desktop and mobile clients.

• Quora

Quora was initially developed using Python because of its rapid and efficient development.

Python app development cost estimation

It’s hard to say how much an app can cost, but estimations can be made depending on several factors, such as:

·  App Complexity plays a huge role in determining the total cost of an app. A simple automation script may only cost a hundred dollars, while an enterprise-level app can cost up to millions.

·  Certain geographic areas, such as Asia or Eastern Europe, offer Python development services at substantially lower rates as compared to North America/Western Europe, but offer the same quality and level of development.

·  Frameworks also affect costs; for example, apps built using Django require more upfront development, increasing costs as compared to Flask MVPs, which don’t require as much effort and ultimately cost.

·  The integrations within your app also affect cost, as AI, IoT, and blockchain features increase costs.

It’s hard to accurately estimate how much an app can cost, but on average, Simple/Basic apps cost between $10,000 – $30,000. Medium Apps’ costs range from $30,000 to $100,000, and complex enterprise-level apps can cost upwards of $100,000+.

Again, take these figures with a grain of salt as the real cost depends on a multitude of factors.

Build high-quality Python apps with Coding Crafts

At Coding Crafts, we have helped numerous startups and enterprises turn their ideas into highly functioning Python-powered applications. From web and mobile apps to AI and enterprise-level cross-platform solutions, our developers have the capabilities and know-how to deliver scalable, secure, and cost-effective apps. Whether you’re a startup looking to leverage Python in the development of an MVP or an enterprise building a large-scale solution, we can guide you all the way from strategy to deployment.

Ready to build your Python App? Let’s connect and bring your idea to life.