FastAPI
Modern, fast (high-performance) web framework for building APIs with Python 3.7+
95.9k GitHub stars
FastAPI vs Django
FastAPI and Django solve different parts of modern backend development. FastAPI focuses on API speed and typing-first design, while Django prioritizes batteries-included full-stack workflows.
Quick Comparison
Django
The Web framework for perfectionists with deadlines
87.0k GitHub stars
Developer Experience
FastAPI leans on Python type hints and generates OpenAPI docs automatically, which makes API contract work fast.
Django offers more built-in modules out of the box, which reduces setup decisions for full-stack teams.
Performance and Concurrency
FastAPI is optimized for async endpoints and high-concurrency APIs.
Django can perform well, but async support is not as central to the framework model as it is in FastAPI.
Best Fit
Use the framework that matches your product surface area first.
- FastAPI: microservices, API gateways, ML inference APIs.
- Django: content-heavy apps, admin-centric products, all-in-one web platforms.
Verdict
Pick FastAPI for API-first, async workloads. Pick Django for monolithic web apps with admin, ORM, and built-in auth.
FAQ
Is FastAPI better than Django for APIs?
FastAPI is usually better for API-first services because it has built-in request validation, async-friendly design, and automatic OpenAPI docs.
When should I choose Django over FastAPI?
Choose Django when you want an integrated full-stack framework with built-in admin, ORM, authentication, and a mature plugin ecosystem.