Python might not be the most modern programming language, but it’s undoubtedly one of the most widely used today. There’s an old Persian saying: "A thornless flower is divine." (گل بیخار خداست), which reminds us that nothing in the universe is without imperfections. Programming languages are no exception. Despite its performance issues (In comparison with compiled programming languages) and the infamous GIL, Python’s simplicity, vast community, and extensive library support far outweigh its shortcomings. Recent advancements in Python’s core are also paving the way for modern features like type hinting and concurrency—capabilities that were missing from the start.
With the introduction of type hinting in Python 3.5 and its gradual adoption as a default in Python 3.10, FastAPI emerged. The now-famous de facto framework for RESTful API development hardly needs an introduction. But here’s where I want to take a creative detour: "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb."
Yes, you read that right. FastAPI is the “bomb” that’s shaking up Django and even other web development frameworks from different languages. It builds on Python’s strengths without reinventing the wheel. FastAPI embraces Python’s core language features, making the learning process feel like rediscovering Python itself—but in a better way. Trust me on this: the learning curve feels more like a joyride. Hell yeah, learning curve! 😜
While the many merits of FastAPI could fill pages, this article focuses on why I love using the full-stack template introduced by its author, @tiangolo (Sebastián Ramírez). Sebastián isn’t just a great open-source contributor—he’s an idol. His dedication goes beyond building his own tools; he also highlights other projects worth exploring and using for a lifetime.
Why I Love the Full-Stack Template
1. Gathering Modern Technologies
The template brings together a dream stack:
- FastAPI for the backend
- PostgreSQL for the database
- React for the frontend
- Docker Compose for DevOps
You can find the full list of technologies here.
2. Rocket-Fast Performance!
Despite being based on Python, FastAPI’s performance is undoubtedly impressive. This is thanks to its foundation on two powerful tools: Starlette and Uvicorn. If you’ve worked with Django, you might know its performance isn’t its strongest suit. But take a look at the TechEmpower Benchmark: FastAPI’s performance outshines Flask and is miles ahead of Django—not just far, but far, far, far better!
3. The Dirty Work is Already Done!
You might think, "So what? I know these technologies and can integrate them myself." Fair point, but let’s be real—configuring and bridging these tools can be a nightmare. This template handles that for you, using best practices throughout. Why not trust it? By narrowing down the stack, you free your mind from debating JS/TS, Vite/Webpack, Chakra UI/Material UI, and so on. Straight to the code!
4. Learning from Top Developers
Before using this template, I hadn’t even heard of technologies like Traefik, Playwright, or Chakra UI. Discovering these tools through the template introduced me to industry best practices and inspired me to learn more.
5. Well-Organized Code and Best Practices
I won’t dive too deep into the codebase, but one highlight is its exceptional implementation of user authentication. It uses OAuth2 and JWT standards—and nails it. Although the structure might feel complex at first glance, you’ll soon appreciate why it’s designed this way.
6. Customization Right Out of the Box
Do you prefer to stick with the backend and implement the frontend using your favorite framework, like Svelte? Not a problem! Removing the frontend folder is almost all you need to do. The template supports easy customization, whether on the backend or frontend, allowing you to tailor it to your specific needs.
7. Documentation and Community Support
Both FastAPI and the full-stack template have robust documentation. Additionally, there’s an active community around FastAPI, so finding solutions to issues or learning best practices is relatively easy.
The Downsides
1. Pull Request Review Delays
Sebastián maintains many amazing projects, so PR reviews can take longer than expected. On the bright side, he’s welcoming and offers warm responses when he has time to engage.
2. Complexity for Beginners
While the template is powerful, its structure and integrations can feel overwhelming to beginners. New developers might need extra time to understand how all the pieces fit together.
3. Maintenance of Customized Projects
Once you’ve customized the template, keeping your project up-to-date with upstream changes can be tricky. Merging updates from the original repository requires careful attention to avoid conflicts with your customizations.
In conclusion, the full-stack FastAPI template isn’t just a collection of tools; it’s a thoughtfully crafted framework that balances modern technologies with ease of use. It’s not perfect—just like Python or anything else in life—but as the saying goes, "A thornless flower is divine."
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