If you’re about to hire Python developers, you’ve probably looked at resumes packed with the same buzzwords: Django, Flask, FastAPI. But how do you know which frameworks actually matter for your project? Whether you’re building a lightweight web app, a machine learning model, or handling real-time data, the right Python framework can save weeks of work and thousands in cost. And hiring someone familiar with the best-fit framework isn’t just a preference—it’s a performance decision.
This post walks you through the essential frameworks that skilled Python developers should know in 2025. We’ll also show you how these tools align with the needs of modern tech companies looking to hire software developers who can hit the ground running. Read on if you want to stop guessing and start hiring smarter.
Table of Contents
What Sets Top Python Developers Apart? It Starts With The Right Frameworks
1. Django: The Complete Package For Web Development
Django is often the first framework that comes up when businesses hire Python developers for web-based applications. But what makes it so reliable?
Django is a high-level web framework that follows the “batteries-included” philosophy. That means it comes with nearly everything a developer needs to build a secure, scalable web app—out of the box. From user authentication and admin panels to ORM and middleware, Django minimizes the need for third-party plugins. This is why it’s trusted by tech companies like Instagram, Pinterest, and Mozilla.
One of the biggest advantages of Django is its security. Developers don’t have to manually code against common threats like CSRF and SQL injection—it’s already built in. For hiring managers, this translates into fewer vulnerabilities and faster development cycles.
If your project needs to scale, Django’s strong community support and proven track record make it a no-brainer. But beware—Django has a steeper learning curve. When you’re screening resumes, ask candidates how they’ve handled database migrations, custom middleware, or scaled a Django app across multiple servers.
2. Flask: Lightweight & Flexible For Custom Web Apps
Not every web project needs the heavy structure of Django. This is where Flask shines. Flask is a micro-framework that gives developers the freedom to plug in only what they need. If you’re building a lightweight API or an MVP (minimum viable product), hiring a Python developer with strong Flask experience can be a cost-efficient move.
Because Flask doesn’t impose rules, it requires developers to make architectural decisions. That means when you hire Python developers with Flask on their resume, you should dig into how they’ve handled things like routing, database connections, and session management.
What makes Flask appealing to tech companies is its speed. You can get a basic app running in minutes, and scale it with extensions as needed. Popular Flask apps include Reddit and Netflix’s internal tools.
If flexibility and speed are your priorities, Flask experience should be on your must-have list. But remember: because it’s unopinionated, it also demands disciplined, experienced coders.
3. FastAPI: Built For Speed & Modern APIs
API development has become a cornerstone of modern software systems. And FastAPI is now the go-to Python framework for building high-performance REST and GraphQL APIs.
FastAPI is asynchronous by design and uses Python 3.7+ type hints, which makes it extremely efficient and developer-friendly. When you hire Python developers, proficiency in FastAPI signals that a candidate can build backend services that are fast, clean, and easily maintainable.
Here’s a fact that might surprise you: FastAPI is reportedly as fast as Node.js and even Go in some benchmarks, making it ideal for tech companies working on real-time applications or microservices architectures.
One strong advantage of FastAPI is automatic documentation using Swagger UI—developers don’t have to write docs manually. If your product relies on third-party integrations or real-time data, FastAPI experience is a huge plus. During interviews, ask candidates how they’ve used async and await functions, or managed data validation with Pydantic in a FastAPI setup.
4. Pyramid: Great For Customizable Enterprise Projects
Pyramid is lesser-known compared to Django and Flask, but it packs a punch in enterprise-level applications. Its “start small, finish big” philosophy allows developers to scale up complexity without switching frameworks.
When you’re looking to hire Python developers for a product that may evolve over time—adding more user roles, APIs, and integration layers—Pyramid offers the flexibility you need. It supports both SQLAlchemy and ZODB, has great security features, and is flexible with templating and URL routing.
Pyramid is often used in applications that need high configurability but don’t want to give up on performance. While it’s not beginner-friendly, developers who list Pyramid likely have experience working in larger systems with evolving requirements.
If your startup or product team is working in an enterprise environment or has plans for rapid scaling, Pyramid is a framework worth prioritizing in your hiring checklist.
5. Tornado: For High-Performance, Real-Time Applications
Planning to build a chat application, real-time analytics dashboard, or a live streaming platform? Tornado might be your best bet.
Tornado is a Python web framework and asynchronous networking library originally developed by FriendFeed (later acquired by Facebook). It’s designed to handle thousands of simultaneous connections—ideal for high-load apps that can’t afford latency.
While FastAPI and Django can handle async tasks, Tornado was built for it from day one. When you hire Python developers who know Tornado, you’re hiring people capable of scaling web sockets, managing long-lived network connections, and optimizing performance in real-time environments.
Not all tech companies need this level of performance, but those working in fintech, gaming, or communications often do. Ask candidates how they’ve managed Tornado’s IOLoop, or how they implemented pub-sub patterns using Tornado servers.
6. Web2py: Secure & Deployment-Friendly For Business Apps
Web2py may not have the market share of Django or Flask, but it’s still a strong contender—especially for business apps that require rapid development and secure defaults.
Web2py comes with its own IDE, ticketing system, and deployment tools. It’s backward-compatible, portable, and designed to lower the barrier for new developers. While it may not offer the modular flexibility of Flask or FastAPI, it excels in educational and enterprise environments where rapid rollout and security are priorities.
If you’re managing an internal tool or workflow management platform, and you need a team that can move fast without reinventing the wheel, hiring someone with Web2py experience can reduce technical debt.
Don’t overlook this framework just because it’s not trendy. Web2py experience often means the developer values reliability and simplicity—key traits when you hire software developers for internal tools.
7. CherryPy: Small Yet Scalable
CherryPy might be one of the oldest frameworks still in active use. It enables developers to build web applications in much the same way they would build any other object-oriented Python program.
What’s interesting about CherryPy is that it abstracts the HTTP protocol, which allows developers to work at a higher level while still maintaining control. It’s lightweight, has built-in support for testing, and can be easily embedded into larger projects.
If you find candidates with CherryPy experience, especially those who’ve used it in embedded systems or as a part of larger architectures, that’s a good sign they know how to write clean, efficient, modular code.
Conclusion: Matching The Framework To The Role
Here’s a question worth asking before your next hire: Is your Python project framework-driven or problem-driven? The answer will guide your hiring decision.
To hire Python developers who truly add value, you need to match the framework they specialize in with the business problem you’re solving. Django and Flask cover most needs, but FastAPI, Pyramid, Tornado, and others fill critical niches that can dramatically impact scalability, performance, and time to market.
Tech companies that take the time to hire based on real-world framework experience—not just general Python knowledge—end up with better apps, fewer bugs, and teams that are easier to scale. Ready to build smarter? Make the framework part of your hiring conversation.
