High-Performing Web Framework for Building APIs using Fast API

Introduction to FastAPI

FastAPI is a Python based framework that has a collection of tools that let programmers use frequently used functions using a REST interface to create apps. It can be called by using a REST API, which is a common building piece for apps.

This framework is made to enhance our developer experience so that we can write straightforward code to create production-ready APIs.

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Features of Fast API

Simple:

It’s created to be simple to use and learn, saving our time from having to read manuals.
It enables huge increases in development time and is quick to code.
It reduces code duplication, in brief.

Runs quickly:

Starlette and pydantic libraries provide FastAPI performance that is on par with NodeJS and Go.

Robust:

It offers production-ready code with interactive documentation that is generated automatically.
It is built on OpenAPI and JSON Schema, two open standards for APIs.

FastAPI Vs Flask

Recently, FastAPI has attracted a lot of interest. Flask and its development structure are extremely similar to FastAPI.
Python web servers and data science programs can be swiftly set up using Flask and FastAPI. When it comes to deployment, they both demand the same amount of work.
When speed and performance are crucial, FastAPI is the best option. Choose this more recent framework if you’re creating your CDN and anticipate heavy traffic. With FastAPI, you can simply download and use the framework that is already developed on cutting-edge technology while also enjoying the time-saving benefits of the project template.
FastAPI will be a better option when you’re constructing APIs than Flask, especially when microservices are taken into account. The only justification for using Flask in this situation would be if your company already has a substantial amount of tooling based on that framework.
When you need to create a straightforward microservice with a few API endpoints, pick Flask instead. It’s also a fantastic choice for developing data-driven web application prototypes and machine learning models.

Installing Fast API

It is very easy to install FastAPI with the below command:

pip install fastapi uvicorn

1	pip install fastapi uvicorn

Now that FastAPI and Uvicorn are set up, you are prepared to start exploring how to use them. Your API will be built using the FastAPI framework, and Uvicorn will be the server that processes requests using your built-in API.

Steps to Create App in FastAPI

Create a folder with Python venv and activate the venv using the below commands:

python -m venv C:\Users\PattanImraan\Desktop\Test\FastAPI
C:\Users\PattanImraan\Desktop\Test\FastAPI\Scripts>Activate.bat

1 2	python -m venv C:\Users\PattanImraan\Desktop\Test\FastAPI C:\Users\PattanImraan\Desktop\Test\FastAPI\Scripts>Activate.bat

2. Install FastAPI and Uvicorn in venv

(FastAPI) C:\Users\PattanImraan\Desktop\Test\FastAPI\Scripts>pip install fastapi uvicorn

1	(FastAPI) C:\Users\PattanImraan\Desktop\Test\FastAPI\Scripts>pip install fastapi uvicorn

3. Create a main.py file in the venv Scripts folder with the below code

# main.py
from fastapi import FastAPI, APIRouter
# 1
app = FastAPI(title="Hello API", openapi_url="/openapi.json")
# 2
api_router = APIRouter()
# 3
@api_router.get("/", status_code=200)
def root() -> dict:
    return {"msg": "Hello, World!!!"}
# 4
app.include_router(api_router)

# main.py

from fastapi import FastAPI, APIRouter

# 1

app = FastAPI(title="Hello API", openapi_url="/openapi.json")

# 2

api_router = APIRouter()

# 3

@api_router.get("/", status_code=200)

def root() -> dict:

return {"msg": "Hello, World!!!"}

# 4

app.include_router(api_router)

4. Enter the below command with the filename “main” to start the server.

uvicorn main:app --reload

1	uvicorn main:app --reload

You can refer to the below output in the terminal.

Step4

Hit the localhost URL to see the response in the browser.

Step4b

Explanation:

We create a FastAPI app object, a Python class that contains all the features your API needs.
To organize our API endpoints, we instantiate an APIRouter
We define a fundamental GET endpoint for our API by adding the @api router.get(“/”, status code=200) decorator to the root function.
The router we constructed in step 2 is registered on the FastAPI object using the included router method of the app object.

Example with Path Parameters:

The below code shows how API routing is done with parameters in the URL path.

from fastapi import FastAPI
app = FastAPI()
@app.get("/items/{item_id}")
async def read_item(item_id: int):
    return {"item_id": item_id}

from fastapi import FastAPI

app = FastAPI()

@app.get("/items/{item_id}")

async def read_item(item_id: int):

return {"item_id": item_id}

Step4c

Try out your endpoint:

You will see automatic, interactive API documentation when you launch your browser at http://127.0.0.1:8000/docs.

Clicking on the GET endpoint will expand it.
Select “Try It Out” from the menu.
Click the “Execute” button.
Select the “Execute” button.

Step4d

Conclusion

In this blog, we have gone through the main features of FastAPI and discussed the Flask framework vs the FastAPI framework. We created our first app in FastAPI and went through different path parameters. We have used the app.get method in our code, similarly in the app route we can use all the REST methods.

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Drop a query if you have any questions regarding FastAPI and I will get back to you quickly.

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FAQs

1. Is FastAPI frontend or backend?

ANS: – FastAPI is a python framework for developing backend APIs.

2. What is the exact difference between Flask & FastAPI in Python Frameworks?

ANS: – The FastAPI framework is used to create APIs, whereas the Flask framework is used to prototype new apps and ideas.

WRITTEN BY Imraan Pattan

Imraan is a Software Developer working with CloudThat Technologies. He has worked on Python Projects using the Flask framework. He is interested in participating in competitive programming challenges and Hackathons. He loves programming and likes to explore different functionalities for creating backend applications.