About this session
Few debates in the Python world generate more discussion than Django vs. FastAPI. After decades of building production systems with both, we've arrived at a simple conclusion: they don't actually do the same thing, and that changes everything about how you should evaluate them.
This talk walks through a structured, no-hype comparison across three areas:
What they share:
- Python-native development experience
- Async support
- Ecosystem depth and active communities
Where Django excels:
- Batteries-included philosophy
- The ORM, admin, auth, and forms out of the box
- A rich plugin ecosystem that makes full-stack web development fast and predictable
Where FastAPI pulls ahead:
- Blazing performance
- First-class type hints
- A lightweight footprint ideal for shipping a focused API layer fast
Co-presented by two custom software development agency leaders who have made this exact call on behalf of real clients, this talk won't crown a winner. Instead, it will leave you with a practical decision framework: reach for FastAPI when you need a fast, focused API layer; reach for Django when you need a full-featured, maintainable application with the ecosystem already proven.
Presented by
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Calvin Hendryx-Parker
Calvin Hendryx-Parker is the co-founder and CTO of Six Feet Up, a custom software consultancy that specializes in solving hard problems with superior, secure, and lasting solutions.
Calvin’s Massive Transformative Purpose (MTP) is to inspire and enable tech leaders to open minds and bring the world together for a sustainable future. At Six Feet Up, Calvin establishes the company's technical vision and leads all aspects of the company's technology development.
Calvin is passionate about the open-source community and specializes in app development, AI, big data and cloud technology. He is regularly sought after to share his expertise, both at international conferences and in the media.
Six Feet Up, a top 10 United States Custom Software Development Company according to Clutch.co, was founded with Python at the forefront. In 2019, Calvin was named an AWS Hero — one of only 43 Heroes in the United States. He is the co-founder of IndyPy, the largest Python meetup in Indiana with nearly 2,500 members. In 2023, he was named Tech Executive of the Year by the Indiana Business Journal.
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Frank Wiles