Using web2py Python framework for creating data-driven web applications in the academic library
| Date | 21 March 2016 |
| Published date | 21 March 2016 |
| Pages | 164-171 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/LHT-08-2015-0082 |
| Author | Mathew Miles |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,Library technology |
Using web2py Python framework
for creating data-driven
web applications in the
academic library
Mathew Miles
Brigham Young University –Idaho, Rexburg, Idaho, USA
Abstract
Purpose –Many libraries have a need to develop their own data-driven web applications, but their
technical staff often lacks the required specialized training –which includes knowledge of SQL, a web
application language like PHP, JavaScript, CSS, and jQuery. The web2py framework greatly reduces
the learning curve for creating data-driven websites by focussing on three main goals: ease of use;
rapid development; and security. web2py follows a strict MVC framework where the controls and web
templates are all written in pure Python. No additional templating language is required. The paper
aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach –There are many frameworks available for creating database-driven
web applications. The author had used ColdFusion for many years but wanted to move to a more complete
web framework which was also open source.
Findings –After evaluating a number of Python frameworks, web2py was found to provide the best
combination of functionality and ease of use. This paper focusses on the strengths of web2py and not
the specifics of evaluating the different frameworks.
Practical implications –Librarians who feel that they do not have the skills to create data-driven
websites in other frameworks might find that they can develop them in web2py. It is a good web
application framework to start with, which might also provide a gateway to other frameworks.
Originality/value –web2py is an open source framework that could have great benefit for those who
may have struggled to create database-driven websites in other frameworks or languages.
Keywords Digital libraries, Software evaluation, Software tools, Websites, Python frameworks,
Web2py
Paper type Technical paper
1. Introduction
I graduated from library school in 1992 with little technical training at all, let alone
programming skills. My first job was working for a library software company where
I began to acquire technical skills and was introduced to reading code and basic scripting.
I left the software company in 1996 and have worked as a systems librarian since that time.
With the evolution of the web, I began to teach myself how to create database applications
using ASP and later ColdFusion. ColdFusion was a language that I was able to implement
with only the documentation and no outside assistance or training, which was important
sincenobodyelseonourcampusatthetimewasdoingmuchwithcreatingweb
applications. It was also a fairly simple language to read and maintain. I would sometimes
go months without using ColdFusion at all. When I came back to it, I could remember
enough to create new applications and modify old ones. As time went on, I realized that
I could not keep up with the pace of change occurring with web programming. ColdFusion
continued to evolve, simplifying the process of implementing jQuery widgets for example,
but a viable and robust web framework for ColdFusion did not seem to exist. The skills
that I had used in the past to create simple database applications were no longer sufficient
Library Hi Tech
Vol. 34 No. 1, 2016
pp. 164-171
©Emerald Group Publishing Limited
0737-8831
DOI 10.1108/LHT-08-2015-0082
Received 12 August 2015
Revised 6 October 2015
Accepted 29 October 2015
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/0737-8831.htm
164
LHT
34,1
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