FastAPI vs Django: API Speed or Batteries Included?
FastAPI is a lean, async, typed API framework; Django is a batteries-included full-stack framework with ORM, admin, and auth out of the box.
FastAPI focuses on fast, typed APIs with async support and automatic OpenAPI docs, leaving you to choose your own data layer. Django ships an ORM, admin, auth, templating, and migrations as one integrated whole - ideal for full applications. FastAPI optimizes API performance and minimalism; Django optimizes full-stack productivity.
| FastAPI | Django | |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | API framework | Full-stack framework |
| Async | Native | Supported, sync roots |
| Batteries | Pick your own | ORM, admin, auth included |
| Auto docs | Yes (OpenAPI) | Via DRF/add-ons |
| Best for | Fast typed APIs | Full applications |
In CI
Django tests run through manage.py with an integrated test DB, migrations, and fixtures. FastAPI tests run with pytest and a test client plus whatever data layer you chose. Both work with a disposable Postgres service in CI; Django is more turnkey for full apps.
Speed it up
Cache the Python environment and run against a throwaway DB service. Both run on CI runners; faster managed runners shorten install, migration, and test steps.
The verdict
Want a lean, fast, typed API and to pick your own pieces: FastAPI. Want a full-stack framework with ORM, admin, and auth included: Django. FastAPI for API-only services, Django for complete applications.