Streamlit vs FastAPI

What is Streamlit?

Streamlit is an open-source Python framework for building interactive data apps and dashboards with minimal code. It’s optimized for rapid prototyping and visualization, making it ideal for healthcare professionals and data scientists who want to quickly turn scripts into shareable web apps.

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What is FastAPI?

FastAPI is a modern, high-performance web framework for building APIs with Python. It’s built on top of Starlette and Pydantic, offering robust support for data validation, async programming, and integration with backend systems. FastAPI is ideal for orchestrating workflows, building microservices, and deploying complex backend logic.

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Streamlit vs. FastAPI: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Streamlit	FastAPI
Primary Use Case	Build interactive front-end apps & dashboards	Build RESTful APIs and backend services
UI/UX Focus	Built-in widgets and layout for rapid UI	No native UI; integrates with front-ends
Ease of Use	Extremely easy to start with; minimal code	Slightly steeper learning curve
Interactivity	Real-time updates based on widget input	Requires integration with frontend tools such as Health Universe Navigator
Performance	Ideal for lightweight data apps	Better for high-concurrency, async tasks
Deployment Style	Standalone, self-contained apps	API-first design; fits into larger architectures
Workflow Integration	Limited support for orchestration. Relies on external workflow tools for orchestration.	Full compatibility with tools like Navigator
Best For	Data visualization, prototypes, solo apps	Backend services, orchestrated workflows

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When to Use Streamlit vs. FastAPI in Health Universe

✅ Use Streamlit when:

• You want to build a standalone healthcare app or dashboard (e.g., a clinical decision support tool).

• You need to rapidly prototype and iterate on a data-driven UI.

• Your users are healthcare professionals or analysts interacting directly with the interface.

• You are focused on visualizing health data or models rather than orchestrating complex backend logic.

✅ Use FastAPI when:

• You are developing a backend API that integrates with other systems (EHRs, analytics engines, etc.).

• You want to leverage Navigator's workflow orchestration tools for scheduling, monitoring, or chaining tasks.

• Your application needs asynchronous processing, scalability, or robust data validation.

• You are building services that are part of a larger ecosystem, such as APIs consumed by multiple apps.

While FastAPI apps can be accessed directly from your own infrastructure through Health Universe API calls, FastAPI apps are best as part of AI driven workflows within Navigator.