# 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.