Open Source Startup Podcast E170: From Idea to Working Web App Using Only Python with Reflex
Mar 25, 2025
Nikhil Rao, Co-founder of Reflex, shares insights from the rapidly growing open-source framework that simplifies web app development entirely in Python. He discusses deploying with just Python, the challenges of low-code frameworks, and how Reflex is shaping the future of web development. Rao highlights innovative applications in finance and pharmaceuticals, empowering users without programming skills to build custom apps. He also reflects on the journey of balancing engineering and entrepreneurial skills while fostering a supportive open-source community.
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Origin of Reflex
- Nikhil Rao, while working on self-driving cars and AI at Drive AI and Apple, noticed a common problem.
- Skilled Python engineers struggled to create web apps for internal tools and data visualization.
Graduation Risk
- Existing low-code frameworks often present a "graduation risk."
- They are suitable for prototypes but lack the flexibility and performance for production-grade applications.
Target Use Cases
- Reflex targets apps requiring significant Python backend code, such as data and AI applications.
- It empowers Python developers to build full-stack apps without learning JavaScript.