Why do we pass __name__ to the Flask class?

The __name__ parameter in Flask is used to indicate the name of the current module. This is frequently used as the application's unique identifier. The __name__ parameter is used to define where the Flask application is located when it is built, thus it is critical to configure it correctly.

Q: What is Flask Python?
Ans:

A Python module that makes it simple to create web applications is called Flask. Its core is compact and simple to extend; it's a microframework that has lots of features, such as url routing and a template engine.

Helps to locate Resource

When we construct a Flask application, it needs to know where to look for other files like templates and static files. The __name__ attribute specifies the location of these files in relation to the location of the program. Flask assumes that these files are in the same directory as the application module, in a folder named templates and a folder called static.

Flask Debugging Purpose

For debugging purposes, Flask's __name__ attribute is necessary to use. For logging messages, Flask uses the __name__ attribute to identify the name of the application. When several Flask applications are active on a same server, this assist in determining which one is the message producer.

Thus, it is a best practice and is advised by the Flask documentation to set the __name__ attribute of the Flask application to the name of the current module.

Python Flask __name__ parameter Example

from flask import Flask

app = Flask(__name__)

# can turn on the debug
# app.config["DEBUG"] = True

if __name__ == "__main__":
    print("name: ", __name__)

app.run()

Output:

D:\PythonCrudExample> python employee.py
name:  __main__
 * Serving Flask app 'employee'
 * Debug mode: off