Chapter 1: Getting Started with FastAPI

FastAPI is the Python web framework that we are going to use in this book. It is a fast, lightweight modern API and has an easier learning curve when compared to other Python-based web frameworks, such as Flask and Django. FastAPI is relatively new, but it has a growing community. It is used extensively in building web APIs and in deploying machine learning models.

In the first chapter, you will learn how to set up your development environment and build your first FastAPI application. You will begin by learning the basics of Git – a version control system – to equip you with the knowledge of storing, tracking, and retrieving file changes as you build your application. You will also learn how to handle packages in Python using pip, how to create isolated development environments with Virtualenv, and the basics of Docker. Lastly, you will be introduced to the basics of FastAPI by building a simple Hello World application.

An understanding of the technologies previously mentioned is required to build a full-blown FastAPI application. It also serves as an addition to your current skillset.

At the completion of this chapter, you will be able to set up and use Git, install and manage packages using pip, create an isolated development environment with Virtualenv, use Docker, and most importantly, scaffold a FastAPI application.

This chapter covers the following topics:

• Git basics
• Creating isolated development environments with Virtualenv
• Package management with pip
• Setting up and learning the basics of Docker
• Building a simple FastAPI application