In this lesson, you'll explore common data types in Python and how to use them in Flask apps. This builds on handling requests, focusing on strings, integers, lists, and dictionaries in a backend context.

Data types are fundamental in programming, defining the kind of data you can work with. You'll create a Flask app that processes different data types from user inputs. Here's what you'll do:

1. Set up a new project.
2. Handle string data.
3. Work with integers.
4. Use lists and dictionaries.
5. Test and process data.

By the end, you'll understand how to manage various data types in web backends.

To start, create a folder for this lesson's project to keep things organised.

1. On your computer, create a new folder named 'FlaskDataTypes'.
2. Open VS Code and select File > Open Folder, then choose 'FlaskDataTypes'.

Create a virtual environment for your project.

1. Open Command Palette: View > Command Palette.
2. Type 'Python: Create Environment' and select it.
3. Choose 'Venv'.
4. Select your Python version.
5. VS Code creates a '.venv' folder.

Open a terminal in VS Code to install Flask if needed.

1. Go to View > Terminal.
2. Run: pip install flask.
3. Wait for installation to finish.