Django Framework Overview
1. Django Framework Overview
Django is a high-level Python web framework that encourages rapid development and clean,
pragmatic design. It follows the Model-View-Template (MVT) architectural pattern, which
separates data (model), user interface (template), and business logic (view).
Key Features of Django:
o Object-Relational Mapping (ORM): Connects the database with Python
classes.
o Automatic Admin Interface: A powerful and customizable admin panel.
o URL Routing: Handles requests based on defined patterns.
o Scalability and Security: Django helps developers avoid common security
pitfalls.
2. Setting Up Django
Before starting, you'll need Python and Django installed on your system.
Steps to Set Up Django:
Here is a step-by-step guide to install Django and start working with it using Python on your
local machine (Windows/Linux/macOS). This includes installation, creating a Django
project, running the server, and writing Python programs using Django.
Step 1: Install Python
Check if Python is installed
Open your terminal/command prompt and type:
python --version
or
python3 --version
If not installed, download it from: https://www.python.org/downloads/
Ensure you check "Add Python to PATH" during installation.
Step 2: Install pip (Python Package Installer)
Usually, pip is installed with Python by default.
Check by:
pip --version
If not found, follow this guide: https://pip.pypa.io/en/stable/installation/
Step 3: Install Virtual Environment (Recommended)
A virtual environment keeps project dependencies isolated.
For Windows:
pip install virtualenv
Create a virtual environment:
virtualenv venv
Activate it:
Windows:
venv\Scripts\activate
Step 4: Install Django
After activating the virtual environment:
pip install django
Verify installation:
django-admin --version
Step 5: Create a Django Project
django-admin startproject myproject
cd myproject
This creates the following structure:
myproject/
manage.py
myproject/
__init__.py
settings.py
urls.py
wsgi.py
Step 6: Run the Django Development Server
To start the server:
python manage.py runserver
Visit: http://127.0.0.1:8000
You’ll see the Django Welcome Page.
Step 7: Create a Django App
A Django project can contain multiple apps.
python manage.py startapp myapp
Add 'myapp' to INSTALLED_APPS in settings.py.
Step 8: Create a Model in myapp/models.py
from django.db import models
class Product(models.Model):
name = models.CharField(max_length=100)
price = models.DecimalField(max_digits=5, decimal_places=2)
description = models.TextField()
def __str__(self):
return self.name
Step 9: Create and Apply Migrations
Tell Django to create database tables:
python manage.py makemigrations
python manage.py migrate
Step 10: Use the Django Shell to Test Python Programs
Run the shell:
python manage.py shell
Then you can write Python code:
from myapp.models import Product
# Create a product
Product.objects.create(name="Laptop", price=999.99, description="A good laptop")
# Retrieve products
products = Product.objects.all()
for p in products:
print(p.name, p.price)
Step 11: Create Views and Templates
In myapp/views.py:
from django.shortcuts import render
from .models import Product
def product_list(request):
products = Product.objects.all()
return render(request, 'product_list.html', {'products': products})
Create a folder: myapp/templates/
Inside product_list.html:
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<title>Products</title>
</head>
<body>
<h1>Product List</h1>
<ul>
{% for product in products %}
<li>{{ product.name }} - ₹{{ product.price }}</li>
{% endfor %}
</ul>
</body>
</html>
In myproject/urls.py:
from django.contrib import admin
from django.urls import path
from myapp.views import product_list
urlpatterns = [
path('admin/', admin.site.urls),
path('', product_list, name='product_list'),
]
Step 12: Run the Server Again
python manage.py runserver
Go to: http://127.0.0.1:8000
You'll see your product list rendered dynamically from the database!
