Getting started with Django

Getting Started with Django: A Beginner's Guide

Django is a high-level Python web framework that enables rapid development and clean, pragmatic design. Whether you're new to web development or transitioning from another framework, this guide will help you get started with Django step by step.

1. Installing Django

Before you start, ensure you have Python installed on your system. You can install Django using pip:

Verify the installation by running:

2. Creating a Django Project

Once Django is installed, create a new project using the following command:

Navigate into your project directory:

Run the development server to ensure everything is set up correctly:

Visit http://127.0.0.1:8000/ in your browser to see the default Django welcome page.

3. Creating a Django App

Django projects consist of apps that handle different parts of the application. Create a new app using:

Add the app to your project by including it in INSTALLED_APPS in settings.py:

4. Defining Models

Models define the structure of your database tables. Open models.py in your app and create a simple model:

Run migrations to apply the changes:

5. Creating a View and URL

Django views handle user requests. Open views.py in your app and create a simple view:

Define the URL pattern in urls.py:

Include this file in your project’s main urls.py:

6. Running the Server and Testing

Restart the development server and visit http://127.0.0.1:8000/ to see your custom view in action:

7. Next Steps

Now that you have a basic Django project set up, you can explore more features such as:

• Using Django’s built-in ORM for database operations
• Creating templates for dynamic web pages
• Implementing user authentication
• Deploying your Django application

Django provides extensive documentation and a robust ecosystem to help you build scalable and maintainable web applications. Happy coding!