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Django Tutorial – A Complete Guide for Beginners

Introduction to Django

Django is a high-level Python web framework that enables rapid development with clean, reusable, and maintainable code. This Django tutorial will guide you through the steps to get started. It follows the Model-View-Template (MVT) architecture and is known for its scalability, security, and efficiency.

Why Use Django?
  • 🚀 Rapid Development – Reduces development time with built-in tools.
  • 🔒 Security – Prevents common threats like SQL injection and CSRF attacks.
  • 📊 Scalability – Handles high traffic and complex applications efficiently.
  • 🔄 Reusability – Encourages modular code with reusable components.
  • 🛠️ Built-in Features – Includes authentication, admin panel, ORM, and more.
Django Features

Django comes with many powerful features, including:

  1. Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) – Works with relational databases like PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQLite.
  2. Admin Interface – Auto-generates a web-based admin panel for database management.
  3. URL Routing – Maps URLs to views easily using urls.py.
  4. Middleware Support – Handles authentication, security, and caching.
  5. Built-in Authentication – Provides secure user authentication.
  6. Scalability – Supports high-traffic applications efficiently.
Installing Django

To install Django, ensure Python is installed. Then, use:

pip install django

verify Installation:

django-admin --version
Django Applications & Use Cases

Django is widely used in various domains:

  • Web Applications – E-commerce, social media platforms
  • APIs & Backend Services – REST APIs using Django REST Framework
  • Content Management Systems (CMS) – WordPress alternatives like Wagtail
  • Data Science & AI – Machine learning model deployment
  • Enterprise Applications – ERP, CRM systems
  • Fintech & Banking – Secure transaction-based applications
Creating a Django Project

To start a new project:

django-admin startproject myproject
cd myproject
python manage.py runserver
Creating a Django App

A Django project can have multiple apps. To create an app:

python manage.py startapp myapp

Then, add 'myapp' to INSTALLED_APPS in settings.py.

Django Models (Database Handling)

Django’s ORM allows easy interaction with databases. Example model:

from django.db import models  

class Product(models.Model):  
    name = models.CharField(max_length=100)  
    price = models.FloatField()  
    stock = models.IntegerField()  

    def __str__(self):  
        return self.name  

To apply changes, run:

python manage.py makemigrations
python manage.py migrate
Django Views & URL Routing

Views handle request logic. Example view:

from django.http import HttpResponse  

def home(request):  
    return HttpResponse("Hello, Django!")  

Define the URL pattern in urls.py:

from django.urls import path  
from . import views  

urlpatterns = [  
    path('', views.home, name='home'),  
]
Django Templates

Django Templates allow dynamic HTML rendering. Example:

index.html

  
  
  
    My Django App  
  
  
    

Welcome to Django

Rendering Template in Views

from django.shortcuts import render  

def home(request):  
    return render(request, 'index.html')  
Working with Django Forms

Django simplifies form handling. Example:

from django import forms  

class ContactForm(forms.Form):  
    name = forms.CharField(max_length=100)  
    email = forms.EmailField()  
    message = forms.CharField(widget=forms.Textarea)  
Django Admin Panel

To access Django’s built-in admin panel, create an admin user:

python manage.py createsuperuser

Then, log in at http://127.0.0.1:8000/admin/.

Django REST Framework (DRF) for APIs

To create APIs, install DRF:

pip install djangorestframework

Example API View:

from rest_framework.response import Response  
from rest_framework.decorators import api_view  

@api_view(['GET'])  
def api_home(request):  
    return Response({"message": "Hello, API!"})  
Deploying a Django Project

To deploy Django, use Heroku, AWS, or DigitalOcean.

Deployment Steps

1. Install Production Dependencies

pip install gunicorn whitenoise

2. Update settings.py

ALLOWED_HOSTS = ['yourdomain.com']

3. Run Migrations & Start Server

python manage.py migrate
python manage.py runserver
Django vs. Other Web Frameworks
FeatureDjangoJava Spring BootExpress.js
LanguagePythonJavaJavaScript (Node.js)
ArchitectureFull-stack (MVT)Full-stack (MVC)Minimalist
Admin InterfaceBuilt-in admin interfaceNo built-in admin interfaceNo built-in admin interface
Development SpeedFast (due to built-in features)Medium (more setup required)Fast (simple routing)
ScalabilityHighly scalableHighly scalableHighly scalable
SecurityExcellent (with built-in protections)Excellent (strong security features)Needs additional security measures
ORMPowerful ORM (built-in)Powerful ORM (Hibernate)No built-in ORM
FlexibilityModerate (convention over configuration)High (highly configurable)High (minimalist with custom flexibility)
DocumentationExtensive and detailedExtensive and detailedGood but less detailed
Best forFull-scale apps, CMS, e-commerceEnterprise-level applications, APIsReal-time apps, APIs, microservices
Learning CurveModerate (due to its many features)Steeper (requires understanding of Java ecosystem)Moderate
Use CasesSocial networks, CMS, e-commerceLarge-scale enterprise applicationsReal-time apps, microservices
Career Opportunities with Django

Django is widely used in web development, making it a valuable skill for various job roles. Below is a table highlighting common Django-related careers, along with their estimated salary ranges in India (INR) and the USA (USD).

Job RoleAverage Salary (INR per year)Average Salary (USD per year)
Django Developer₹4,00,000 – ₹10,00,000$50,000 – $120,000
Backend Developer (Django)₹6,00,000 – ₹15,00,000$60,000 – $140,000
Full Stack Developer₹5,00,000 – ₹18,00,000$65,000 – $150,000
Django Web Engineer₹6,50,000 – ₹12,00,000$70,000 – $130,000
Software Engineer (Django)₹7,00,000 – ₹16,00,000$75,000 – $140,000
Machine Learning Engineer₹8,00,000 – ₹20,00,000$80,000 – $160,000
Django API Developer₹5,50,000 – ₹12,00,000$60,000 – $125,000
Data Engineer (Django)₹9,00,000 – ₹22,00,000$85,000 – $170,000

Why Consider a Career in Django?

  • 🌍 Global Demand: Companies worldwide use Django for web applications, REST APIs, and data-driven projects.
  • 💰 Competitive Salaries: Offers lucrative salary packages, especially for experienced developers.
  • 🏆 Versatile Opportunities: Work in startups, MNCs, or freelance as a Django specialist.
  • 📈 Growing Industry: Demand for Python and Django professionals is increasing, making it a future-proof career.

How to Start Your Career in Django?

  1. Learn Python & Django: Master Django fundamentals, including models, views, templates, and REST APIs.
  2. Build Projects: Create real-world applications like e-commerce websites, blogs, and APIs.
  3. Contribute to Open Source: Gain experience and recognition by contributing to Django-related projects.
  4. Apply for Jobs: Use platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and GitHub Jobs to find Django-based roles.
  5. Stay Updated: Follow Django’s official documentation and community forums for the latest trends.

Additional Topics:


Interview Questions:

1. What is Django’s architecture?(Infosys)

Answer:

Django follows MVT (Model-View-Template) architecture, where models define data, views handle business logic, and templates render the frontend.


2. What are middleware in Django?(TCS)

Answer:

Middleware are functions that process requests and responses globally before they reach views, used for authentication, security, and performance optimization.


3. How does Django handle database migrations?(Amazon)

Answer:

Django’s ORM uses makemigrations to track changes and migrate to apply them to the database.


Play with Django