What is Django?
Django is a high-level Python web framework that encourages rapid
development and clean, pragmatic design. It was built by experienced
developers to help you create web applications quickly and efficiently.
Django emphasizes reusability of components, less code, and the "Don't
Repeat Yourself" (DRY) principle.
Key Features:
1. Batteries Included: Django comes with a lot of built-in features,
such as an authentication system, an admin interface, and a
powerful ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) for database interactions.
Batteries included" when referring to Django means that the web
framework comes with a wide range of features and tools readily
available out of the box, so developers don't need to install many
additional libraries or build components from scratch, allowing them
to start building their application quickly with built-in functionalities
like a robust ORM, template engine, user authentication system, and
admin panel, essentially providing "everything you need" to get
started without extra setup.
2. Security: Django helps developers avoid common security mistakes
by providing a secure way to manage user accounts and passwords,
and by protecting against common attacks like SQL injection, cross-
site scripting, and cross-site request forgery.
3. Scalability: Django is designed to handle high-traffic websites and
can scale to meet the demands of large-scale applications.
4. Versatility: Django can be used to build almost any type of
website, from content management systems and wikis to social
networks and news sites.
How Django Works:
Django follows the Model-View-Template (MVT) design pattern:
Model: Represents the data structure and is typically mapped to a
database table. Models are defined in a file called models.py.
View: Handles the logic and interacts with the model to fetch data
and pass it to the template. Views are defined in a file called
views.py.
Template: Defines the presentation layer and is responsible for
rendering the HTML content. Templates are usually HTML files with
embedded Django template tags.
Basic Workflow:
1. URL Routing: When a user requests a URL, Django checks the
urls.py file to determine which view to call.
2. View Processing: The view processes the request, interacts with
the model to fetch data, and passes the data to the template.
3. Template Rendering: The template renders the HTML content and
returns it to the user's browser.
Getting Started:
1. Installation: Install Django using pip: pip install django.
2. Creating a Project: Create a new Django project using the
command: django-admin startproject projectname.
3. Creating an App: Inside the project, create a new app using the
command: python manage.py startapp appname.
4. Defining Models: Define your data models in models.py.
5. Creating Views: Create views in views.py to handle requests and
interact with models.
6. Designing Templates: Design your HTML templates and use
Django template tags to display data.
7. URL Configuration: Configure URL routing in urls.py to map URLs
to views.
