Definition
Django is a free, open-source web framework written in Python that follows the model-template-views (MTV) architectural pattern. It's designed to help developers take applications from concept to completion as quickly as possible. Django emphasizes reusability, less code, low coupling, rapid development, and the principle of don't repeat yourself (DRY).
Key Features
Automatic admin interface for managing application data without writing additional code.
Database abstraction layer that allows you to work with databases using Python objects.
Built-in protection against common security threats like SQL injection, XSS, and CSRF.
Designed to handle high-traffic applications with proper caching and database optimization.
Django Project Example
# models.py - Define your data models
from django.db import models
from django.contrib.auth.models import User
class Post(models.Model):
title = models.CharField(max_length=200)
content = models.TextField()
author = models.ForeignKey(User, on_delete=models.CASCADE)
created_at = models.DateTimeField(auto_now_add=True)
updated_at = models.DateTimeField(auto_now=True)
def __str__(self):
return self.title
# views.py - Handle business logic
from django.shortcuts import render, get_object_or_404
from django.http import JsonResponse
from .models import Post
def post_list(request):
posts = Post.objects.all().order_by('-created_at')
return render(request, 'blog/post_list', {'posts': posts})
def post_detail(request, pk):
post = get_object_or_404(Post, pk=pk)
return render(request, 'blog/post_detail', {'post': post})
# urls.py - URL routing
from django.urls import path
from . import views
urlpatterns = [
path('', views.post_list, name='post_list'),
path('post/<int:pk>/', views.post_detail, name='post_detail'),
]
# settings.py - Configuration
DATABASES = {
'default': {
'ENGINE': 'django.db.backends.postgresql',
'NAME': 'myproject',
'USER': 'myuser',
'PASSWORD': 'mypassword',
'HOST': 'localhost',
'PORT': '5432',
}
}
Career Impact
Learning Path
- Python Fundamentals: Master Python programming basics and OOP concepts
- Django Basics: Learn models, views, templates, and URL routing
- Database Integration: Work with Django ORM, migrations, and database relationships
- User Authentication: Implement user registration, login, and permission systems
- Advanced Features: Forms, middleware, signals, and custom management commands
- Deployment: Deploy Django applications to production environments