Django Setup and Workflow

Installing Django

Option 1: Using pip

pip install django  # Installs Django globally

Option 2: Using pipenv (Recommended)

pipenv install django  # Installs Django in the project folder

Create a virtual environment named env using Python and activate it in the current PowerShell session.

python -m venv env
env\Scripts\activate

Setting Up pipenv

1. Install pipenv:

   pip install pipenv

2. Verify installation:

   pip show pipenv
   pipenv --version

3. Activate the virtual environment:

   pipenv shell

Starting a Django Project

1. View available Django admin commands:

   django-admin

2. Start a new Django project:

   django-admin startproject storefront .

3. Run the Django project:

   python manage.py runserver  # Runs on the default port (8000)
   python manage.py runserver 7000  # Runs on a custom port (7000)

Setting Python Interpreter in VS Code

1. Find the virtual environment path:

   pipenv --venv

2. Copy the path and append \Scripts\python.exe (e.g., C:\Users\charith\.virtualenvs\storefront-JshKXDAk\Scripts\python.exe).

3. Set the Python interpreter in VS Code:

   • Press Ctrl + P.
   • Search for Python: Select Interpreter.
   • Choose Enter Interpreter Path and paste the path.

VS Code Terminal Shortcuts

• Open terminal: Ctrl + ` or J
• Clear terminal: Ctrl + L

Creating a Django App

1. Create a new app:

   python manage.py startapp playground

2. Key files and their purposes:

   • migrations/: Tracks and applies database migrations (e.g., generating database tables).
   • admin.py: Customizes the Django admin interface.
   • apps.py: Configures the app.
   • models.py: Defines model classes to interact with the database.
   • views.py: Handles requests and returns responses.

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