In a world engulfed with technology and innovations, businesses are striving for superior solutions. With a radical change in offering services, we can witness a shift towards the web platform.
Therefore, there is a significant change in the technologies that make it a possibility. Django is among the changes that have become widely regarded by web developers today.
Suppose you are among the enthusiasts or professionals looking for a way to gain entry into the field of web development. In that case, you need to understand how to deploy the projects created on a Django framework.
The Django deployment is considered an essential skill of a web developer. Such deployments are possible with the use of DigitalOcean.
To learn the skills of deployment, it is mandatory to gain your skills by undertaking a course that can guide you with the theoretical aspects and build your hands-on experience. However, it is not the most straightforward process to find the online platform’s appropriate course today.
Individual courses don’t meet the industry requirements or become significantly different from its curriculum as there are multiple offerings. The process is more difficult, especially when an individual looks to find a beginner course. Several courses claim to be a beginner-oriented course, but it turns to be more complex and hence it creates confusion and doubts in aspirants’ minds.
To be successful in the field of technology, you must continue to upgrade your skills. It is also essential to find a suitable platform that offers an industry-recognized certificate. Django deployment on DigitalOcean Made Easy offered on the BitDegree platform is among the beginner courses worth considering.
You will be gaining a more in-depth insight into the terminologies of Django and its deployment of projects and a complete hands-on experience. The article presents the overview of the course to understand what is being offered in the entirety of the course.
What is Django?
Django is termed as a high-level Python full-stack web application framework that is suitable for rapid development and achieving clean and pragmatic design solutions.
Another reason for its popularity is because it is open-source and free. Some of the critical features are faster development, additional features for easier web development, secure, scalable, and incredibly versatile.
Typically, a framework offers a collection of grouped modules and is available for web development and applications from a pre-existing source. Thus, Django is a framework that has a wide range of collection of such modules.
Django came into existence in the year 2003, when the web developers in a newspaper company felt the need for efficiently organizing their codes.
With several newspaper journalists’ involvements, the documentation was among the essential part of the project. Since then, Django has evolved into a massive open-source community. The Django framework has all the possible solutions for web development, including authentication and content management systems.
Features of Django
The official website of Django listed out the following features of Django.
- Django was designed to help developers complete the projects in a shorter time, thus with a wide range of features, Django allows for faster development from concept to completion.
- Django has features such as user authentication, content administration, site maps, RSS feeds, and several more.
- The Django framework has stricter security provisions. Some of the typical developer mistakes are SQL injection, cross-site scripting, cross-site forgery, and clickjacking. With the user authentication system in Django, it is ensured to provide a secure way to manage user accounts and passwords.
- Some of the busiest sites in the world today are powered by a Django framework. The wide array of features in Django makes it capable of handling colossal web traffic with its ability to scale as per the demands.
- Django is incredibly versatile as different types of web applications are built using this framework. From content management systems to social networks and scientific computing platforms, Django is the most preferred framework by developers today.
- Django’s documentation is one of the most simplified documentation that can be read and understood even by people with no technical background. Hence, it is a crucial factor that has led to the popularity of Django among the developers.
- Django can be extended further with available plugins. Ideally, plugins are software components that enable developers to add specific features to a web application. The benefit of the plugins is the possibility of more customization when needed. There are several features such as adding Google maps, complex permissions for payment purposes.
- There are several libraries in the Django framework. The libraries can include pre-written codes, classes, procedures, and scripts and configurations for solving different tasks. It helps reduced time for the development and automation of the process. Some of the popular libraries include the Django REST framework.
- Another critical feature of Django is its compatibility with popular databases. The benefit of such a provision is to enable a developer to work with multiple databases at once. It is also possible to migrate from one database to another using Django. This ensures that the requirement of additional codes is not required.
- Finally, Django is a framework with a large community. Therefore, it is continuously evolving. Experts join the community and provide constant updates and improve the components of the framework. There are also new libraries that get updated to solve developers’ specific issues when developing web applications.
Design Pattern of the Django Architecture
The Django architecture comprises three major components, namely elements that help to work around databases, a template system for aiding people who don’t are not involved with programming, and a framework responsible for automation in terms of website management. Such components build the pattern of model, view, and template.
- The model is related to the structure of the database.
- A view defines the logic of an HTTP related request.
- The template is associated with the structure of the web page and how it will look with plain text information, i.e., readable by a person without a technical background.
These three parts are included in their separate files and are named according to their purpose in the Django architecture. There is also a provision of URL mappers responsible for routing to a specific view for different endpoints.
Uses of Django
Although the uses of Django are not apparent for the lesser tech-savvy people, Django has multiple uses. Some consider Django as a content management system.
In reality, Django is considered a must-have skill set for developers as it is beneficial for building and running web applications at ease.
- Client relationship management (CRM) systems;
- Content management systems (CMS) for internal and commercial use.
- Communication platforms.
- Booking engines.
- Document administration platforms.
Popular Django Uses
- Algorithm-based generators.
- Email options solutions.
- Verification systems.
- Filtering systems.
- Data analysis solutions and complicated calculations.
- Machine learning.
Some of the top sites, which are also among the busiest websites available today, use Django. The websites are Disqus, YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, Mozilla, Spotify, Pinterest, Google, Uber, Facebook, Netflix, Quora, Reddit, Bitbucket, and The Washington Post.
What to Expect from The Course?
The key takeaways from the course are that you will learn to install and set up Django on DigitalOcean and learn how to set up Postgres SQL, MYSQL with your Django project up the Debian server on DigitalOcean and successful deployment of Django project on DigitalOcean.
The course’s possible benefits are suitable for aspirants and programmers who prefer to learn by practice. This is possible in this course as you will be getting a thorough practical experience with the tutorial tasks. Additionally, you will learn to deploy them on DigitalOcean quickly and efficiently.
The course’s most significant value is that all the topics are covered from scratch, which is of utmost importance for a beginner. The key topics of the course include the following.
- How to create a new Python virtualenv and install Django.
- How to create a new Django app.
- How to design a simple model adding desired templates.
- How to create and set up a DigitalOcean account and a server.
- How to set up Apache configuration on DigitalOcean.
- How to install and set up PostgreSQL and MySQL with the Django project.
- How to deploy the Django project on DigitalOcean.
By the end of the course, the Django deployment will be an easy task to perform. The course includes the basics of Django, additional materials and practical tasks, and follow-along examples.
The tutor has ensured no complex concepts are introduced as beginners need to have a clear idea of the concepts from scratch. You can actively participate in the discussions that are part of all the lessons on the BitDegree platform. Different concepts are being shared on the Facebook platform of the tutor.
The course curriculum includes the following.
About the Instructor
Mahmoud Ahmed designs the course. He is working as a project manager at Almobarmig. Mahmoud is also working as a Python developer for more than 6 years.
He is also the owner of a company that is associated with programming training and development. Mahmoud holds a Bachelor’s degree in computer science from Mansoura University.
Mahmoud has a passion for teaching Python programming and is involved in doing so for the past 3 years. To date, he has over 1000 videos on the Python programming language and has more than 30,000 students enrolled in his tutorials.
Besides his professional work and training, Mahmoud has a YouTube channel as well that is related to Python programming tutorials. He has helped more than 16,000 students through YouTube tutorials. And Facebook groups.
On the BitDegree platform, this instructor’s courses focus on Python programming and covers website development basics using Python. Other courses are related to Django, PyQt5, MySQL, among several others in beginners and intermediate courses.
As per the BitDegree platform, it is suggested that Mahmoud is among the top instructors that have a massive audience with over 4000 learners that are enrolled in this program. The courses offered by the instructor have received positive reviews as well.
1. Introduction
The tutor begins the course with a brief description of what is being offered and some additional information on getting started.
2. Creating Django Project
Create a Virtual environment for our project
The first module of the course walks you through the first step of the learning process. The tutor provides the installation and set up by implementing the necessary procedures from the beginning. The learners must begin the installation, along with the tutor, and clarify any doubts about the installation process.
Create Django App
The second module focuses on creating the first app in Django. The tutorial begins with creating the required folders and files ready for creating the app. All the procedures are shown practically.
Furthermore, the tutor provides information on how to create the groups and user authentication and administration.
The coding required for the example is shown with an example. There are examples for creating admin related files, app-based files, models, test files, views, and managing files. There is also a provision of additional resources by the tutor.
3. Deploy Our Project on DigitalOcean
Create an Account on DigitalOcean
The module explains the need for creating the account on DigitalOcean. However, the tutor provides an additional link as a reference for signing up. It is explained how to proceed with the account set up and the required payment for the same.
The need for payment is discussed as there is a requirement of having credit to use the DigitalOcean platform.
Create New Debian Server, setting up the Server & Uploading our Local Project on DigitalOcean
The second module of the final part of the course highlights how to create a droplet and select the Debian server. The procedure is discussed with the help of a follow-along approach.
The tutor guides through the entire process, which is the most crucial step for using Django. The procedure is explained in detail below.
The initial step is to create a DigitalOcean account, and there will be a credit of $50 once you log in to the account. After creating the account, there is a need for creating a droplet, and it can be performed by selecting the create droplets option and selecting the Debian droplet.
The purpose of using the Debian server as it is considered an efficient server. Once the Debian server is created, a $5 monthly plan is selected by default, which can be changed later. There is a provision of selecting $1 monthly, which is an excellent choice to begin for a newcomer. When the selection is completed, you can select to create a droplet.
Further, there is an email that is being sent with the details of the username, password. With an ssh command in the terminal, you can log in. You are required to change the server IP address.
The next phase includes updating and upgrading the DigitalOcean server. Additionally, you are required to install Apache and Virtualenv for creating the new virtual environment.
After creating the Django project, you are required to create a superuser and set up the media and static files.
After this phase, you need to add Django to your Apache configuration and remove the text available in the file for adding the configuration. One of the key points required to remember is to replace the project name with your project name and the python version.
Once the permission is provided, the server can read and write the files. Finally, you must change the project settings and add the media and static files along with the host configuration.
IP address and the domain is required to be modified as well. After all the implementation, restart Apache to see if the changes are reflected.
The final module in the tutorial is entirely focused on working on the project work. Few pre-requisites are discussed in detail. The tutor explains the additional points that are required to complete the project and upload it in DigitalOcean.
The tutor works on the project requirements and demonstrates the procedure for a better understanding.
The procedure mentioned in the previous section includes all the examples that are demonstrated to complete the project and its deployment.
Benefits of this course
Learning Path
The advantage of a gamified approach towards the learning path ensures that the learners are keen to achieve the milestones as the interactive approach creates more interest.
You can build your learning path or follow the premade path. There is a suggestion as per your progress, and the tutors have the possibility to track your progress.
There are rewards as you progress, and to promote a healthy learning environment, there is a leaderboard that enables competitiveness and willingness to learn and atop the leaderboard.
The benefit of tutors being able to track the progress is identifying problem areas of the students and providing additional help.
The course doesn’t overwhelm the newcomers as specific introductory courses focus on many concepts at once, which confuses them. It follows a straightforward approach and begins from very scratch with the installation process.
There are provisions for additional resources as well. The course is well-suited for beginners, and many essential concepts are covered for Django that is crucial for a developer’s success.
The core concepts are explained well. A significant benefit is that all the concepts are also demonstrated with an example that learners can practice and improve on the coding skills. Hands-on experience is essential for a career as a developer. Hence this course builds upon these skills.
There are simplified examples and a follow-along approach. Another factor that this course could be preferred is the duration of the content. There are no lengthy explanations and complicated examples. All the content is presented in a simplified manner.
Certification
Top companies consider the BitDegree certification of completion. The online certificates ensure you stay ahead in the competitive market. You are also ensured of showcasing your skills and prove your professional growth with it.
BitDegree also provides state of the art certification as they offer Blockchain-powered certificates, which means ensuring reliable certificates. The solution provides a revolutionary change in the certificate offerings.
Additionally, you are ensured that your certificate is verifiable, transparent with a clearly defined blockchain based achievement tracking and reward system. The approach also means if the certificate issuer goes out of business, your certificate remains verifiable and continues to hold its value.
The blockchain-based certificates are considered to be impossible to be counterfeited. Thus it eliminates any scope of fake certificates—all the relevant information such as student achievements, date of entering, and completion of the course.
There is no requirement of a middle man and follows a direct peer-to-peer process. Therefore, these certificates are future and tamper-proof certificates and ensure longevity and interoperability.
Lecture-Level Forums
You will get access to the student learning community. A learning community’s benefits are the tutors and students’ involvement and professionals who are also enrolled in the programs to level up the skills. It leads to a healthy learning environment.
There is also collaborative learning from students seeking help from mentors and students alike and common discussions involving feedback, reviews, issues they face, and questions related to the topics they require guidance.
It is an excellent place for tutors to build academic relations with students and provide them additional tips, guidance, answering their questions and doubts, and sharing resources.
Hands-on Approach
The course provides a hands-on learning experience. This course is designed to provide sufficient exposure to writing the codes and understanding the concepts taught theoretically.
A hands-on approach lets you grasp the concept much faster. Additionally, every installation has been demonstrated.
The examples that are being covered are also shown practically, thus enhancing the overall learning process. This helps to understand the practical part more clearly, as too many examples can lead to confusion over its implementation.
The course is a perfect balance of theory and practical knowledge and provides crucial information and additional resources.
