Setting Up the Environment

Installing Python and pip

  1. Download Python

    • Visit the official Python website and download the latest stable version.
    • Follow the installation instructions for your operating system (Windows, Linux, MacOS).
    • Ensure you select the option to add Python to your system PATH during installation.

  2. Verify Installation

    • Open your terminal or command line interface (CLI).

    • Check the version of Python installed:

      python --version

    • Check the version of pip:

      pip --version

Setting up a Virtual Environment

  1. Create a Virtual Environment

    • Navigate to the directory where you want to create your project. For example:

      cd Users/Documents/project

    • Create a virtual environment:

      python -m venv myvenv

    • Replace myvenv with your preferred virtual environment name.

  2. Activating the Virtual Environment

    • Depending on your OS, activate the virtual environment:

    • Your CLI prompt should now display the name of your virtual environment, indicating it's active.

  3. Verify pip in the Virtual Environment

    • After activating the virtual environment, ensure pip is correctly set up:

      pip --version

Installing Django

  1. Install Django

    • With your virtual environment activated, install Django using pip:

      python -m pip install django

  2. Verify Django Installation

    • Check the installed Django version:

      python -m django --version
    • This command displays the installed Django version in your terminal.

Configuring the Database

  • Django supports various database servers including PostgreSQL, MariaDB, MySQL, Oracle, and SQLite. All are officially supported and can be seamlessly configured with your Django application.
  • If using manage.py migrate to create database tables, ensure Django has the necessary permissions (SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE) for database operations.
  • Update database details in your project's settings.py under the DATABASES configuration.

Conclusion

You've now set up your development environment with Python, pip, a virtual environment, and Django. Activate your virtual environment whenever working on Django projects to maintain dependency isolation and manageability.