After you let this high-level overview wash over your head, it's time to get down to business.
Info: In this course chapter, you will prepare your computer for Django development. This means you will need to complete a couple of setup steps.
Essential Components
- Python: Make sure you have Python 3.x installed
- Code Editor: Install and set up VSCode, the IDE you'll be using throughout this course
- Virtual Environment: Create a virtual environment to compartmentalize your development environment
- Django: Install Django and create your first Django project
Why Code Locally
We want you to use your own local coding environment because we've learned from our students that coding along in an online classroom means less learning. Many exercises provided solely in an online environment come down to rote typing-out. This can be fine to train your skills, but starting out, it is better to understand why and in what context you are writing your code.
"But web-based classrooms take away the hassle of setting up your own programming environment locally!"
That's right, and it is another issue with them. If you never set up your coding environment locally, you won't learn to work with the tools you need when developing your own projects.
While the setup process can sometimes be a bit of a drag, it's worthwhile to stick through it. Once you are done with it, you are ready to build your first Django project and you have a stable base for all your future Django projects as well. So, let's get to it!
Summary: Python Django Course Setup
- Development with Django requires Python, an IDE (e.g., VSCode), a virtual environment, and Django.
- It is important to code locally to gain a deeper understanding of how and why your code functions.