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content/posts/getting_started_with_django_build_your_first_web_hosted_app_in_10_minutes.md

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+---
+title: "Getting Started with Django: Build Your First Web Hosted App in 10 Minutes"
+date: 2024-12-12
+tags:
+  - Tutorials
+author: Cristi Miloiu
+linkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristi-miloiu-3a174a267/
+thumbnail: /images/django-genezio.webp
+preview: Hi, I’m Cristi Miloiu, and in this tutorial, I’ll guide you through building your first web application using Django, one of the most popular Python web frameworks. By the end of this article, you’ll have a simple, fully functional web app running on your local machine.
+# meta data start
+description: Learn how to build your first web app with Django in just 10 minutes. Follow this beginner-friendly guide to kickstart your journey into web development.
+meta_og_url: "https://genezio.com/blog/getting-started-django-web-app/"
+meta_og_image: "https://genezio.com/images/django-genezio.webp"
+# meta data end
+customHeader: "White header"
+customFooter: "White footer"
+readTime: 12
+url: /blog/getting-started-django-web-app/
+---
+
+## Introduction
+
+Hi, I’m Cristi Miloiu, and in this tutorial, I’ll guide you through building your first web application using Django, one of the most popular Python web frameworks. By the end of this article, you’ll have a simple, fully functional web app running on your local machine.
+
+## What is Django?
+
+Django is a high-level Python web framework that simplifies web development by automating complex backend tasks. It enables developers to focus on building features instead of reinventing the wheel. With built-in tools like an authentication system, database integration, and support for CRUD operations, Django is designed to promote reusability and follows the DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself) principle.
+
+Built on an MVT (Model-View-Template) architecture, Django separates concerns such as data, logic, and user interface, ensuring clean, maintainable code. It's particularly suited for database-driven websites and is known for its ability to scale as your project grows.
+
+Django is an excellent choice for beginners due to its robust features and ease of use. Ready? Let’s get started!
+
+Want to skip the setup and jump straight to the code? {{< external-link link="https://app.genez.io/auth/signup?redirect=django-getting-started" >}}click here{{< /external-link >}}.
+
+## What You’ll Learn
+
+1. Setting up a Python environment.
+2. Installing Django and creating your first project and app.
+3. Running your app locally.
+4. Deploying your app to the cloud.
+
+## Step-by-Step Guide
+
+Before you begin, make sure you have `Python` and `pip` installed on your machine.
+
+### Step 1: Create Your Project Directory
+
+Run the following commands to initialize a new project directory:
+
+```bash
+mkdir django-app
+cd django-app
+```
+
+### Step 2: Install Django and Required Libraries
+
+First, let’s set up a virtual environment and install the necessary dependencies:
+
+```bash
+python3 -m venv venv
+source venv/bin/activate # On Windows: venv\Scripts\activate
+pip3 install Django
+pip3 freeze > requirements.txt
+```
+
+**Explanation:**
+
+- `venv` creates an isolated Python environment for the project.
+- `requirements.txt` ensures consistent dependencies when deploying the app.
+
+### Step 3: Create Your Django Project
+
+Initialize a new Django project:
+
+```bash
+django-admin startproject myproject .
+```
+
+This will create the `myproject` directory with all the necessary configuration files.
+
+### Step 4: Create a Django App
+
+Create a new app inside your project:
+
+```bash
+python manage.py startapp myapp
+```
+
+### Step 5: Configure URLs
+
+Update the `myproject/urls.py` file to include your app's URLs:
+
+```python
+from django.contrib import admin
+from django.urls import include, path
+
+urlpatterns = [
+    path('admin/', admin.site.urls),
+    path('', include('myapp.urls')),
+]
+```
+
+Next, create a `myapp/urls.py` file
+
+```python
+from django.urls import path
+from .views import index
+
+urlpatterns = [
+    path('', index, name='index'),
+]
+```
+
+### Step 6: Create Your First View
+
+Add the following code to the `myapp/views.py` file.
+
+```python
+from django.http import HttpResponse
+
+def index(request):
+    return HttpResponse("Hello, World!")
+```
+
+### Step 7: Run the Development Server
+
+Run the server using the following command:
+
+```bash
+python manage.py runserver
+```
+
+Open a browser and navigate to `http://localhost:8000`. You should see "Hello, World!" displayed on the screen.
+
+## Deployment Guide
+
+### Step 1: Configure Allowed Hosts
+
+Add the Genezio domain .genez.io to the ALLOWED_HOSTS list in your settings.py file:
+
+```python
+ALLOWED_HOSTS = [
+   '127.0.0.1',
+   '.genez.io',
+   'localhost',
+]
+```
+
+### Step 2: Install the Genezio CLI
+
+Install Genezio for deployment:
+
+```bash
+npm install -g genezio
+```
+
+### Step 3: Analyze Your Project
+
+Run the following command to generate the genezio.yaml configuration file:
+
+```bash
+genezio analyze
+```
+
+You’ll be prompted to provide the project name and region.
+
+### Step 4: Test Locally
+
+Test your app locally with Genezio:
+
+```bash
+genezio local
+```
+
+### Step 5: Deploy Your App
+
+Deploy your app to the cloud with a single command:
+
+```bash
+genezio deploy
+```
+
+Your app will be live at a custom subdomain, such as `https://your-app-name.app.genez.io`.
+
+## Known limitations​
+
+Genezio does not support SQLite databases, because SQLite is not suitable for serverless applications. You need to use a different database like PostgreSQL or MongoDB. You can create it at this {{< external-link link="https://app.genez.io/databases" >}}link{{< /external-link >}} in the Genezio dashboard.
+
+## Conclusion
+
+Congratulations! 🎉 You’ve built and deployed your first web app using Django in just 10 minutes.
+
+If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to reach out to me at [email protected]. The codebase for this tutorial is open-source and available on {{< external-link link="https://github.com/Genez-io/django-getting-started" >}}GitHub{{< /external-link >}}.
+
+Happy coding! 🚀