Django Backend Development Overview

Overview

This lecture introduced advanced students to backend development, focusing on Django, a Python web framework. Key concepts included the backend's role, Django’s architecture, and hands-on steps to build a survey management app.

App Academy Advanced Phase Introduction

• Entering the advanced phase of app development, focusing on backend concepts.
• Backend handles server logic, data storage, and APIs—what users can't directly see.
• Collaboration between backend, frontend, and full-stack developers is essential.
• Google and other resources should be leveraged for research and troubleshooting.

Backend Development Fundamentals

• Backend manages databases, APIs, user authentication, and server logic.
• CRUD operations: Create, Read, Update, Delete—core database functions.
• Popular backend languages: Python, Java, PHP, Ruby, JavaScript (Node.js).
• Backend developer builds features; backend engineer designs system architecture.

Django Framework Introduction

• Django is a high-level Python web framework emphasizing clean, maintainable code.
• Features built-in tools: authentication, admin panel, ORM (object-relational mapper).
• Follows the MVT/MVC pattern: Model (data), View (logic), Template (presentation).
• Promotes DRY ("Don't Repeat Yourself") and secure coding practices.
• Used by large platforms like Instagram and Mozilla.

Building a Django Survey Management App

• Project setup steps: install Python, Django, and required libraries (e.g., crispy-forms).
• Use of virtual environments to manage dependencies.
• Django project structure: settings, URLs, models, views, templates, static files.
• Create models for surveys, questions, responses, and answers using Django ORM.
• Admin dashboard generated by Django for easy data management.
• URLs route user requests to views for data processing and display.

Practical Coding Process

• Demonstrated setup on both local machine and cloud coding environments.
• Steps included project/app creation, migrations, database connection, and admin setup.
• Used class-based and function-based views for handling logic.
• Implemented forms and templates for clean user interfaces.
• Emphasized code reusability, readability, and regular updates.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Backend — Server-side logic, data handling, and integrations invisible to the user.
• Frontend — Visual/user interface; what users interact with.
• CRUD — Database functions: Create, Read, Update, Delete.
• Django — Python web framework with built-in admin and ORM.
• ORM — Object-Relational Mapping; links Python classes to database tables.
• MVT/MVC — Architectural pattern: Model-View-Template/Controller.
• Virtual Environment — Isolated Python environment for dependencies.
• Admin Panel — Auto-generated interface for managing data/models.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Complete setup of Django environment and practice creating models and views.
• Review and understand the survey management app code (available on GitHub).
• Prepare for the next lesson: building APIs with Django.
• Share your progress using #FMBacademy on social media.