Overview
This lecture introduces backend development with a focus on Django, covering key concepts, project setup, the Model-View-Template architecture, and building a survey data management application.
FMB App Academy & Advanced Phase
- This session marks the start of the advanced phase in the FMB App Academy.
- Focus shifts from intermediate skills to advanced techniques in backend development.
Introduction to Backend Development
- Backend refers to server-side logic, data management, and APIs; this is what users don’t see.
- Frontend is what users interact with directly, like buttons and visual elements.
- Backend enables data storage/retrieval and connects to databases (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite).
Roles in Backend Development
- Backend Developer: Implements core features and functionality.
- Backend Engineer: Designs system architecture and overall structure.
- Full Stack Developer: Works on both frontend and backend.
Backend vs Frontend
- Backend: Handles logic, data processing, security, and server communication.
- Frontend: Focuses on presentation and user experience using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Common Backend Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain backend logic and code structure.
- Ensure code is reusable, clean, and readable.
- Test and monitor performance, debug errors, and secure the application.
- Collaborate with other developers and QA testers.
Tools, Languages, and Frameworks
- Common backend languages: Python, Java, Ruby, PHP, JavaScript, C#.
- Popular frameworks: Django (Python), Laravel (PHP), Node.js (JavaScript), Spring (Java).
- Databases: MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, SQLite.
- DevOps knowledge for deployment (Github Actions, AWS, Azure) is valuable.
Django Framework Introduction
- Django is a high-level, open-source Python web framework for rapid, secure backend development.
- Features include ORM (Object-Relational Mapping), admin panel, built-in security, and scalability.
- Uses Model-View-Template (MVT) architecture: Model (database), View (logic), Template (presentation).
Django Project Structure & Setup
- Set up Python and Django; use a virtual environment for dependency management.
- Install required packages: Django, crispy forms, Bootstrap, etc.
- Create and register apps for each feature (e.g., surveys, blog).
Building a Survey Data Management App (Practical)
- Models define structure: Survey, Question, Choice, Response, and Answer.
- Admin interface auto-generated for easy content management.
- Views handle logic for listing, creating, and managing surveys/responses.
- Templates display data and forms using Django’s template language.
- User authentication, reusable code, and clean code principles demonstrated.
- Application supports survey creation, question/choice management, and response analytics.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Backend — Server-side logic and data management layer of applications.
- Frontend — User interface and experience layer visible to users.
- Django — Python-based web framework for rapid backend development.
- ORM — Object-Relational Mapping, a way Django interacts with databases using Python classes.
- Model-View-Template (MVT) — Django's architecture for separating logic, data, and presentation.
- Virtual Environment — Isolated workspace for managing project dependencies.
- CRUD — Create, Read, Update, Delete operations in data management.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the GitHub codebase for the Django survey app.
- Practice setting up a Django project and building models, views, and templates.
- Next lesson: focus on building and using APIs with Django.