Launch Your Django App in Just 5 Minutes

Photo By Real Python code developing screen

Embarking on the journey of developing a web application can be exhilarating, but setting up the right environment shouldn't be a roadblock. Whether you're using Windows, Linux, or macOS, I've got you covered with a step-by-step guide to swiftly get your Django app up and running in just five minutes.

Let’s start with the Windows first

Install Python:

• Visit the official Python website and download the latest version for Windows.
• During installation, make sure to check the box that says “Add Python to PATH.”

Create a Virtual Environment:

• Open Command Prompt and navigate to your project folder.
• Run the following commands:

python -m venv venv

venv\Scripts\activate

Install Django:

• While in the virtual environment, install Django:

pip install django

Create and Run Your Django App:

• Create a new Django project:

django-admin startproject myproject

• Navigate into the project directory:

cd myproject

Start the development server:

python manage.py runserver

That’s it for the Windows, let’s move to the next both

Linux and macOS:

Install Python:

• Most Linux distributions and macOS come with Python pre-installed. However, you can check by running:

python3 --version

Create a Virtual Environment:

• Open your terminal and navigate to your project folder.
• Run the following commands:

python3 -m venv venv

source venv/bin/activate

Install Django:

• While in the virtual environment, install Django

pip install django

Create and Run Your Django App:

• Create a new Django project

django-admin startproject myproject

Navigate into the project directory:

cd myproject

Start the development server:

python manage.py runserver

Here you go, You can see this page if everything is configured properly.

Django app welcome page

Your Django app is now up and running on Windows, Linux, and macOS, all within five minutes!