We’re living in a bit of an ever-present boom period in the web development space, which is seeing a great rise in interest from potential developers. While many frameworks exist that allow for the creation of sites and apps, websites built with Django are very much on the notable end. They have seen great use and success according to the SECL Group.
If you’re a startup looking to get into the space, you might be wondering why this particular framework is so highly regarded and why you might want to use it. If so, the following piece will get into why this is the case.
The framework in a nutshell
Django is a framework that developers can use to create websites and web apps. This free, open-source framework is rooted in Python and works using the MVT or Model View Template, which allows for the speedy creation of products. With said framework, the developer can do the following:
- Monitor and manage databases and the data within them
- Create the UI via the template
- View the template based on model interaction
Django’s advantages
With a brief overview of the framework, let’s see why websites built with Django are highly regarded and why many wish to follow the same line of thinking. The framework in question’s benefits are as follows:
Availability
The first thing that startups in the space would appreciate about Django is the fact that it’s open source. As such not only can they make input to improve things as they so wish, there’s an abundance of developers who have made previous contributions. As a result, you have free access to various sources that can help you figure things out.
Scalability
Another advantage that websites built with Django have is scalability. Essentially the framework provides the ability to be used by hundreds of millions of users, which is quite valuable to the cloud, among other things. This scalability is achievable through plugins that can not only extend the application but can also be unplugged if necessary to descale.
Its simplicity
One of the things that makes this framework so attractive is the fact that it is rather easy to use, particularly their level of documentation, which is thought of as excellent. The creation process also handles basics, giving you the freedom to focus on other elements unique to you.
Also, if you’re getting sites built with Django, the simplicity of using the framework is only heightened if you have some experience with the Python programming language, as that is what Django is backed by.
The Python-backed nature
Speaking of Python, the fact that it is the programming system that powers Django provides several benefits to programmers. As it stands, Python ranks among the most used languages out there and this is owing to its highly dynamic nature, as well as extensive libraries that can speed up the creation of projects while being easy to pick up.
Secure nature
What’s amazing about Django is that it’s quite reliable, with multiple protections against critical threats like cross-site scripting and request forgeries. This high degree of security is accomplished by the framework’s constantly evolving nature, which means that it not only employs patching to improve security but also routinely upgrades using these.
Automated quality gauging
If you’re a developer using Python, this framework gives you the ability to not only test your creation but do it automatically. This is achievable via Python class, which acts as a substitute tester and with its help, developers can make coding changes where necessary.
Its cost-efficiency
For any startup, this may well be the one thing that helps decide for them despite the framework possessing many other great qualities. Regardless, it does have a good number of tools that make life a lot easier from a time and cost standpoint. Among g the tools that allow for this are the following:
- Reusable code
- The aforementioned libraries
- Smart templating systems
- A well-built administration panel
All these attributes in themselves will add to the framework value for users. However, they are enhanced by the fact that they are compliant with both KISS (Keep It Short and Simple) as well as DRF (Don’t Repeat Yourself).
Automatic link
Said automatic link or better still, interface, relates to the connection through which the admin can come in and control what they need to on the site or app. Its creation is based on the metadata it automatically collects from models. This allows for interface customization after the fact.
Compatibility can be backwards
While Django is an ever-evolving framework, it isn’t at all limited to newer technologies. Granted, the newer versions possess features that the old ones don’t, but it is more than possible to access the past elements, especially if you are used to them only.
Other considerations
While it is quite obvious that sites built with Django probably saw their creation through this framework for the above reasons, they had to think of the potential drawbacks. So, it’s only fair that a few of these are placed here in case you are considering this framework for your creation. When it comes down to it, some of the things to expect are the following:
- The framework is a bit of a monolith, especially in regards to its file structure, which is the only one that can be used
- It has great computing power and is thus only suitable for larger projects, with smaller ones requiring alternatives
- It may be difficult to fully get a grip on for those not familiar with Python
Final thoughts
It’s quite interesting to think that at one point, some of the great websites built with Django were once startups. However, when you think of the great benefits, which they likely saw in the framework, which are listed above, it makes sense that they would choose this framework.
Suffice it to say, things such as its simplicity and ability to reduce time and money spent, owing to various elements, have made it a go-to. However, this has to be done with careful consideration, as your standard smaller apps, created by those unfamiliar with Python use, won’t work as well or at all, in the case of the small projects.