Django Commands
- Learn the most important Django commands used to manage projects, apps, and databases.
Why Django Commands Are Important?
Django commands help developers:
Create projects and apps
Run and test applications
Manage the Django workflow efficiently
👉 Every Django developer uses these commands daily.
What Are Django Commands?
Django commands are built-in instructions used from the terminal/command prompt to interact with Django.
They are executed using:
django-admin
or
python manage.py
1. startproject
What is startproject?
startproject is used to create a new Django project.
It creates:
Project configuration files
Default settings
URL configuration
Entry files for the application
When to Use?
When starting a new website
First step in Django development
Code Example: Creating Django Project
Create Django Project
Creates a new Django project with default structure
django-admin startproject myproject
Output Structure
myproject/
│
├── manage.py
└── myproject/
├── settings.py
├── urls.py
├── wsgi.py
└── asgi.py
Recommended Way (Industry Practice)
django-admin startproject myproject .
✔ Avoids nested folders
✔ Cleaner project structure2. startapp
What is startapp?
startapp is used to create a Django app inside a project.
An app represents a specific feature of the website.
Real-World Example:
Code Example: Creating Django App
Create Django App
Generates app files and folders
python manage.py startapp myapp
App Structure Created
myapp/
│
├── admin.py
├── apps.py
├── models.py
├── views.py
├── tests.py
└── migrations/
Important Step: Register App
After creating an app, it must be added to settings.py.
INSTALLED_APPS = [
'myapp',
]
3. runserver
What is runserver?
runserver starts Django’s development server.
It allows you to:
Run Django locally
Test your application
See output in the browser
Important Note:
This server is only for development
❌ Not used in production
Code Example: Run Django Server
Start Django Development Server
Runs Django on local machine
python manage.py runserver
Open Browser:
http://127.0.0.1:8000/
✔ Django welcome page confirms successful setup
Run Server on Custom Port
Custom Port Server
Runs server on port 8080
python manage.py runserver 8080
How These Commands Work Together (Flow)
startproject → startapp → runserver
Create project
Create app
Run server
Start development
Common Beginner Mistakes (Exam & Practice)