What is Django?

Django is a high-level, open-source Python web framework that promotes rapid development, clean code, and secure web applications. Django follows the Model-View-Template (MVT) architectural pattern and is known for its “batteries-included” philosophy—offering tools for database management, authentication, forms, admin panels, and more right out of the box.

Django 5.0, released in December 2023, introduces a number of modern enhancements that improve performance, maintainability, and security. Ubuntu 24.04 (Noble Numbat), being a modern LTS release, is well-suited for developing and deploying Django applications in production.

What’s New in Django 5.0

  • Python 3.10+ Required
    Django 5.0 requires Python 3.10 or higher, ensuring compatibility with the latest language features and improvements.
  • Form Rendering Improvements
    More flexible, consistent form rendering APIs using render() methods and improved widget handling.
  • Database Features
    Better support for PostgreSQL, MariaDB, and MySQL with extended JSON field capabilities and more robust query optimizations.
  • ASGI and Async Enhancements
    Improved support for asynchronous views, middleware, and handlers. Better integration with ASGI servers like Daphne, Uvicorn, or Hypercorn.
  • Template Engine and Admin Improvements
    Template engine updates and admin interface enhancements, including accessibility fixes and more customizable widgets.
  • Deprecated Python 3.7 and 3.8
    Removed compatibility with older Python versions to streamline performance and security.

Why Use Django 5 on Ubuntu 24.04?

Ubuntu 24.04 provides:

  • The latest LTS Python versions (Python 3.11 by default)
  • Access to the latest PostgreSQL, Redis, Nginx, and systemd improvements
  • Security patches and support until 2029
  • First-class compatibility with virtual environments, Docker, and CI/CD pipelines

Ubuntu’s stability, combined with Django’s power, makes it an excellent choice for building and deploying reliable, scalable web applications.

System Requirements for Django 5 on Ubuntu 24.04

ComponentRecommended Configuration
OSUbuntu 24.04 LTS
Python VersionPython 3.11 (default in Ubuntu 24.04)
Web ServerNginx or Apache (with uWSGI or Gunicorn)
WSGI/ASGI ServerGunicorn, Daphne, Uvicorn, or Hypercorn
DatabasePostgreSQL, MariaDB, MySQL, SQLite (dev)
OptionalRedis (for caching and channels), Celery

Common Use Cases

  • Content Management Systems
  • REST APIs and microservices using Django REST Framework (DRF)
  • SaaS products and internal tools
  • E-commerce platforms
  • Educational platforms and learning management systems
  • Real-time applications (via Django Channels)

Advantages of Using Django 5

  • Secure by default: Protects against XSS, CSRF, SQL injection, etc.
  • Built-in admin interface: Powerful interface for managing models and data.
  • ORM (Object-Relational Mapping): Interact with databases using Python code.
  • Scalable and production-ready: Used by Instagram, Pinterest, Disqus, and others.
  • Extensive documentation and active community.
  • Supports asynchronous views, ideal for high-performance APIs and websocket apps.

Development Tools and Environment

  • Virtualenv / venv for isolated environments
  • Django Extensions, debug-toolbar, and Celery for extended dev capabilities
  • IDEs like VS Code, PyCharm, or Vim
  • Test frameworks: Django’s built-in test suite, pytest-django
  • CI/CD integrations: GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, Jenkins

Deployment Options on Ubuntu 24.04

  1. Gunicorn + Nginx + PostgreSQL
    Traditional stack using Gunicorn as the WSGI server and Nginx as the reverse proxy.
  2. ASGI Stack for Async Support
    Use Uvicorn or Daphne with Nginx for websocket-based apps or async APIs.
  3. Dockerized Deployment
    Containerized environments using Docker and Docker Compose, often combined with tools like Traefik, Redis, and PostgreSQL.
  4. Cloud Deployments
    Easily deploy Django apps to:
    • AWS (EC2, Lightsail, Elastic Beanstalk)
    • DigitalOcean
    • Google Cloud
    • Heroku (with Docker or buildpacks)

Security Best Practices

  • Set DEBUG = False in production
  • Use ALLOWED_HOSTS to restrict access
  • Serve static and media files securely
  • Use SSL certificates via Let’s Encrypt
  • Regularly update Django and dependencies
  • Use tools like Bandit, Safety, and Black for code security and formatting

Django 5 on Ubuntu 24.04 is a robust, secure, and scalable solution for developing modern web applications and APIs. With asynchronous capabilities, a powerful ORM, and a rich ecosystem, Django continues to be one of the most productive frameworks for developers. Ubuntu 24.04 provides a stable and secure platform for both development and production environments, making it an ideal choice for deploying Django-powered projects in 2024 and beyond.

Step 1: Create a Cloud VPS on Shape.Host

Go to https://shape.host and log in.

Click Create.

Choose Instance.

Shape.host Resources dashboard with Create > Instance highlighted.

Pick your preferred server location.

Shape.host instance form with the data center location selector highlighted.

Select Ubuntu 24.04 (64-bit) as the OS.

Choose a plan with at least 2 CPUs, 4 GB RAM, and 20 GB SSD.

Shape.host instance form with the operating system image selector highlighted.

Click Create Instance.

Shape.host instance form with the Create Instance button highlighted.

Find the IP address under the Resources tab.

Shape.host Resources dashboard with the server IP address highlighted.

Step 2: Connect to Your Server

Linux/macOS:
Open your terminal and run:

ssh root@your_server_ip

Windows:
Use PuTTY, enter your IP, and log in as root.

Step 3: Update System Package Index

apt update

Refreshes the list of available packages on your system.

Terminal showing APT package management commands and output.

Step 4: Install Python 3.12 and Virtual Environment Tools

apt install python3.12 python3.12-venv

Installs Python 3.12 and the venv module to manage isolated environments.

Terminal showing APT package management commands and output.

Step 5: Check Python Version

python3 -V

Confirms that Python is installed and shows the version number.

Terminal showing python3 commands or output during Check Python Version.

Step 6: Create a Python Virtual Environment for Django

python3 -m venv --system-site-packages ~/django5

Creates a virtual environment named django5 in your home directory.

Step 7: Activate the Virtual Environment

source ~/django5/bin/activate

Switches to the isolated Python environment.

Step 8: Install Django 5 (or any version between 5 and 6)

pip3 install 'Django>=5,<6'

Installs the latest Django 5.x version using pip.

Terminal showing Python environment or package installation output.

Step 9: Verify Django Installation

django-admin --version

Shows the installed version of Django to confirm it’s working.

Step 10: Deactivate the Environment (Optional)

deactivate

Exits the virtual environment. You can re-activate it anytime.

Terminal showing Django or Python virtual environment commands.

Step 11: Reactivate the Virtual Environment

source ~/django5/bin/activate

Enter the Django environment again to continue your project.

Step 12: Create a New Django Project

django-admin startproject myproject

This creates a new Django project in a folder named myproject.

Step 13: Move into the Project Folder

cd myproject

Navigates to the project directory.

Terminal showing Django or Python virtual environment commands.

Step 14: Apply Migrations

python manage.py migrate

Sets up the default database schema used by Django.

Terminal showing python commands or output during Apply Migrations.

Step 15: Create a Superuser

python manage.py createsuperuser

Creates an admin account for accessing the Django admin panel.

Terminal showing python commands or output during Create a Superuser.

Step 16: Edit Allowed Hosts

nano /root/myproject/myproject/settings.py

Find this line:

ALLOWED_HOSTS = []

Change it to:

ALLOWED_HOSTS = ['your-ip', 'localhost', '127.0.0.1']

Replace 'your-ip' with the actual public IP of your server.

Terminal showing application configuration settings.

Step 17: Start the Django Development Server

python manage.py runserver 51.89.69.203:8000

Runs the server, listening on the specified IP and port.

Terminal showing python commands or output during Start the Django Development Server.

Step 18: Access Your Django Site

Open your browser and visit:

http://51.89.69.203:8000

You should see the Django welcome page.

Django default page confirming that the installation worked.

You now have Django 5 running on Ubuntu 24.04, with a virtual environment, admin access, and your project ready to go.

This setup runs smoothly on a Shape.Host Linux SSD VPS. Get:

  • Instant instance creation
  • Full root access
  • Great performance for Python and Django projects

Start at https://shape.host