Django is a widely used Python web application framework with a "batteries-included" philosophy. The principle behind batteries-included is that the common functionality for building web applications should come with the framework instead of as a separate library. For example, URL routing, a templating system, object-relational mapper, and database schema migrations (as of version 1.7) are all included with the Django framework.
The Django project's stability, performance and community have grown tremendously over the past decade since the framework's creation. Detailed tutorials and best practices are readily available on the web and in books. The framework continues to add significant new functionality such as database migrations with each release.
I highly recommend the Django framework as a starting place for new Python web developers because the official documentation and tutorials are some of the best anywhere in software development. Many cities also have Django-specific groups such as Django District, Django Boston and San Francisco Django so new developers can get help when they are stuck.
Install Django on your local development machine.
Work through the initial "polls" tutorial.
Build a few more simple applications using the tutorial resources found under "Django resources" below.
Start coding your own Django project with help from the official documentation and resource links below. You'll make plenty of mistakes which is critical on your path to learning the right way to build applications.
Read 2 Scoops of Django to understand Django best practices and learn better ways of building Django web applications.
Move on to the deployment section to get your Django project on the web.
Tango with Django are a extensive free introductions to using the most popular Python web framework. Several current developers said this book really helped them get over the initial framework learning curve.
2 Scoops of Django by Daniel Greenfield and Audrey Roy is well worth the price of admission if you're serious about learning how to correctly develop Django websites.
Effective Django is another free introduction to the web framework.
The Django subreddit often has links to the latest resources for learning Django.
Lincoln Loop wrote a Django Best Practices guide for the community.
Steve Losh wrote an incredibly detailed Django Advice guide.
GoDjango screencasts and tutorials are free short videos for learning how to build Django applications.
Ontwik has learning videos in its Django category.
Designing Django's Migrations covers Django 1.7's new migrations from the main programmer Andrew Godwin.
DjangoCon US videos from
2013,
2012,
2011, as well as
earlier US and DjangoCon EU conferences are
all available free of charge.
