How to Learn Django

There are so many different ways to learn Django that, at first, the options may feel overwhelming. You can watch video tutorials, read books, enroll in online classes, take local classes, and more. Finding the best option depends on your personal goals, learning style, and preferences.

It is also important to note that, as a Python web framework, learning Django requires a thorough knowledge of Python fundamentals. If you do not have existing experience in Python coding, you will want to consider how to learn Python as well as Django. Python certificate courses and bootcamps can teach you Python fundamentals and Django in a single program. Web development and Python programming courses may also cover the fundamentals and Django, as well as other helpful Python frameworks, libraries, and tools.

Here, we’ll discuss the various methods of learning Django so you can decide how you’d like to get started.

What is Django?

Django is a popular, open-source Python web framework used to rapidly, efficiently, and securely develop websites and web applications. Django began in 2003 as a way for developers Adrian Holovaty and Simon Willison to quickly build Lawrence Journal-World’s multiple news sites, constantly churning out new content for various communities. Since the public first gained access to Django in 2005, developers worldwide have made use of this free framework and contributed to its advancement. Today, Django improvements are managed by the nonprofit Django Software Foundation.

Django streamlines the web development process by emphasizing reusable components. These components eliminate the need for developers to manually enter the same code repeatedly. The time Django saves developers empowers web development teams to increase scalability, meet deadlines, and build multiple websites and web applications in quick succession.

Read more about what Django is and why you should learn it. 

What Can You Do with Django?

Wondering what you can do with Django? Django has numerous use cases for web development, data science, and more. Django can build all sorts of websites, including a Content Management System (CMS), news site, social media platform, and more. 

Python objects called models allow Django web applications to query and manage data. Django’s simple query API allows the associated database to be searched, enabling complex statements. 

Django’s template systems allow developers to define an output document’s structure. It delivers content in nearly any format, including RSS feeds, HTML, XML, and JSON. Django supports its native templating system, the Jinja2 Python library out of the box, and can also be modified to support other systems. 

Other things you can do with Django include: 

• Collecting user data with HTML forms
• Manage a user permission and authentication system
• Create an administration site
• Serialize data

In-Person Django Training

In-person Django training refers to face-to-face classes at a local facility. Points to consider when researching in-person classes include the location, class time, and cost. In-person training offers some advantages regarding local networking. You can connect with fellow students and gain industry connections through classmates or your instructor. These connections can prove useful when you begin your job search. Some drawbacks to in-person Django classes are that commuting to and from the class location adds to the total time you must dedicate to your training each week. Evening classes are intended to allow students who work during the day to take the class after the workday ends. However, many metropolitan areas experience high traffic during this time, adding to your commute time. In-person classes also typically offer fewer scheduling options than online courses.

You can use Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool to discover in-person Python classes in your area. Noble offers live classes in New York City, which students can access anywhere through the live online option. Django is typically taught as part of a broader Python curriculum. Noble Desktop’s Python Developer Certificate covers Python fundamentals, Django, and more. Other schools with in-person Python classes include NYC Data Science Academy, Practical Programming, and Flatiron School.

Live Online Django Training

Live online Django training refers to virtual classes led by an instructor in real time. Like in-person classes, your instructor provides guidance and feedback as you learn. Instructors can guide you through hands-on assignments and, with your permission, take control of your screen should you run into any technical difficulties. You can find a live online class for almost any Python programming skill. Because students and instructors access this class remotely, virtual classes offer more flexible scheduling than in-person classes and save you the time you would spend commuting. To access a live online course, however, you must ensure you have the proper equipment, programs, and setup.

Prospective students can access live online Django classes from anywhere in the world. Unlike self-paced/on-demand classes that consist of pre-recorded lectures with limited instructor access, live online classes connect you to an expert instructor in real time. Live online classes engage students through hands-on activities with personalized feedback. Your instructor can instantly assist you by answering questions or, with your permission, taking control of your screen. Live online classes have the added benefit of requiring zero commute, saving time, and making it easier to fit Django training into your schedule.

You can explore live online Python classes through Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool. Noble Desktop offers Python training classes for beginners and experienced users. You can also explore virtual class options from Pacific Center for Advanced Technology Training, Media Training, City Lit, CodeClan, and more.

Free Online Courses & Tutorials

Before committing to a full course, you can gain an overview of Django with free introductory courses online. Noble Desktop’s Intro to Python Fundamentals is a free online course introducing Python coding to beginners.

Other on-demand online courses include video courses found on sites like Udemy and Coursera. Coursera’s Programming For Everybody (Getting Started with Python) class is an on-demand video series from the University of Michigan. This and other Coursera courses permit a seven-day free trial before committing to a paid plan. Coursera also offers Python courses from Google, IBM Skills Network, and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. The subscription platform Udemy also offers a seven-day free trial for the subscription-based model. A Udemy subscription allows you to take as many courses as you please. You can also purchase a course for a flat fee and progress through it at your own pace without a subscription. 

Read about more free Python videos and online tutorials.

On-Demand Django Classes

On-demand Django courses consist of pre-recorded videos and primarily static content. Students watch these videos and complete assignments at their own pace, though some classes will have strict due dates that students must submit assignments by. These classes rely primarily on self-discipline and self-pacing. While this allows students maximum flexibility in determining schedules and progressing through lessons, it also means students have few resources to turn to for assistance if they run into questions or other obstacles. Some on-demand classes remedy this by giving students email access to instructors or adding scheduled office hours. While these solutions offer some support, the asynchronous nature of this type of communication results in students waiting hours or days to receive answers, leaving them stuck and frustrated. On-demand classes also have a higher likelihood of including outdated material. 

Some on-demand Django courses are available for free. Others are offered for a flat payment or as part of a paid subscription. One area on-demand classes shine is in their affordability. Many platforms offer free trials and low monthly subscription rates. Platforms like Udemy and Coursera offer paid subscriptions that allow students to take as many classes as they like for one flat monthly or yearly fee. These fees average $30-50 per month, depending on the platform and type of subscription. Due to their affordability, on-demand classes offer an excellent introduction to topics. Once you have established where your interests lie, you can put the money saved toward in-person or live online classes that take you deeper into the subject.

Which Learning Method is Right for Me?

While having so many resources for learning Django affords an abundance of choices, trying to decide between so many options can feel overwhelming. You may question which Django learning method works best for you. This will largely depend on your learning style, the tools available to you based on your location, and which learning methods will best assist you in meeting your career goals. There is also no obligation to stick with one single method. By directing your learning, you choose the combination of tools and resources that meet your needs.

You will also need to consider your current schedule when deciding what Django class to pursue. Options include self-paced courses, part-time enrollment courses, and full-time enrollment courses. On-demand courses allow maximum flexibility in terms of scheduling as you determine your own pace. However, on-demand courses generally lack instructor access, hindering your progress. 

Part-time, instructor-led courses often meet in the evenings or on weekends, which can assist students in balancing other responsibilities such as a full-time job. For those with more fluid schedules, full-time enrollment classes offer structure and permit you to complete your Django training in half the time of a part-time course.

It is also worth noting that instructor-led courses include hands-on projects that provide real-world experience under the guidance of an expert. These projects can contribute to your professional portfolio and help to reinforce the lessons taught.

You can also combine learning methods. You may wish to gain a general understanding of Python coding or Django by taking a more affordable on-demand class, then follow up with an in-person class or live online course. You may wish to explore specific applications of Django on your own and reserve instructor-led courses for your niche area of focus. For example, you might take a live online Django class specifically for data science or web development.

When deciding what type of course to take, you may also wish to consider the short-term and long-term implications of your investment. Consider the cost of the courses that most interest you, but also consider the long-term value of classes with additional benefits. Mentorship, job assistance, the creation of a professional portfolio, and networking opportunities increase your odds of starting a new career. Django professionals such as Web Developers, Data Scientists, and Software Engineers earn anywhere from $70,000 to over $100,000 annually on average, so launching a new, lucrative career can easily make the tuition worth the investment. Flexible financing options also reduce upfront costs and help you pay over time.

The cost of your course also depends on if you take a single, short-term course with a specific area of focus or if you opt to participate in a certificate program or bootcamps. Though often more expensive than a shorter course, certificate programs and bootcamps often cover a much broader curriculum, providing you with more skills and a higher likelihood of launching or advancing your career. Certificate programs and bootcamps may include one-on-one mentoring, professional portfolio creation, job networking, interview preparation, resume reviews, and other benefits that help you find a job more quickly. 

Why Learn Django?

Django is a free, open-source web framework that uses the Python coding language. Learning Django can advance your career as a Web Developer, Data Scientist, or Software Engineer. These jobs typically earn an estimated $80,000 to upwards of $100,000 annually and show strong demand growth for the coming decade. For example, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that data science jobs will see an astounding 36% growth in demand from 2021 through 2031.

Development teams use Django to work quickly, increase scalability, and create secure web applications. Learning Django provides you with a versatile skill set applicable to various industries, including technology, healthcare, finance, and more.

Read more about why you should learn Django. 

Level of Difficulty, Prerequisites, & Cost 

Django is a challenging Python web framework to learn due to its complexities and many uses. Before learning Django, you must also develop a thorough understanding of certain prerequisites. If you have no prior experience coding, it is best to start by learning a simple programming language such as HTML or CSS. HTML and CSS also benefit those who wish to learn Django because HTML, CSS, and Django are used in web development. Before learning Django, you must also thoroughly understand Python coding fundamentals. 

Django training costs depend mainly on the type of Django class you take. You can find free trials and introductory Python programming courses online. On-demand Python and Django classes can cost as little as $20 to $50 per month for a learning platform subscription such as Coursera or Udemy. Instructor-led Django classes cost far more but offer more in-depth training, personalized feedback, job assistance, mentorship, and other benefits that make learning Django and preparing for a Django career easier. In-person Django classes and live online Django classes cost anywhere from $500 to $20,000, depending on the school, course length, depth and breadth of the curriculum, and other factors. Many certificate programs that include Django range from around $1,500 to $5,000. 

Read about how difficult it is to learn Django.

Learn Django with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Learning Django not only requires learning the principles and applications of this framework but applying those concepts to real-world, hands-on projects. In-person and live online Django classes provide the opportunity to put theory into practice. Courses led by an instructor also grant you direct access to an expert that can help you overcome obstacles, answer your questions, and provide mentorship as you develop your Django skills.

You can learn Django with Noble Desktop’s hands-on training options like the Software Engineering Bootcamp, Python Developer Certificate, the Python Django Development course, and other Python classes and bootcamps. 

The Software Engineering and Python Developer certificate programs teach Django as part of a broader curriculum. The Software Engineering Certificate prepares students to become Full Stack Developers or Software Engineers with sections dedicated to front end development, JavaScript development, and Python development with Django. The Python Developer Certificate teaches beginners to use Django, Django REST, Git, SQL, and more. 

Students already familiar with Python but wishing for a deeper dive into Django can enroll in the Python Django Development course. This class covers the fundamentals of Django and how to use Django REST, which is used to build web APIs.

Noble’s small class sizes ensure you receive personal feedback from your instructor. Courses include free retakes and offer flexible payment plans so you can finance your new career without paying the full tuition upfront. Certificate courses also include one-on-one mentorship and the creation of professional portfolios to help you find a job in your new field.

Key Insights

• Django is a free, open-source Python web framework. It is free to install the latest version of Django.
• Django prerequisites include learning another programming language like HTML or CSS and thoroughly understanding Python basics.
• The three main learning methods for learning Django are on-demand courses, in-person courses, and live online courses.
• The main challenge with self-paced courses is the lack of instructor interaction, leaving students to figure things out by themselves or wait several hours or days for answers.
• In-person and live online classes cost more but have the advantage of real-time feedback from an expert instructor.
• You can receive comprehensive Django training through an in-person or live online course with Noble Desktop.