5 top IDEs best suited for Django development!

“The importance of a good Integrated Development Environment (IDE) can never be let alone, for they render comprehensive facilities to developers in the entire process of software development life cycle. Its integrated build-in automation tools, a source code editor, and a debugger help improving the way programmers execute their projects here we are considering Django Python projects. While there are several performance-driven choices available for Django, the IDEs that enable smooth visual programming and make software development a fun experience are largely admired these days. Out of many, listed below are our picks for the top 5 IDEs for Django. They are not only user-friendly software applications, but also wrapped up with the necessary tools and functions that make development an interesting task”.

Vim

The most powerful IDE for Python that literally transmogrifies the way programmers work on their projects. Vim is an advanced code editor that offers the benefits of UNIX editor ‘Vi.’ Though it takes a couple of months to learn this IDE; the software application is incredible for anyone who seeks an effectual yet super smooth programming experience. An easy-to-understand interface further fetches extra points. Having unique and useful features makes the IDE truly the best among the rest. With Vim, you can get enough scope for Code Folding, Window splits, and Snippets etc. Moreover, Versioning is also possible with Vim! You can view your Codebase history using Vim IDE and it makes the IDE work like a small versioning software tool. Besides these features, it enables the Django developers to get better coding experience with AutoFill, Suggestions, and Validations etc. Syntax Highlighting is also there to make the developer find bugs easily as with any other IDEs. The Django developer can also navigate around the code with features like Searching, Go- To- Definition and Fuzzy text file search options. The best part about Vim is its support; it gets support from the most trusted Git! Above all, it enables Python developers to test the application with Django nose and Py.test, etc. All in all, it’s an amazing package for the Python developers.

Komodo

This one stands distinguished for the incredible support it brings to surface for different languages. Komodo is a renowned name for most of the IT developers working in different languages and technologies. May it be PHP, ASP or JSP; Komodo is there to support. It is one of the oldest yet powerful IDE of the industry. The integrated development environment application features a clean user interface and lends enhanced support to OS X as well. The tool even gets noticed for its code completion for templates and syntax highlighting (although, it nowhere works for the cocoa textbox shortcuts by default). It has better Syntax highlighting features along with smarter indentation for different templates. Debugging with Komodo is no less than a funny operation for the Python developers. Auto Code completion and Django template tags and filters are yet another top feature of Komodo IDE. In Komodo, there is another buzz for the Python developers that enables them to search file directly with Go- To- File search option. With Hyperlinks, it can make you traverse around the application on the fly and reach at the destination with a click. So, overall, Komodo is a great IDE for programmers who need support for multiple languages yet need simple programming.

PyCharm

Designed for increased productivity, PyCharm makes coding a quick, result-oriented experience. It is one of the most advanced IDE available in current industries. There are many features of JetBrain’s PyCharm to make the coding experience not only beautiful but also interesting. The charm starts with Code Assistance tricks like Auto Complete feature, Auto Indentation, Syntax Highlighting, comment or un-comment a statement etc. Code snippets and code folding is yet two major smart features of this IDE. Along with coding assistance for Python, it also provides support for other web languages like JavaScript, HTML and CSS etc that makes it perfect for the Python web developers. It also provides support for Django Internationalization or I18N i.e. helpful in creating multilingual and multicultural web applications. It has reStructuredText markup and Epydoc for highlighting and code completion for tags and tag parameters. There’s integrated support for Smart Code Navigation that allows users to conveniently leap into or skip any place of their code by using Go to Class or file or symbol, etc. The IDE features Intelligent Coding Assistance that lends support to auto-completion and a wide range of development tools, including database querying, SVN, Git, terminal, and debugging tools. As a whole, PyCharm is a great IDE choice (not to forget, its super fast code refactoring function).

Sublime

We could not afford to skip Sublime as such a well-designed IDE for Django. The IDE is also known as Sublime Text 3 in the industry. This is more for Python Django web developers since it has most features that will attract web developers on its first sight. Features like web language support, Split layouts, Chrome like Tabs, etc. makes it fit for the cyber industry. With st3_split_screen, the web developer can create multiple views over the platform that enables the web developers in viewing his code along with browser at once. It also enables the developer to test the application in one view while modifying the source code in the other. This works like a charm for the developers who offer expert Django development services. The multi-purpose tool comes with its personal, unique package manager that basically lets users install add-ons, additional styles, and plug-ins. It even supports several languages and is widely popular amongst web programmers. Along with that, it has almost all the features of any other Python IDE that are obviously common.

Wing

And of course, the one with more than 15 years in development and many more to welcome! Wing is an innovative, feature-rich IDE for Django - the highlighting aspect being its debugging tool. The tool enables extensive Python development, embeds auto refactoring tool with no errors, and high customization with several choices, key bindings, and user interface customizations. It even allows developers to introduce variables for expression, smoothly build blocks of existing code, and experience quick coding through ‘Go To’ code feature. Although it has dated UI and UX, Wing is a great IDE choice for Django developers (thanks to its embedded Pylint Tool and Auto Completion functions as well).

Mindfire Solutions has over a period of more than 9 years successfully executed a gamut of Django web development projects that have catered to various industries and geographies. To learn more about how we can help you with web development projects using Django mail your requirements to sales at Mindfire Solutions dot com.

An Introduction to Django REST Framework

As a set of programming instructions, protocols and standards, application programming interfaces (APIs) are used widely by modern software developers. An API defines how the software application will web tools and web-based applications. Thus, a software application sends request to other applications through APIs to perform specific things.

The programmers must be able to read and understand the API to effectuate communication and interactions between different software applications. Django REST framework (DRF) is designed as a powerful and flexible toolkit to help programmers to create APIs rapidly. Also, it makes it easier for developers to build web APIs that can be accessed through a web browser directly.

Important Features of Django REST Framework

Web-browsable API

As noted earlier, the web programmers must be able to read the API to effectuate communication between applications. DRF can be used as a powerful toolkit for developing APIs that are readable for programmers. When HTML format is requested, DRF generates HTML output for each resource. The HTML output can be read by the programmers as well as web browsers. The programmers can further browse through the resources easily, and submit data to the resources through PUT, POST and DELETE.

Serialization

DRF is designed with a built in model serialization. The model serialization enables developers effectuate representation of data without writing longer lines of code. At the same time, it further allows programmers to get the data delivered in a number of formats. The latest version of DRF also comes with simpler model serializers that are both easy to understand and easy to debug. The model serializers further allow programmers to switch between the explicit Serializer class and implicit ModelSerializer class.

Authentication Policies

To protect the website, developers have to check the incoming requests based on specific identifying criterions like who is making the request or if the request is properly signed. The developers mention a set of identifying criterions to decide about permitting or declining a request. DRF allows programmers to avail a set of predefined authentication schemes. The developers also have option to create and implement custom authentication themes. Whenever the view starts, DRF run the authentication scheme immediately. Thus, each time the authentication is performed before the proceeding of other code begins.

Customization

DRF allows programmers to use the class based as well as function based views. The regular function based views make it easier for developers to customize request processing. They can use the function based views to receive an instance of Request instead of the normal Django HTTPRequest. Likewise, the views can also be used to return a Response instead of the normal Django HTTPResponse. At the same time, the developers can use the api_view decorator to define a set of HTTP methods that the view will respond to. Thus, it becomes easier for programmers to configure request processing according to their specific needs.

Extensive Documentation

While using DRF, programmers can save time and efforts by referring to the extensive documentation, and availing the support of a large community. At the same time, they also have option to choose from several approaches to API documentation. Likewise, the Django REST framework can also be integrated with a variety of popular API documentation tools like Swagger and Apiary. Thus, the skilled Django developers can use these tools to make the browsable APIs self-describing and reusable.

The version 3.0 of the Django REST framework also comes with several new features including a new BaseSerializer class, simple model serializers, and printable illustrations on serializers. It further enables web developers to customize the requests handled by the APIs using a Meta API. So the developers can use Django REST framework version 3 to create, maintain and debug their application in a faster and more efficient way.

Mindfire Solutions provides expert Django development services from India, gaining its expertise from years of experience in Python/Django based web and application development. If you have any Django development project in mind, you are at the right place. Please write to us at sales at MindfireSolutions dot com and we will be replying to you in one business day.

Python Programming for Mobile Applications - Is It Possible?

Unlike other widely used programming languages, Python enables programmers to express concepts without writing lengthy and complex code. The general purpose programming language is further designed with focus on code readability, while featuring automatic memory management system and a dynamic type system. The large and comprehensive standard library provided by Python further makes it easier for programmers to create a variety of applications.

The huge popularity of smartphones, tablets and phablets often makes programmers explore ways to write mobile applications in Python. The high level programming language does not run natively on any of the widely used mobile platforms. So the programmers cannot use Python directly for creating mobile apps for Android and iOS. But they still have option to use a library called Kivy to create mobile applications that run seamlessly on major mobile platforms.

How Kivy Helps Programmers to Use Python for Mobile App Development?

Facilitates Deployment of the Same Code to Multiple Mobile Platforms

Often developers have to put extra time and effort to create versions for the same app for different mobile platforms. But Kivy enable programmers to write the code once and deploy it for various mobile platforms. So it becomes easier for developers to create mobile apps for different platforms. The Python library can also be used for creating the same app for both mobile devices and computers. After creating different versions of the same app, it becomes easier for the enterprise to package it distinctively for each app store.

Can Interact with Mobile Device’s Features

Kivy can further access rendering engines. It can interact with the device’s hardware and execute advanced rendering. For instance, programmers can use built-in adapters for smartphone cameras provided by Kivy to make the app more responsive. Likewise, they can also use the modules included in Kivy to render and play videos. Also, the robust input module of Kivy makes it easier for the app to interact with the users through gestures and multi-touch.

Easily Create an Array of Visual Effects

Kivy also has access to OpenGL. So it can be used for generating and rendering a wide range of visual effects. As it uses PyGame, it becomes easier for developers to create a variety of exciting games. However, the existing PyGame needs to be rewritten for the Python library. The programmers can use the modules of PyGame to play music, draw shapes and manipulate colors. As visual effects are essential to make a mobile app popular, Kivy can be used to make the mobile apps more impressive and eye-catchy.

Supports Asynchronous Request Processing

While using native apps, users want their requests to be processes regardless of the strength and available of network. As Kivy supports asynchronous request processing, it becomes easier for programmers to create apps that can finish the user request once the network in available. For instance, when a user frequently travels in and out of network areas, the feature will make the app sync the user request and finish it as soon as the network is available.

Provides Loads of Widgets and Controls

Kivy also helps developers in creating prototypes of the mobile app quickly by using several widgets and controls. The widgets and layouts are also available out of box. For instance, Accordion enables programmers to expand and collapse items through simple touch or clicks. Likewise, the user can use Carousel to swipe between slides. Based on the use of the mobile app, the developers can use the layouts and widgets to make the app deliver richer user experience.

Before using Kivy for creating mobile applications, the programmers must have a solid grasp on Python. However, the programmers are not required to know how to program on major mobile platforms like iOS and Android. Kivy further allows developers to define layout using a special language called Kv. As a layout language, Kv makes it easier for developers to keep the business logic and presentation separate. So the developers familiar with Model-View-Controller (MVC) pattern can easily use Kivy to write complex applications in Python development.

We provide Django development services. If you would like to hire Django developers for your web development needs, please contact us Mindfire Solutions.

Python - Why Do We Use Django For?

Django can be defined as a high-level Python Framework that helps the users to come up with faster as well as cleaner development along with some realistic designing of websites. Developers today prefer to use Django over Ruby on Rails due to certain reasons. They are described below:

Language

Python is extremely articulated as a language. You will find definite guidelines along with instructions, particularly about the way the codes are to be written or formatted. Besides, you will also find a clean structure in the codes, irrespective of whatever you do. In fact, the framework follows the good old principle that says, “Codes are more read than they are written.”

Presence of 3^rd party Libraries

When it comes to 3^rd party libraries, using Python will not pose any problem for the developer. The libraries are powerful as well as mature enough to make coding seamless as well as fast as well as free of hiccups.

Helper Tools

It comes up with some helper tools that will make the life of the developers much easier. These tools help you maintain as well as deploy the codes. If a developer takes some time and learn their application in a proper way, they will give some healthy returns at the end of the day in terms of advantage as well as perfection.

In other words, one framework is used over another because of the advantages it is offering. From that point of view, Django scores over Ruby in a number of aspects.

In fact Django is the framework for those who are perfectionists, particularly those, who tend to work with strict deadlines. With a string of value added features like helpers, working ORM, a fantastic admin interface as well as a few more, Django is a developer’s dream framework.

Object-Relational Mapper

It comes up with a default implementation mechanism that helps the developers when it comes to writing databases as Python class and query the same databases by using Python. This means that there is no need to write even a single SQL line manually.

Admin Interface

When it comes to taking care of a specific website or a client, it is imperative to manage all the content in a competent and flawless way. However, that does not mean that the codes and other texts need to be written in order to save time. It saves a lot of time as well as work. Django does exactly that.

A majority of people today uses Django, though the performance is not outstanding or spectacular, it is more than average and good enough to be used regularly to power up the normal sites that we see every day on the net. It is a good tool and a well built one as well and this makes quite a difference at the end of the day.

Guarantee the longevity of the site

This is another cool factor that will speak for Django. The framework helps the sites to enjoy longevity. It means the site will not go down easily. That it ensures better life expectancy of the site is one of the major reasons why sites today are made up more with Django than anything else.

It is fast

Each and every bit of this framework is designed keeping in mind the speed factor. The template language of Django is much faster. The speed is so fast that even the caching compiled templates appears slower than when it comes to re-rendering them upon each and every request.

Django Scales

Whatever you do – right from launching and running personal websites that run on shared hosting to the small band websites and the huge databases of public information to the social networking sites, Django is ultimate when it comes to handling all the data successfully. Hence, the framework features some astounding scalability that makes a difference. On top of everything, the budget involved is truly realistic as well as manageable.

Last but not the least, the admin of Django is amazing and is devoid of that customary writing of content-heavy sites that is associated with admin structuring. You can get in touch with a Python development company who can help you develop web application within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide Django development services. If you would like hire python developers for your development needs, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.