Django is a web development framework for building websites and web applications using Python. It provides a set of tools and features that make it easier to create web applications quickly and efficiently. Django handles common web development tasks like database management, URL routing, form handling, and user authentication, allowing developers to focus on building the unique features of application instead of reinventing the wheel. It follows the "Don't Repeat Yourself" (DRY) principle, promoting code reuse and maintainability.

Django is used to build websites and web applications. It provides tools and features that help developers create these digital platforms more easily and efficiently. With Django, developers can handle tasks like managing databases, routing URLs, handling user input through forms, and managing user authentication. Essentially, Django simplifies the process of building complex web applications by providing a structured framework that handles many common tasks, allowing developers to focus on creating the unique features and functionalities of their websites or web apps.

Django was invented by Adrian Holovaty and Simon Willison in 2003 while working at a newspaper company called World Online. They created Django to help them build web applications quickly and efficiently for the newsroom. Django was later released as an open-source project in 2005, allowing developers worldwide to use and contribute to its development. Since then, it has grown into a popular web development framework known for its simplicity, flexibility, and productivity-enhancing features.

To check the Django version, you can use a command prompt or terminal −

• Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer.

• Type the following command and press Enter: python -m django --version.

• You will see the Django version displayed on the screen.

To learn Django, start by setting up your environment with Python and Django installed. Then, explore the basics of Django basics through tutorials or official documentation, learning about its architecture and key components like views, models, and templates. Practice building simple projects to reinforce your understanding, gradually adding more advanced features as you progress. Finally, stay updated with the latest Django updates and best practices, and regularly practice by working on real-world projects or contributing to open-source projects to sharpen your skills.

The disadvantages of Django include its complexity for beginners, as it has a steep learning curve compared to simpler frameworks. Additionally, Django can be seen as too opinionated, i.e. it imposes certain conventions and patterns which may not always align with the preferences of developers. It is also known for being heavyweight, i.e. it includes many built-in features that may not be needed for all projects, potentially leading to unnecessary complexity and overhead. Lastly, Django's ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) can sometimes result in performance issues when dealing with large datasets or complex queries, requiring optimization efforts to overcome.

To become a Django developer, you will need strong Python programming skills, a solid understanding of web development concepts, proficiency in Django framework including models, views, templates, and forms, familiarity with databases and SQL, and knowledge of version control systems like Git. Problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and collaboration skills are also essential for success in this role.

Many companies use Django for building their websites and web applications. Some notable examples include Instagram, which initially used Django to handle its massive photo-sharing platform, Pinterest, which relies on Django for its content-sharing site, and Spotify, which uses Django for various aspects of its music streaming service.

Additionally, companies like Disqus, Eventbrite, and Dropbox have also adopted Django for their web development needs.

The best database for Django depends on the specific requirements of your project. However, Django officially supports several databases, including SQLite, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and Oracle. For small projects or development purposes, SQLite, which is included with Python, is often used due to its simplicity and ease of setup. For larger projects requiring scalability and advanced features, PostgreSQL is a popular choice because of its robustness, performance, and support for complex data types and operations.

To write "Hello World" in Django, start by setting up Django on your computer. Create a new Django project and app using command line tools. Define a URL route in the urls.py file of the project and create a view function in the app's views.py file that returns an HTTP response with the "Hello World" message. Map the URL route to the view function. Finally, run the Django development server and navigate to the specified URL in a web browser to see the "Hello World" message displayed on the webpage.