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Neuron123
Neuron123

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Installing Django from Source: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you looking to dive deep into Django development? Installing Django from source is an excellent way to get started, especially if you want to contribute to the project or stay on the cutting edge of Django development. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process step by step.

Prerequisites
Before we begin, make sure you have the following installed on your system:

Python (Django is compatible with Python 3.6 and later)
Git (for cloning the Django repository)

Step-by-Step Installation Guide
1. Clone the Django Repository
Open your terminal or command prompt and run the following command to clone the Django repository:
git clone https://github.com/django/django.git
This will create a new directory named django in your current location.

2. Navigate to the Django Directory
Change your current directory to the newly cloned Django repository:
cd django

3. Create and Activate a Virtual Environment
It's always a good practice to use a virtual environment for Python projects. Create and activate one using these commands:
python -m venv venv or virtualenv venv
source venv/bin/activate # On Windows, use: venv\Scripts\activate

4. Install Dependencies
With your virtual environment activated, install the required dependencies:
pip install -e .

This command installs Django in "editable" mode, which is ideal for development purposes.

5. Verify the Installation
To ensure Django has been installed correctly, run:
python -m django --version

This should display the version number of the Django installation.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You've successfully installed Django from source. This setup allows you to work with the latest Django code and even contribute to the project if you wish.
Remember, when working on Django projects, always activate your virtual environment first. Happy coding!

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