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How to set up and deploy a Django application on a Linux server
Deploying a web application can seem daunting, but it's a manageable process with a structured...
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#linux#apache#django#nginx
Deploying a web application can seem daunting, but it's a manageable process with a structured approach. This guide walks you through setting up a secure Linux server and deploying your Django application using two popular stacks: Apache with
Follow the prompts. Adding a passphrase is a good extra layer of security.Next, copy your public key to the server. The easiest method is using Find and modify these lines to enhance security:Restart the SSH service to apply the changes.🚨 Critical: Before you close your current terminal, open a new one and confirm you can log in with your SSH key. If you can't, you'll be locked out! Revert the changes if it fails.
You can check the status at any time with
3.1. Create
On your local machine, inside your project's virtual environment, generate a list of its Python dependencies.
Your shell prompt will now be prefixed with
5.2. Adjust
Edit your project's
Inside the 6.3. Update
Update the Important: Don't hardcode passwords! We'll secure these credentials in Step 8. You'll also need to install the database adapter:
Option A: Apache &
A classic and powerful combination.
mod_wsgi or Nginx with Gunicorn.Note: The core principles in this guide remain best practices for modern Django deployments.🔐 Step 1: Server Initialization & Security
A secure, well-configured server is the foundation of any deployment.1.1. System Update
First, log into your new Linux server (e.g., Ubuntu, Debian) and ensure all system packages are up-to-date.1.2. Create a Non-Root User
Running commands asroot is a major security risk. Create a new user with administrative privileges instead.1.3. Harden SSH Access with Keys
Disable password-based logins in favor of more secure SSH keys.On your local machine, generate a new SSH key pair.ssh-copy-id.1.4. Disable Password & Root Login
On your server, edit the SSH daemon configuration.🔥 Step 2: Configure the Firewall with UFW
UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) is an easy way to manage your server's network rules.sudo ufw status.📦 Step 3: Prepare Your Django Project
Get your project code and dependencies ready for the server.3.1. Create requirements.txt
On your local machine, inside your project's virtual environment, generate a list of its Python dependencies.3.2. Transfer Project to Server
You can usescp for a simple copy or git for version-controlled projects.- Using
scp(Secure Copy):
- Using
git(Recommended):
🐍 Step 4: Set Up a Python Virtual Environment
Isolate your project's dependencies from the system's Python packages on the server.(venv).⚙️ Step 5: Install Dependencies & Configure Django
With the virtual environment active, install your packages and adjust your settings for production.5.1. Install Packages
5.2. Adjust settings.py
Edit your project's settings.py file for production.5.3. Collect Static Files
Run Django'scollectstatic command to gather all static assets (CSS, JS, images) into the STATIC_ROOT directory you just defined.🐘 Step 6: Set Up PostgreSQL Database
A robust database like PostgreSQL is essential for production.6.1. Install PostgreSQL
6.2. Create Database & User
Switch to thepostgres user to create your database and a dedicated user for your app.psql shell, run these commands:6.3. Update settings.py
Update the DATABASES setting in settings.py with your new credentials.pip install psycopg2-binary.6.4. Run Migrations
Apply your project's database schema.🚀 Step 7: Configure a Production Web Server
Django's development server isn't for production. Choose one of the following setups.Option A: Apache & mod_wsgi
A classic and powerful combination.- Install Packages:
- Configure Apache Virtual Host: Create a new configuration file for your site.
Paste and edit the following configuration.
- Enable Site & Reload:
Option B: Nginx & Gunicorn (Recommended)
A modern, high-performance stack. Nginx acts as a reverse proxy, passing requests to the Gunicorn application server.- Install Packages:
- Configure Nginx Server Block: Create a new Nginx configuration file.
Paste and edit the following. This tells Nginx to serve static files directly and proxy other requests to Gunicorn.
- Enable Site & Reload:
- Create a
systemdService for Gunicorn: To ensure Gunicorn runs reliably and starts on boot, create a service file.Paste and edit the following. - Create a
systemdSocket File: - Start and Enable Gunicorn:
🤫 Step 8: Secure Environment Variables
Never store sensitive keys, passwords, or secrets directly insettings.py. Use environment variables. A clean way to manage this is with a .env file.- Install
python-decouple: - Create a
.envfile in your project's root directory (next tomanage.py). Add this file to your.gitignoreimmediately! - Update
settings.pyto usedecouple:
✅ Final Step: Verification
Navigate to your server's IP address or domain name in your web browser. You should now see your live Django application!Next Steps
- HTTPS: Use Let's Encrypt to get a free SSL/TLS certificate. It's essential.
- Backups: Set up a regular backup strategy for your database and user-uploaded files.
- Logging & Monitoring: Configure logging to monitor application health and track errors.