Using Django REST With React Js: The Perfect Combination
Building a web app requires many choices.
Programming language?
Framework?
Size?
Scalable, easily maintained and robust are the Holy Grail of web apps. For web developers, the Django framework is an easy choice. It’s free, open-source, and written in Python. The Python programming language is well-known for its intuitive, flexible and simple-to-use syntax.
Add React Js to the equation and you have a dynamic combination for rapid, clean and useful code. The focus is on practical design and rapid development, especially for highly customizable apps.
Want to know more about Django REST with React Js? Keep reading.
Django REST Is the Right Choice
The Django REST is an application that originally built on Django Framework. The Django toolkit of components provides a concrete foundation of basic boilerplate website functions. It allows developers to focus on the unique parts of their projects. Why waste too much time reinventing the wheel when Django provides solid, stable fundamentals.
The highly structured framework is ideal when security is a top priority. The source code is hidden by default. User authentication is strong and developers have the ability to configure users.
Django is also a scalability standout. It is capable of handling any volume of visitors or transactions. It also allows apps to grow in complexity and depth without a hiccup. You can pick and plug-in various components. It’s very flexible.
Django is suitable for front end or back end apps. Build large projects with confidence. Django is virtually indestructible and reliable.
Some reasons you might want to use REST framework:
The Web browsable API is a huge usability win for your developers.
- Authentication policies including packages for OAuth1a and OAuth2.
- Serialization that supports both ORM and non-ORM data sources.
- Customizable all the way down – just use regular function-based views if you don’t need the more powerful features.
- Extensive documentation, and great community support.
- Used and trusted by internationally recognised companies including Mozilla, Red Hat, Heroku, and Eventbrite.
React Js for UI
React Js is like Django in that it is open-source and component-based. Its specific use is for single-page apps. It was originally a Facebook app and is dedicated to building user interfaces (UI).
React Js is a Javascript library. Javascript is a website programming language made for scripting dynamic elements. For example, pop-ups, animations and the ubiquitous CAPTCHA form validation all run on Javascript. Libraries are pre-written blocks of code, components, and functions to make app development breeze.
React Js shines in the creation of contemporary, single-page apps. It is remarkably SEO-friendly. With support for server-side rendering, it’s an excellent choice for content-focused applications.
The same string of code combines behavior and UI of components. For efficiency, the code is reusable. Testing, upgrades, and migrations are easy and speedy.
Django REST With React Js for Customization
The greatest reason to use Django can also be a liability. It can be overkill or too heavy for small projects. Django’s solid foundation can slow small scripts. Its architecture may be too rigid for projects not meant to scale. It’s also not always the right tool to build the front-end.
By the same token, React Js on its own is insufficient to build robust web software. Server interaction and data transfer require an API. Django is especially suited for back-end development.
Although Django REST and React JS are two independent frameworks. We can develop REST API with the Django REST which can work as a back-end and React Js can consume those API and show the data that is the front-end. Apps written with the help of the pre-written code blocks look good, give good user experience and are secure and reliable.
The combined framework renders rapidly and is very flexible. The learning curve is steep but accessible. The huge online communities for both Django and React support the built-in tools and learning curve for those tools.
Hints for Success
Take advantage of the robust communities surrounding Django and React. There are several online tutorials for different components of Django with React. Here are some basics.
- Begin by installing the Django REST framework in Django and connecting the database.
- Open the project, launch the app and configure the database.
- Consider your site security and authentication procedure. Tokens may be the most convenient, but vulnerable to hackers.
- Test your performance.
Much of the process is the same as you build the front-end.
- Use create-react-app to begin.
- Connect the front-end to the back-end using library assets. Create a redux Store to store tokens with user data.
- Set up the user authorization process.
- Test the system and follow the token through the server.
Once connected, the front-end and back-end development can proceed with code component blocks from Django and the React Js library. The components are thoroughly vetted, but testing at each iteration is recommended.
Is the Learning Curve Too Steep for DIY?
Django components can help you build a safe, strong, foundation for your web app. The learning curve can be steep, however. The component blocks eliminate hours and hours of coding and re-coding can be cumbersome.
Security configuration is important, as tokens provide vulnerability to hackers.
React Js is also component-based, but easily customizable. With that flexibility comes the possibility of in-depth code errors. Inexperienced developers might be stumped more than once by creeping errors.
It takes some experience and finesse to create efficient and elegant apps.
Ask the Professionals
The landscape of web apps is constantly evolving. Tools like Django and React Js push user experience to new levels with each iteration. Design and architecture for quick running and scalability are key to success.
Neither Django nor React Js is one size fits all app builder. However, Django with React takes the best of both worlds and gives a stable, robust back-end with a secure connected front-end. The solution scales well and provides good UX.
Do you know exactly what you want to build but don’t have the know-how to get it done?
Do a little homework before hiring a developer. Ask about their experience using Django with React Js. Weigh their pros and cons and look at their delivery record. Consider your business needs and wants.
Our professionals have years of experience delivering the right app to the right people. Contact us if you need help developing your solutions!
