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Setup

Getting Started​

You will need to install the latest version of Python (version 3.11.2 as of 2/19/2023)

https://www.python.org/downloads/

During the installation, make sure to check Add Python 3.x to PATH

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To check if you have a working install, open a command line (CMD) and type in python --version

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If this does not work, you will have to check your PATH variables. If it does, you can safely proceed to the next step.

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Install Pipenv​

When working with Python projects, you will have multiple dependencies.

One of your Python projects may require these package versions

whitenoise==6.6.0
gunicorn==22.0.0

While another might require an older version

whitenoise==5.6.0
gunicorn==21.0.0

Managing dependencies in a single installation is a nightmare you definitely don't want to deal with. Using Pipenv, or other alternatives like Python venv (which is not discussed in this guide) will help you avoid these issues.

Open up a command line (CMD) and type in pip install --user pipenv to install Pipenv

This will use the package manager for Python (akin to npm for Javascript/Typescript projects) to install the Pipenv package

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Install Git​

When developing applications, you will need to use version control to track changes.

Head over to the downloads page and install the 64-bit Git for Windows Setup version (Standalone Installer)

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6198958f0bad6ed532a840df3435ad23_MD5 You can proceed with the typical installation using defaults (no need to change anything), just click Next/Install.

With that out of the way, you can proceed to setting up your Django REST Framework project.

Up Next: 2 - Initialize your First Project