How to Dockerize Your Django Project

If you're working on a Django project and you want to make your life easier – especially when it comes to running your app across different environments – Docker is your new best friend.

Docker makes it possible to package your Django app, along with all its dependencies, into something called a “container.”

That way, it runs the same on your computer, your teammate’s computer, a testing server, or even in production.

When I first started using Docker, it felt a little overwhelming. But after setting it up for a few Django apps, it all clicked.

The good news? I’m going to walk you through it, step by step, in a way that’s easy to follow, even if you’re brand new to Docker.

Table of Contents

1. What You’ll Need

2. How to Dockerize Your Django Project

   • Step 1: Start a Django Project

   • Step 2: Create a Dockerfile

   • Step 3: Add a requirements.txt

   • Step 4: Create docker-compose.yml

   • Step 5: Run It!

3. Common Issues

   • Port Already in Use?

   • Database Not Working?

4. FAQs

   • Do I need Docker for development?

   • Can I run migrations inside Docker?

   • How do I stop everything?

5. Extra Tip: Use .dockerignore

6. What You’ve Built

7. Want to Go Deeper?

8. Further Reading

What You’ll Need

Before we begin, make sure you’ve got a few things installed:

• Python 3 (any version that Django supports)

• Django (of course)

• Docker and Docker Compose