djenv

djenv#

1. What is djenv?#

djenv is a Python virtual environment (venv).

It is:

  • Created by me

  • Not created by Django

  • Not part of Django code

  • Used to isolate Python + Django + packages

Command you used:

python3 -m venv djenv

2. Why djenv exists#

Without a virtual environment:

  • Django installs globally

  • Version conflicts happen

  • Projects break each other

With djenv:

  • Each project has its own Python world

  • You can delete it anytime

  • Safe for learning & production

One project = one venv

📁 What’s inside djenv

djenv/
├── bin/
├── include/
├── lib/
├── pyvenv.cfg
└── .gitignore

1️⃣ bin/

This is the heart of the virtual environment.

Contains:

  • python

  • pip

  • django-admin

  • activate

Key files you’ll use:

djenv/bin/activate
djenv/bin/python
djenv/bin/pip

When you run:

source djenv/bin/activate

You are telling the system:

“From now on, use Python and pip from THIS folder.”

That’s why your terminal shows:

(djenv)

2️⃣ lib/

This is where all installed Python packages live.

After:

pip install Django

Django is installed here:

djenv/lib/python3.x/site-packages/django/

Nothing here should be edited manually.

3️⃣ include/

Used for:

  • C headers

  • Native extensions

You usually never touch this.

4️⃣ pyvenv.cfg

This file describes the virtual environment.

Example contents:

home = /usr/bin/python3
include-system-site-packages = false
version = 3.x.x
Meaning:

  • Which Python created the venv

  • Whether global packages are allowed

5️⃣ .gitignore

Prevents committing venv files to Git.

Never push djenv to GitHub.

Instead, use:

requirements.txt

🔁 How djenv is used (daily workflow)

Activate

source djenv/bin/activate

Install packages

python -m pip install Django

Run Django

python manage.py runserver

Deactivate

deactivate

Relationship between djenv and Django

Item

Role

djenv

Python environment

Django

Installed inside djenv

mysite

Django project

myapp

Django app

Django runs using Python from djenv.

What djenv is NOT

  • Not Django project

  • Not Django app

  • Not settings

  • Not production code

It is just an isolated runtime environment.

Analogy (easy to remember)

  • 🧰 djenv → toolbox

  • 🏗 mysite → building

  • 🧱 myapp → rooms inside the building

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