django

Django-Python Tutorial Part 2

It is time for us to take our Python and Django skills to building a full application.  This is part two in a two-part series of tutorials where we build an application from scratch.  This series will walk through all the steps required to build your own solution. A Python/Django Site Monitor The application we build is a web solution for monitoring web sites and API end points.  We can configure the application to simply do a heartbeat check or validate the content returned.  This second part of the series focuses on the back-end python code.  This is the “guts” of doing the checks and scheduling them.  The bulk of our tutorial covers the Django steps, but there is plenty... Read more

python

Django-Python Application Tutorial Part 1

It is time for us to take our Python and Django skills to building a full application.  This is part one in a two-part series of tutorials where we build an application from scratch.  This series will walk through all the steps required to build your own solution. A Python/Django Site Monitor The application we build is a web solution for monitoring web sites and API end points.  We can configure the application to simply do a heartbeat check or validate the content returned.  This first part of the series focuses on the database, design, and front end pieces of the application.  The “guts” of doing the checks and scheduling them is covered in part two.  The bulk of our... Read more

getting things done

Unit Testing In Python and Django

Our series on Python and Django moves into a focus on testing.  Fortunately, unit testing is very easy to incorporate into your solution.  We can provide some basic unit tests within minutes and improve the overall quality of our applications. A Built-In Solution Quality assurance is an important facet of software development and unit testing in Python is an example of how pervasive it has become.  The designers of the language have given us tools to follow these practices.  This tutorial walks through the basic setup and configuration of our application whether it is Python or Django.  We then create a few unit tests that can be a basis for your own needs.   The Mentor-Mastermind Group This series comes... Read more

Pause As a Launching Pad

A Solid Restart – Stop, Plan, Reset, Go

This special topic presentation comes during a time when things have been hectic for a while.  Therefore, we are at a crossroads and it is a good time to stop and reset our goals and plans.  The situation is not that different from our annual review and planning.  However, it is a good time to do a deeper assessment and take advantage of the calm amidst the storm. SPARK Your Next Steps While much of this reset discussion is an emphasis on past processes, we have added a twist.  The presentation provides the SPARK approach to thinking through where you are and where you want to go.  We rarely have an opportunity to come to a full stop before planning... Read more

develpreneur podcast

Object-Oriented Design : Invest In The Design Process

We wrap up the season with a focus on the design process.  There is a cost to doing this, as with most things of value.  However, you will find that the benefits in tighter, easier to maintain, and higher quality code are worth the investment.  We can use the tools and frameworks we have to take shortcuts to an object-oriented solution or be better by spending time on design. Object-Oriented Design Is A Revision We have discussed how the solution is always our primary focus.  Developers solve problems.  Therefore, our “why” is crafting a solution.  The emphasis is on the solution not on the craft.  Once we have a solution we are comfortable with, then we can look to mold... Read more

develpreneur podcast

Keep It Simple – Avoid Complex Object-Oriented Designs

Software developers are known for many traits.  Unfortunately, one of those is ignoring the keep it simple philosophy.  We tend to “show off” our prowess through complex designs and implementations.  However, those rarely are the best ones in terms of maintainability and even performance.  Simplicity has its benefits. Keep It Simple – Direct Is Better While there is a value in the “scenic route” when we are out for a leisurely drive, it is not the most effective way to travel.  The same concept applies to our designs and solutions.  The direct solution is often the best, even though it may sacrifice scalability or its ability to be applied in a general fashion.  When we focus on highlighting our design... Read more