7 Best Frontend Framework for Django

Django is a high-level Python web framework that encourages rapid development and clean, pragmatic design. Django is one of the most popular framework for building robust and scalable web applications. It was initially developed by Lawrence Journal-World in 2003 and released to the public under a BSD license in 2005. Django is renowned for its unique qualities, which include security, scalability, fast development, flexibility, and thorough documentation.

What is Django?

Python-based web framework Django allows you to create efficient web applications quickly. It is also called batteries included web framework Django because It provides built-in features for everything including Django Admin Interface, default database – SQLlite3, etc. When you’re building a website, you always need a similar set of components: a way to handle user authentication (signing up, signing in, signing out), a management panel for your website, forms, a way to upload files, etc. Django Python gives you ready-made components to use for rapid development. 

Now let's talk about some of the core components of Django :

1. Object-Relational Mapping (ORM): Instead of writing SQL queries to communicate with the database, developers may use Python code due to Django's robust ORM. The code is more portable and database operations are made simpler by this abstraction layer.
2. URL Routing: Django provides a URL dispatcher to route incoming web requests to the appropriate view based on URL patterns defined in the configuration.
3. View System: Django's view system allows developers to handle HTTP requests and return HTTP responses. Views can be written as functions or class-based views, providing flexibility in organizing application logic.
4. Template Engine: Django provides a built-in template engine that enables developers to define HTML templates with dynamic content. The template engine supports template inheritance, filters, and custom tags.
5. Form Handling: Django provides robust form handling and validation capabilities, making it easy to process user input and maintain data integrity.

Now I will take about some of the best Frontend Frameworks for Django which allows the developer to make their application interactive. Apart from the mentioned frameworks in this article, there are many other frameworks that are good to use but covering all of the frameworks is not possible in a single article. So we have used the best 7 frameworks for Django.

7 Best Django Framework

1. React

A potent JavaScript package called React may be used to create dynamic and interactive user interfaces (UIs). Facebook is the one who develops it. React is renowned for its component-based architecture, which enables programmers to design reusable user interface components, hence simplifying the management and upkeep of complex online applications. React is a tool for creating one-page applications.

Here are few Advantages of using React framework :

1. Component-Based Architecture: React framework encourages reusability and modularity which makes the codebase more manageable and scalable.
2. Virtual DOM: It enhances the performance by minimizing direct manipulation of the actual DOM.
3. Strong Ecosystem: Extensive libraries, tools, and community support facilitate development.
4. SEO Friendly: Can be combined with server-side rendering for better SEO.
5. Dynamic and Interactive UIs: React allows for the creation of highly dynamic and interactive user interfaces,which enhances the user experience.

Basic setup of React Framework with Django :

Step 1 : Install Dependencies Install Node.js and npm if they are not already installed. Then, create a React app using :

create-react-app:    
  (it will install node js dependencies and make the frontend folder)

#pre npx create-react-app frontend

Step 2 : Create a Django project and application : Use these commands for basic Django Setup :

( (backend is name of project)
django-admin startproject backend 

Step 3 : Integrate React with Django : Navigate to "settings.py" file in backend folder and add the below configurations :

import os   
STATIC_URL='/static/' 
STATICFILES_DIRS = [os.path.join(BASE_DIR,'frontend/build/static')

Step 4 : Serve React from Django : Create a view in Django to serve the frontend

from django.shortcuts import render
def index(request):
       return render(request,'index.html')

Now, Create a URL pattern for this view in urls.py:

#urls.py
from django.urls import path
from.import views
urlpatterns=[
      path('' , views.index,name='index' )

Step 5 : Build and Deploy React : Build the React application and copy the build files to Django's templates directory:

Use this command for build :

 npm run build
cp -r build/* ../myapp/templates/

2. Angular

Angular is a TypeScript and HTML platform and framework for creating single-page client apps. Data binding, dependency injection, and other features are all included in this all-inclusive frontend development solution, which was developed by Google.

Talking about advantages of using Angular for our frontend part are :

1. Comprehensive Framework: Angular offers a complete solution with a robust set of features including dependency injection, routing, and forms.
2. TypeScript: It enhances code quality and maintainability with static typing.
3. Two-Way Data Binding: Angular Simplifies the process of keeping the model and view in sync.
4. CLI: Angular CLI automates many tedious tasks, improving developer productivity.

Basic setup for our angular framework with Django :

Step 1: Install Angular CLI :

npm install -g @angular/cli

create new frontend folder : ng new frontend

Step 2 : Setting up Django in backend : Use these commands for basic Django Setup :

 ( backend is name of project)
 django-admin startproject backend 

Step 3 : Build Angular Project for production :

ng build --prod

Step 4 : Integrate with Django :

#settings.py
import os
STATIC_URL='/static/'
STATICFILES_DIRS = [os.path.join(BASE_DIR,'frontend/dist/frontend' )]

Step 5 : Serve Angular from Django :

from django.shortcuts import render
def index(request):
    return render(request,'index.html' )

Configure Url pattern in "urls.py" file :

#urls.py
from django.urls import path
from.import views
urlpatterns=[
     path('' ,views.index,name='index')
]

Step 6 : run this command :

cp -r dist/frontend/* ../myapp/templates/

3. Vue.js

A JavaScript framework called Vue JS is used to create and design user interfaces. It is among the top frameworks for web applications that are one page in length. It also works nicely with other extensions and libraries.

Due to its interoperability with several libraries, VueJS is a convenient option for developers while it may not be able to handle every issue that arises in the field. VueJS is compatible with all major browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, IE, Safari, and others. You may quickly compare this library to the libraries you like best.

1. Advantages of Vue.js :
   Progressive Framework: It can be incrementally adopted, starting from a library to a full-fledged framework.
2. Ease of Learning: Vue.js provides simple syntax and clear documentation which makes it accessible for beginners.
3. Reactive Data Binding: It automatically updates the DOM when the data changes.
4. Flexibility: It can be used for both small projects and complex single-page applications.

Basic setup for the Vue.js Project:

Step 1 : Install Vue CLI :

npm install -g @vue/cli 

Now create frontend project :

 vue create frontend

Step 2 : Set Up Django Project :

(backend is name of project) 
django-admin startproject backend

Step 3 : Build Vue Project :

npm run build

Step 4 : Integrate with Django :

# settings.py
import os
STATIC_URL='/static/'
STATICFILES_DIRS = [os.path.join(BASE_DIR,'frontend/dist')]

Step 5 : Serve Vue from Django : create a view of Django

from django.shortcuts import render
def index(request)
     return render(request,'index.html')

Set up URL patterns in urls.py:

#urls.py
from django.urls import path
from.import views
urlpatterns =[
    path('' ,views.index,name='index' ),
]

Step 6 : Copy the built Vue files to Django's templates directory: using the command :

cp -r dist/*  ../myapp/templates/

4. Svelte

A relatively recent framework called Svelte assembles parts into extremely effective imperative code that works directly with the DOM. It is renowned for both its effectiveness and simplicity. With Svelte, interactive web apps are created. Any modifications made to the data will appear instantly on the website. It also finds use in rapid application development (RAD), which creates software applications with minimal to no code. It's used in web optimization. However, it differs from the others in that it does not make use of virtual DOM. Rich Harris is the author, and it can be downloaded for free. When your code runs, Svelte bundles it into a vanilla JavaScript bundle for usage in production. You don't need to deploy Svelte like we did for the other library if your application is deployed online. Because of this, it produces a quick execution.

Advantages of using Svelte as a frontend framework :

1. Compile-Time Framework: Svelte transpiles components into efficient imperative code that directly manipulates the DOM, resulting in faster runtime performance.
2. Less Boilerplate: It provides cleaner code with fewer abstractions.
3. Reactive Framework: State management is built into the framework, reducing the need for external state management libraries.
4. Small Bundle Size: Optimized output leads to smaller JavaScript bundles, enhancing load times.

Svelte setup in Django Project :

Step 1 : Install Svelte :

npx degit sveltejs/template frontend

Step 2 : Create a Django Project :

 (backend is name of project) 
django-admin startproject backend

Step 3 : Build Svelte Project :

 npm run build

Step 4 : Integrate with Django : configure static files:

#settings.py
import os
STATIC_URL ='/static/'
STATICFILES_DIRS=[os.path.join(BASE_DIR,'frontend/public' )]

Step 5 : Serve Svelte from Django :
Firstly create a view in Django :

from django.shortcuts import render
def index(request):
    return render(request,'index.html' )

Secondly set up URL pattern in "urls.py" :

#urls.py
from django.urls import path
from.import views
urlpatterns=[
   path('' ,views.index,name='index')
]

Step 6 : Copy the built Svelte files to Django's templates directory:

cp -r public/* ../myapp/templates

5. Ember

Ember.js was created by Yehuda Katz the open-source JavaScript framework It is for ambitious and imaginative web developers. It is a JavaScript framework that includes all the tools a developer needs to create beautiful user interfaces that function on any platform for creating contemporary online apps. To assist with client-side data organization and server communication, Ember.js features an extremely helpful data management framework. Ember.js creates and builds your Ember projects using the Command Line Interface (CLI) tool. The Ember CLI offers generators to create components, routes, and other elements in addition to handling contemporary application asset management tasks like versioning, concatenation, and minification.

Advantages of using Ember as a frontend framework :

1. Convention Over Configuration: Emphasizes best practices and provides a strong structure, reducing the amount of decision-making required.
2. Integrated Development Environment: Ember CLI provides a powerful command line tool to automate development tasks.
3. Strong Routing: Built-in routing system that is feature-rich and robust.
4. Community and Add-ons: A mature community with numerous add-ons and plugins that extend functionality.

Ember setup in Django Project :

Step 1 : install the ember.js

Step 2 : Create a Django Project :

 (backend is name of project) 

django-admin startproject backend

Step 3 : Build Ember Project :

ember build --environment=production

Step 4 :Integrate with Django : Configure static files in "settings.py":

#settings.py
import os
STATIC_URL='/static'/
STATICFILES_DIRS = [os.path.join(BASE_DIR,'frontned/dist')]

Step 5 : Serve Ember from Django :
Firstly create a view of django :

from django.shortcuts import render
def index(request):
    return render(request,'index.html')

Seconly set up URL patterns in urls.py:

#urls.py
from django.urls import path
from.import views
urlpatterns =[
     path('' ,views.index,name='index'),
]

Step 6 : Copy the built Ember files to Django's templates directory:

cp -r dist/* ../myapp/templates

6. Backbone

Backbone is a little package designed to help organize JavaScript code. It is sometimes referred to as the MVC/MV* framework. MVC is essentially an architecture paradigm for creating user interfaces, in case you are unfamiliar with it. The application is divided into three types of components: Controller, View, and Model.

Advantages of Backbone as a frontend framework :

1. Lightweight: Minimalist framework that provides the necessary structure without much overhead.
2. Flexibility: Allows developers to choose their own architecture and patterns.
3. Event-Driven: Promotes decoupling of the user interface and the data model.
4. Modularity: Backbone’s small size and modularity make it easy to integrate into existing projects.

Backbone setup in Django Project :

Step 1 : Install backbone.js using the command :

 npm install backbone underscore

Step 2 : Setting up Django Project :

 django-admin startproject backend  (backend is name of project)

Step 3 : Integrate Backbone.js and for this configure static files in settings.py :

#settings.py
import os
STATIC_URL='/static/'
STATICFILES_DIRS = [os.path.join(BASE_DIR,'frontend' )]

Step 4 : Serve Backbone.js from Django :

Firstly create a Django view :

from django.shortcuts import render
def index(request):
     return render(request,'index.html' )

Seconly set up URL patterns in urls.py:

#urls.py
from django.urls import path
from.import views
urlpatterns=[
      path('' ,views.index, name='index'),
]

Step 5 : Create a basic Backbone.js app in frontend directory and serve it using Django.

7. Alpine

Alpine is remarkable, for its combination of simplicity, speed, and versatility. Although React and Vue are the players in this field Alpine provides an option for developers who want an efficient solution, without compromising on functionality.

Advantages of Alpine as a frontend framework :

1. Lightweight and Minimalistic: Alpine's small footprint and minimalistic approach make it ideal for adding interactivity to existing pages without heavy overhead.
2. Declarative Syntax: It simplifies the process of writing JavaScript by using HTML attributes.
3. Reactive Components: It also enables building reactive components directly in the HTML.
4. Easy to Learn: Alpine supports straightforward syntax and limited API surface make it accessible for beginners and quick to implement.

Backbone setup in Django Project :

Step 1 : firstly install Alpine.js and Include Alpine.js in HTML directly using the command :

<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/alpinejs" defer></script>

Step 2: Setup the backend in Django :

django-admin startproject backend  (backend is name of project)

Step 3: Integrate Alpine with backend :

#settings.py
import os
STATIC_URL='/static/'

Step 4: Serve Alpine.js from Django :

Firstly create a Django view :

from django.shortcuts import render
def index(request):
     return render(request,'index.html' )

Secondly set up URL patterns in urls.py :

#urls.py
from django.urls import path
from . import views
urlpatterns=[
     path=('' ,views.index,name='index' ),
]

Step 5: Create a basic Alpine.js in Django directory directly :

<!-- templates/index.html -->
<!DOCTYPE html>
 <html lang="en">    
  <head>        
   <meta charset="utf-8"/>        
   <meta content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0" name="viewport"/>        
   <title>   Django Alpine.js        
   </title>        
   <script defer="" src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/alpinejs"></script>    
 </head>    
 <body>        
  <div x-data="{ message: 'Hello, Alpine!' }">            
   <h1 x-text="message"></h1>        
  </div>    
 </body>
</html>

Conclusion

In the dynamic world of web development, pairing Django with the right frontend framework can significantly enhance your project's success. React offers flexibility and a vast ecosystem for building complex user interfaces, while Angular provides a comprehensive solution for large-scale applications. Vue.js is favored for its simplicity and performance, and Svelte stands out with its efficient, compiled components. Ember.js offers a convention-over-configuration approach, ensuring streamlined development, whereas Backbone.js gives developers control with its lightweight framework. Alpine.js brings a modern, minimalistic approach, perfect for enhancing static HTML with minimal JavaScript.Each of these frameworks has unique strengths that cater to different project needs and team expertise. By selecting the most suitable frontend framework, you can leverage Django's powerful backend capabilities to create dynamic, scalable, and highly interactive web applications, ensuring a seamless and efficient development process.