Try Django 1.9 | Build a Blog and Learn Python's #1 Library Course

Editorial Take

Justin Mitchel's 'Try Django 1.9' offers a practical, project-driven approach to learning one of Python’s most powerful web frameworks. Aimed at beginners and intermediate developers, it walks through building a complete blog application with real-world features.

Standout Strengths

• Project-Based Learning: The course centers on building a functional blog, allowing learners to apply Django concepts immediately. This hands-on method reinforces understanding through implementation.
• Markdown Integration: Teaching Markdown support within Django is rare in beginner courses. This skill enhances content formatting and prepares students for CMS-style applications requiring rich text handling.
• Django Rest Framework: The module on RESTful API design with DRF is a major strength. It introduces serialization, views, and endpoints—skills in high demand for modern full-stack roles.
• Step-by-Step Pacing: Justin Mitchel’s teaching style is methodical and clear. Each concept builds logically on the last, reducing cognitive load and helping beginners avoid common pitfalls.
• Real Code Implementation: The course avoids theoretical fluff. Every lesson includes actual code writing, debugging, and testing, mimicking real developer workflows and boosting confidence.
• Version Coverage: While controversial, including both Django 1.8 and 1.9 helps learners understand version differences and prepares them for legacy codebases they may encounter professionally.

Honest Limitations

• Outdated Django Versions: Django 1.8 and 1.9 are obsolete. New learners might struggle to reconcile this with current best practices. The course should clarify version limitations and migration paths.
• Redundant Content: Some topics repeat across versions without sufficient differentiation. This could confuse learners about what’s version-specific versus core Django functionality.
• Limited Deployment Focus: The course omits deployment to platforms like Heroku or AWS. Real-world readiness requires knowing how to go live, making this a notable gap.
• API Module Depth: While DRF is introduced, advanced topics like authentication, permissions, and throttling are underdeveloped. Learners may need supplementary resources for production-grade APIs.

How to Get the Most Out of It

• Study cadence: Follow the course in focused 90-minute blocks. Pause frequently to experiment with code changes and test edge cases beyond the tutorial.
• Parallel project: Build a personal blog or portfolio site alongside the course. Apply each concept immediately to reinforce retention and customization skills.
• Note-taking: Document every model, view, and URL pattern created. Use diagrams to map data flow and request handling for better architectural understanding.
• Community: Join Django forums and Reddit threads. Ask questions when stuck and share your progress to gain feedback and alternative approaches.
• Practice: Rebuild the blog from memory after finishing. Challenge yourself to add features like search, comments, or user profiles to deepen mastery.
• Consistency: Dedicate at least 3 sessions per week. Django’s learning curve benefits from regular engagement to internalize patterns and syntax.

Supplementary Resources

• Book: 'Two Scoops of Django' by Daniel Roy Greenfeld provides best practices and patterns that complement this course’s foundational approach.
• Tool: Use Visual Studio Code with Python and Django extensions for a smoother coding experience and real-time error detection.
• Follow-up: Take a modern Django 4.x course next to update your skills and learn current deployment and security standards.
• Reference: The official Django documentation should be consulted alongside the course to verify syntax and explore advanced options.

Common Pitfalls

• Pitfall: Relying solely on the course without experimenting. Many learners fail to internalize concepts without modifying code or debugging errors independently.
• Pitfall: Ignoring virtual environments. Not isolating dependencies can lead to conflicts and confusion when managing multiple Python projects.
• Pitfall: Skipping testing. Django includes robust testing tools, but the course downplays them. Neglecting tests can hinder long-term code quality.

Time & Money ROI

• Time: At 20+ hours, the course demands commitment. However, the hands-on nature ensures that time translates into tangible coding ability.
• Cost-to-value: Despite being paid, the course offers strong value for beginners. The skills gained justify the price if applied to real projects or freelancing.
• Certificate: The completion certificate adds modest value—useful for portfolios but not a substitute for a GitHub repository of projects.
• Alternative: Free tutorials exist, but few offer structured, guided learning with project integration like this course provides.

Editorial Verdict

This course excels as a beginner-friendly, project-based entry point into Django development. While it uses outdated versions, the core concepts—models, views, templates, URL routing, and API design—remain highly relevant. Justin Mitchel’s teaching style is accessible, and the progression from basic blog setup to API creation provides a logical learning arc. The inclusion of Markdown integration and REST framework usage elevates it above generic tutorials.

However, learners must supplement this course with modern deployment practices and updated Django documentation. It’s best viewed as a strong foundation rather than a comprehensive, up-to-date guide. For aspiring Python web developers, especially those new to frameworks, this course delivers solid ROI if paired with independent practice. We recommend it with the caveat that post-course learning is essential to stay current. With the right follow-up, this course can launch a successful web development journey.