Install Django on your Arm-based VM

Install Django and dependencies

After connecting to your SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) VM using SSH, you’ll update your system, install Python 3.11, and set up a virtual environment for your Django project.

Update your system

Begin by refreshing your package list and upgrading installed software to ensure you have the latest versions and security patches:

    

        
        
sudo zypper refresh
sudo zypper update -y

    

Install Python 3.11 and development tools

Django requires Python 3.10 or later. You’ll install Python 3.11 along with pip (Python’s package manager) and essential build tools needed for compiling Python packages:

    

        
        
sudo zypper install -y python311 python311-pip python311-devel git gcc make

    

Verify that Python and pip are installed correctly:

    

        
        
python3.11 --version
pip3.11 --version

    

The output is similar to:

    

        
        Python 3.11.10
pip 22.3.1 from /usr/lib/python3.11/site-packages/pip (python 3.11)

        
    

Create a project directory and virtual environment

Create a dedicated directory for your Django project and set up a Python virtual environment to isolate your project’s dependencies:

    

        
        
mkdir ~/myproject && cd ~/myproject
python3.11 -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate

    

The python3.11 -m venv venv command creates an isolated Python environment named venv inside your project folder. Running source venv/bin/activate activates this environment.

Once activated, your command prompt displays (venv) at the beginning, indicating you’re working inside an isolated Python environment where all packages are isolated from your system Python installation.

Upgrade pip and install Django

With your virtual environment active, upgrade pip to the latest version:

    

        
        
python3 -m pip install --upgrade pip

    

Now install Django and additional useful packages for web development:

    

        
        
python3 -m pip install django gunicorn

    

This installs:

• Django — the web framework for building your application
• Gunicorn — a production-ready WSGI (Web Server Gateway Interface) server for running Django applications

Verify that Django is installed correctly:

    

        
        
django-admin --version

    

The output is similar to:

    

        
        5.2.8

        
    

Summary and what’s next

You have successfully installed Django and all required dependencies on your Arm-based VM. Your environment is now ready for creating Django projects and applications!