In this article, we will go over how to connect your Django application to a custom domain name. Everything from updating DNS settings to configuring a reverse proxy and testing your setup will be covered. This guide will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to connect your Django app to a custom domain name in a simple and efficient manner, whether you are a beginner or an experienced developer.
Let’s begin.
Click here if you just want to use code and don’t bother reading the guide.
1. How to obtain a custom domain name.
The process of registering a custom domain name is completed in three simple steps, depending on your domain registrar.
1️⃣ Choose a name
You have to think about and come up with a short, self-descriptive and memorable domain name.
2️⃣ Check availability
Locate a domain name registrar, also known as a domain name provider. Check whether your desired domain is available for registration using their tool. In rare cases, a domain name is unavailable because it has already been registered and is being used or auctioned off. In this case, you may want to do one of the following: I think of another domain name, (ii) change to a different domain extension such as .com, .net, .co, .ai and .io among others, (iii) think through making a proposal to purchase the domain from the current owner – this will be the most time-consuming option.
3️⃣ Make payment
If the domain is available, proceed through the registration and payment process on the registrar’s website. Typically, the minimum subscription period is one year and the maximum is ten years. To avoid losing the domain name, make sure you pay as long as you can.
2. How to configure DNS settings to point the name to the server.
1️⃣ Login to the panel of your domain registrar or web hosting provider.
2️⃣ Navigate to DNS settings
3️⃣ You should Click add to add new a NS record or Edit to modify an existing one.
3️⃣ Choose A record for the Type field but provide the server IP address in the value field.
3. How to Configure Nginx to map a domain name to a Django app.
Before we begin, keep in mind that the configuration may differ depending on your specific setup. You may need to modify the configuration to meet your specific requirements. However, the steps shared in usually enough for the task.
You should also back up your current configuration file before making any changes to it.
1️⃣ Start by installing Nginx on the server.
2️⃣ Navigate the directory /etc/nginx/conf.d/ or /etc/nginx/sites-available/ and create a new Nginx server block configuration file for your Django app.
3️⃣ Create a server block for your domain for Nginx.
Use a text editor of your choice (commonly vim and nano) to create the Nginx server block configuration file.
🅰 If the domain name is manage.domain.com let the name of the server block configuration file be manage.domain.com.conf or domain_manage.conf.
🅱 If the domain name is domain.com the configuration filename should be `domain.com.conf`
Below is how you can create the file using the nano text editor with Sudo privileges.
Add the code below to the Nginx Server block configure file then save it.
4️⃣ Save changes to the Server block configuration file. You can follow the three steps below.
① Press CTRL + X to exit the editor.
② You will be prompted to save the changes, press Y to confirm.
③ Press ENTER to confirm the file name.
5️⃣ Test the Nginx configuration
This is important because it will help you to determine whether you’ve configured the server block correctly or if you need to fix some steps.
6️⃣ If no errors are found, restart the Nginx service. If you don’t do this, the changes you made to the configuration file will not take effect. You can use one of the commands below depending on your system.
Or
Congratulations!
Users should be able to access your Django app by visiting the domain name you’ve specified in the Nginx server configuration file without having to specify the IP address and port number in the URL once you’ve completed these steps.
Click here to find all the code in this guide.
Conclusion
Finally, connecting your Django app to a custom domain name is a critical step in making your web application public. You should now have a clear understanding of how to update your DNS settings, configure a reverse proxy, and test your setup if you followed the steps outlined in this article. With this knowledge, you can easily connect your Django app to a custom domain name, giving your users a professional and memorable URL to access your app. Remember to test your changes and keep backups of your configuration files before proceeding, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful deployment.
