how to create microservices in django

Microservices? Don’t worry about it now, let’s talk about how Django makes it easier

Are you also wondering how to break up the growing Django project to make it run faster and be easier to maintain? There are more and more modules. Changing something is like moving your whole body, and deploying it once is frightening. We understand that this “sweet burden” is all too common as projects grow. Some people will say, go to microservices! But when you hear "microservices", do you immediately think of a bunch of containers, gateways and complex operation and maintenance, and feel like you have to start all over again?

Don't worry. In fact, using Django to move towards microservices does not mean that you have to abandon everything before. It is more like a methodical "separation", allowing each core function to grow independently. Today we will put aside those daunting theories and just like chatting, let’s see how to take this road to be practical.

From "big house" to "boutique apartment": the concept changes first

Imagine that your Django project is a large villa with all the rooms (functions) squeezed together. There was a lot of fumes in the kitchen and the whole house smelled. Microservices turn this villa into a small boutique apartment community. Each apartment is independent, specialized, and has its own smooth path connection.

Therefore, the first step is not to rush to tear down the code, but to think about it: Which parts of your application are always tied together? Which ones can run independently? For example, user authentication, order processing, and message notifications, are these often integrated into one? Find these "natural boundaries" and you have a design blueprint.

Django’s gentle splitting method: no need to break your muscles

You may ask, isn’t Django famous for its “family bucket”? Will it be painful to take it apart? Actually, we can use a smoother way.

1. Let the database be "independent" first. It is best for each microservice to have its own database. In Django, you can use Database Router to easily allocate different databases to different applications (Apps). In this way, the data of the user module and the data of the order module are fundamentally separated, avoiding unintentional cross-over and chain effects. It's like having an independent water and electricity meter for each apartment, clear and safe.

2. Communication: Stop using heavy internal calls. In the past, in single projects, functions were directly imported and called between applications. Under a microservices architecture, this becomes "communication" between services. The most direct way is to use a lightweight HTTP API (using the Django REST framework is even more powerful), or a more efficient asynchronous message queue (such as using Celery to deliver events). Remember one principle: speak through a public interface (API) instead of directly going through other people's "drawers" (databases).

3. Share? What should we do if we package it into a "public library" such as user and some common tool functions? You can't always make a copy for every service. It is smart to package this shared code into independent Python packages. Then, in each Django microservice project, introduce it through requirements.txt like installing other dependencies.kpowerWhen assisting customers with architecture upgrades, it is often recommended to start here and compile a clean, versioned public base library, which can make subsequent splits more effective with half the effort.

benefit? More than just sounds cool

What real things can be brought about by doing this?

• Don’t be afraid of changing things anymore: Now you only need to modify and deploy one of the services, and you no longer have to worry about unintentionally bringing down the entire system. It's like repairing only one apartment building, while other residents live their lives as usual.
• Free technology selection: The order service needs to be rewritten in high-performance Go? Will user services continue to be as stable as Django? No problem. Under the microservice architecture, as long as the interface is agreed upon, you can freely choose how to implement it internally.kpowerSome of our solutions reflect this flexibility, using the most appropriate tools to do the most appropriate things.
• Telescopic and more precise: If the order traffic surges during a big promotion, then only increase server resources for the order service, instead of expanding services such as user authentication and content browsing, which saves money and is efficient.

There are a few small potholes on the road, remember to avoid them

Of course, the transition from monolithic to distributed will also bring new challenges. This is not a bad thing, it just requires us to change our management style.

• data consistency: What should I do if the order is created but the inventory deduction fails? At this time, it is necessary to introduce the concept of "eventual consistency" and deal with it through event-driven and compensation mechanisms (such as Saga mode) instead of pursuing strong consistency. This requires us to think more carefully when designing business processes.
• Test and deploy: With more services, the complexity of testing and deployment will indeed increase. This means you need to invest in a CI/CD pipeline, as well as integration testing against your API contract. This is like going from managing a store to managing a chain brand, which requires a more systematic operations manual.
• Monitor and debug: A problem may involve multiple services, and troubleshooting is like solving a crime. Unified log collection, link tracing (Tracing) and monitoring panels become critical. Fortunately, there are many mature open source tool chains that can help you build this "global positioning system".

So, let’s get started

If you feel like your Django project is starting to become unwieldy, microservices architecture is a direction worth serious consideration. It's not a black and white switch, but a gradual process. You can start with the most valuable and independent module and proceed step by step.

The key is always: what your business needs. Architecture serves the business, not show off skills. Just like building blocks, find those stable, independent modules and build clear and reliable communication bridges for them. Your system will find the perfect balance between flexibility and stability. All that's left is to enjoy the agility and stability it brings.

Established in 2005,kpowerhas been dedicated to a professional compact motion unit manufacturer, headquartered in Dongguan, Guangdong Province, China. Leveraging innovations in modular drive technology, Kpower integrates high-performance motors, precision reducers, and multi-protocol control systems to provide efficient and customized smart drive system solutions. Kpower has delivered professional drive system solutions to over 500 enterprise clients globally with products covering various fields such as Smart Home Systems, Automatic Electronics, Robotics, Precision Agriculture, Drones, and Industrial Automation.