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Migrating Django Versions - Part 3: Post-Upgrade Optimization and Leveraging New Features

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By Mahrez Benhamad
2 min read
Migrating Django Versions - Part 3: Post-Upgrade Optimization and Leveraging New Features

So, you’ve upgraded Django—good job! But don’t stop there. The real magic happens after the upgrade when you fine-tune performance, adopt shiny new features, and prep your project for the future. Let’s keep things simple and actionable.

1. Tune Your App’s Performance

An upgrade is like cleaning your engine. Let’s get it running smoothly.

  • Check Those Queries:
    Use tools like Django Debug Toolbar to catch slow queries. Even one bad ORM query can ruin your day.

  • Boost Your Caching Game:
    Redis + Django’s caching framework = fewer DB calls and happier users. Check out Redis Caching Docs.

  • Slim Down Middleware:
    Trim any unnecessary middleware and replace old ones with the latest alternatives. Faster middleware = faster app.

2. Use Django’s New Toys

Why upgrade if you’re not going to play with the new features?

  • Async Power:
    Move high-latency tasks to Django’s ASGI support. Use Daphne or Uvicorn for real-time updates.

  • Better Security:
    Tighten your app with settings like SECURE_REFERRER_POLICY and stricter cookies. Small settings, big impact.

  • Improved Admin:
    Explore the updated admin interface. New widgets and tweaks can make admin tasks easier and more intuitive.

Need ideas? Upgrade Django has excellent guides on exploring these features.

3. Clean Your Codebase

Don’t let legacy code hang around. Fresh code makes your life easier down the line.

  • Modernize Views:
    Move from function-based to class-based views. It’s cleaner, reusable, and plays nicely with newer Django tools.

  • Add Type Hints:
    Start using Python type hints for better IDE suggestions and catching bugs early.

  • Kill Deprecated Stuff:
    Fix or remove anything throwing warnings—middleware, old template tags, etc.

4. Set Yourself Up for Future Success

Think ahead:

  • Automate Dependency Management:
    Tools like Dependabot can monitor and suggest library updates for you.

  • Run CI Tests Regularly:
    Test against upcoming Django versions with services like GitHub Actions or CircleCI.

  • Document Everything:
    Trust me, your future self (or team) will thank you. Make note of all major changes, new features, and optimizations.

5. Need Extra Help?

If you’re stuck, you’re not alone. These resources are lifesavers:

Final Thoughts

And that’s it! You made it to the end of this upgrade journey, and I couldn’t be more excited for you. Upgrading Django isn’t just about getting things to run—it’s about leveling up your app, making it faster, more secure, and ready for the future.

I hope this series has helped you feel more confident in tackling your own upgrade. It’s not always easy, but the process teaches you so much about Django—and about yourself as a developer. Take your time to fine-tune, experiment with new features, and most importantly, enjoy the ride.

Thanks for following along with me! I can’t wait to see what you build next. Keep coding, keep exploring, and most of all—keep having fun with it. You’ve got this!

django, migrations, development
django backend migrations
This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.