Django and docker: Should we use python virtualenv

Question

I was thinking to use a docker for django.

Since this docker image will be exclusive for a particular django project. Is it ok to just pip install everything in docker rather than creating a virtualenv and then install all the required django and related packages using pip?

So what is the best way and also safer way if someone want to stick to docker for django projects?

I think it is. I am doing the same in my application.

Mudits
– Mudits

2019-03-07 13:16:52 +00:00
Commented Mar 7, 2019 at 13:16 — Mudits
– Mudits, Commented Mar 7, 2019 at 13:16

Risadinha · Accepted Answer · 2019-03-07 13:25:26Z

2

You are right that you don't need a virtual environment inside the django container.

If you are always using pip and store the the requirements in a requirements.txt you can use this to initialize a virtual environment for development without docker as well as for setting up the docker container:

To reduce the size of the container remove the pip cache after installation:

FROM python:3.6.7-alpine3.8

...

RUN pip3.6 install -U pip setuptools \
    && pip3.6 install -r requirements.txt \
    && pip3.6 install gunicorn \. # or uwsgi or whatever
    && rm -rf /root/.cache

answered Mar 7, 2019 at 13:25

Risadinha

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3 Comments

Santhosh Over a year ago

I also found pipenv has a better dependency management than using requirements.txt. So without using virtualenv how to use pipenv so that i can take advantage of the the pipenv

Risadinha Over a year ago

At the point when you create docker containers for deployment, the dependencies should be clear and fixed. You should use the same packages and versions as during development. Create a requirements.txt from your pipenv environment and this should be it.

Evan Ottinger Over a year ago

@Santhosh you can generate a requirements file by running pipenv run pip freeze > requirements.txt.

arudzinska · Accepted Answer · 2019-03-07 13:23:11Z

1

Docker containers provide already isolated environment which is a similar goal to that of virtualenv. So, if it's only 1 application running in a Docker container, it is fine to use it without another layer that virtualenv would bring. Personally, I don't remember seeing a Django app used with virtualenv in a container.

answered Mar 7, 2019 at 13:23

arudzinska

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