Database configuration in Django - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the purpose of the DATABASES setting in Django?

The DATABASES setting tells Django where and how to connect to your database. It includes details like the database engine, name, user, password, host, and port.

beginner

Which key in the DATABASES dictionary specifies the type of database Django will use?

The ENGINE key specifies the database type, such as django.db.backends.sqlite3 for SQLite or django.db.backends.postgresql for PostgreSQL.

intermediate

How do you configure Django to use a PostgreSQL database?

You set ENGINE to django.db.backends.postgresql, then provide NAME, USER, PASSWORD, HOST, and PORT in the DATABASES setting.

beginner

Why is it important to keep database credentials secure in Django settings?

Because database credentials give access to your data. If exposed, someone could read, change, or delete your data. Use environment variables or secret managers to keep them safe.

beginner

What happens if you don't configure the DATABASES setting in Django?

Django uses a default SQLite database named db.sqlite3 in your project folder. This is good for quick tests but not for production apps.

Which setting key defines the database type in Django's DATABASES?

A NAME

B ENGINE

C USER

D HOST

The ENGINE key tells Django which database backend to use.

What is the default database engine Django uses if none is configured?

A MySQL

B PostgreSQL

C SQLite

D Oracle

Django defaults to SQLite with a file named db.sqlite3.

Where should you ideally store sensitive database passwords in a Django project?

A In static files

B Directly in <code>settings.py</code>

C In the database itself

D In environment variables

Environment variables keep secrets out of code and version control.

Which of these is NOT a required key in a Django database configuration?

A TEMPLATE

B NAME

C ENGINE

D PASSWORD

TEMPLATE is not a standard key in Django's DATABASES setting.

To connect Django to a PostgreSQL database, which ENGINE value should you use?

A django.db.backends.postgresql

B django.db.backends.sqlite3

C django.db.backends.oracle

D django.db.backends.mysql

Use django.db.backends.postgresql for PostgreSQL.

Explain how to set up the DATABASES setting in Django for a new project using SQLite.

Think about the simplest database Django uses by default.

Describe best practices for managing database credentials securely in a Django project.

Consider how to keep secrets safe from others.