The Djangify eCommerce Builder is designed to be deployed to your VPS using Docker. This approach keeps installation predictable, secure, and easy to repeat across servers.
This guide explains the high-level steps involved so you understand what is happening, even if you are not a developer.
What You Need Before You Start
Before installing the Djangify eCommerce Builder, you will need a few things in place.
- A VPS hosting account with SSH access
- A domain name pointing to your VPS IP address
- Docker installed on the server
Most modern VPS providers support Docker, and many offer plans suitable for running Djangify with modest resources.
Connecting to Your VPS
To begin installation, you connect to your VPS using SSH. This gives you direct access to the server where the eCommerce Builder will run.
Once connected, you work entirely from the command line. No control panel or web-based installer is required.
Downloading the Djangify eCommerce Builder
The next step is to download the project from your dashboard. You will find it under Purchased Products.
This creates a local copy of the Djangify eCommerce Builder on your computer and you can run it locally using visual studio code to make sure everything is working before deploying it to your hosting account.
Configuring Environment Settings
After downloading the project, you configure your environment settings using a configuration file.
This file stores values such as your site domain, secret keys, Stripe credentials, and email settings. These values are kept separate from the code so they can be changed without modifying the application itself.
This separation makes the system safer and easier to manage.
Starting the Application with Docker
Once configuration is complete, Docker is used to build and start the application.
Docker creates a container that includes Django, all required dependencies, and the correct runtime environment. This removes the need to manually install Python packages or manage server-specific settings.
Your database and uploaded files are stored outside the container, ensuring they remain safe during updates or restarts.
Accessing the Admin Panel
After the container is running, the site becomes accessible through your domain.
You then create an administrator account, which allows you to log into the Django Admin Panel. From there, you can add products, manage pages, and control your store.
No additional setup is required to begin using the eCommerce system.
Updating Your Installation
When updates are released, they are applied by pulling the latest changes and restarting the Docker container.
Because the application is containerised, updates are consistent and low-risk. Your data remains untouched, and the system restarts using the updated code.
Ongoing Hosting Options
You can continue hosting the Djangify eCommerce Builder on your own VPS for as long as you like.
Alternatively, hosting and updates can be handled for you as a managed service. In both cases, your site remains portable and under your control.
There is no platform lock-in. Your store is a self-contained Django application running on infrastructure you choose.
Summary
Installing the Djangify eCommerce Builder involves connecting to your VPS, downloading the project from GitHub, configuring environment settings, and starting the application with Docker.
This approach provides a clean, modern deployment process that avoids traditional shared hosting limitations while keeping ownership and control firmly in your hands.