The Djangify eCommerce Builder runs as a plain Django application — a Python virtual environment behind Gunicorn, reverse-proxied through Caddy. There is no Docker step. This guide explains the high-level shape of that process so you understand what's happening, even if you're not a developer.
For the full step-by-step, use the Self-Hosted Quick Start Guide — it links to each phase in order.
What You Need Before You Start
- A VPS hosting account with SSH access (Ubuntu 22.04+ recommended)
- Python 3.11 or higher installed on the server
- A domain name pointing to your VPS IP address
- A Stripe account
Build Locally First
The recommended path is to build and configure your shop on your own computer first, using a local Python virtual environment, and only upload it to your VPS once it's working the way you want. This keeps your production server simple: it never builds, migrates or configures anything — it just runs what you've already finished locally.
Connecting to Your VPS
Once your shop is ready locally, you connect to your VPS using SSH. Installation is done from the command line — no control panel or web-based installer is required.
Uploading Your Files
You upload your application code, your completed SQLite database, your .env file and your media/ folder to the server using SCP, SFTP (FileZilla, WinSCP) or rsync. On the server, you create a fresh virtual environment and install the same dependencies you used locally.
Configuring Environment Settings
Your .env file stores values such as your domain, secret keys, encryption key, Stripe credentials and email settings, kept separate from the code so they can be changed without touching the application itself. This keeps the system safer and easier to manage.
Starting the Application
The application runs under Gunicorn, managed as a systemd service, so it starts automatically and restarts if the server reboots. Your reverse proxy (Caddy) sits in front of it, handling HTTPS and forwarding requests to Gunicorn on its internal port.
Accessing the Admin Panel
Once the service is running and your domain is pointed at the server, your shop becomes accessible over HTTPS. Log in to /admin using the admin account you created locally to add products, manage pages and control your shop.
Updating Your Installation
When updates are released, you download the new version from your Djangify dashboard, upload the new files without overwriting your .env, database or media, run migrations, collect static files, and restart the systemd service. See the Maintenance Essentials Guide for the full update process.
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. Either way, your shop remains a self-contained Django application under your control — there is no platform lock-in.
Summary
Installing the Djangify eCommerce Builder involves building your shop locally, uploading the finished code, database and media to your VPS, configuring your environment settings, and running the application under Gunicorn behind a reverse proxy. There is no Docker step. See the Quick Start Guide for the phase-by-phase walkthrough.