This guide provides links to information that will help you get started with your self-hosted eCommerce store.
Pre-Installation (Phase 1)
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System Requirements - Python version, minimum RAM/storage
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Download & Extract - Where to get the files, how to extract them
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Environment Setup - Creating and configuring the .env file (SECRET_KEY, DEBUG, ALLOWED_HOSTS, database path)
Self-Hosted Local Build & Store Preparation Guide (Phase 2)
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Database Setup - Running initial migrations, creating SQLite database
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Static Files - Collecting static files for production
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Creating Your Admin Account - First superuser creation command
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Starting the Application - How to run it ( manage.py runserver for development)
Application Configuration
After starting the application and running it using manage.py runserver you can now add your content. Or you can go through all the phases and then add your content in production. Your choice:
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Account Settings - Change your admin password
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Stripe Settings and Testing Your Store / Adding Your First Product
Self-Hosted Deployment to Production Guide (Phase 3)
Phase 3 covers deploying your completed local store to your production server. At this stage:
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your store has already been fully built locally
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the SQLite database already exists
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all content, products, and settings are complete
Self-Hosted Server Configuration Guide (Phase 4)
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Domain/DNS Setup - Connecting your domain to your server
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Caddy Configuration - Setting up reverse proxy and SSL/HTTPS
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Port Configuration - Ensuring the Django app is accessible
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Testing the Installation - Accessing the site and admin panel
Maintenance Essentials
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Backup Strategy - How to backup SQLite database and media files
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Updating the Application - How to pull updates and run migrations
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Monitoring - Basic health checks they should implement