My Journey to Becoming a Full-Stack Developer and DevOps Intern: Balancing Django, DevOps, and Community
Tags: webdev, django, devops, community
Published: 2023-09-26 10:21:25

**Introduction:**

As a developer still on a journey to making great changes in the world of technology: a Django full-stack developer and a DevOps intern. While it may sound like a lot to juggle, this dual role has been an exhilarating experience that I'm eager to share. Join me as I explore the best practices, strategies, challenges, and the pivotal role that communities and resources have played in shaping my path to mastering full-stack development and venturing into the world of DevOps.

## The Django Developer's Beginning

As a Django developer, I found myself captivated by the art of crafting web applications. My journey began with learning the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create captivating user interfaces. Django, with its powerful Python-based framework, opened up a world of possibilities for the backend.

**Best Practice 1: Learning Both Sides of the Stack**

Starting from the frontend, I delved into popular JavaScript frameworks like React to create dynamic and interactive user experiences. Meanwhile, on the backend, Django's clean and robust architecture allowed me to build scalable web applications with ease.

**Best Practice 2: Version Control Mastery**

To streamline collaboration and code management, I mastered Git and embraced platforms like GitHub. Version control became second nature, enabling me to work seamlessly with fellow developers.

**Best Practice 3: Embracing RESTful APIs and HTTP**

Understanding RESTful APIs and HTTP protocols was crucial. It facilitated smooth communication between the frontend and backend, ensuring data flowed seamlessly.

**Best Practice 4: Becoming a Database Maestro**

Django's ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) made database management a breeze. I explored various database systems, including PostgreSQL and MySQL, mastering data modeling and optimization.

## The DevOps Intern's Unexpected Journey

My venture into DevOps began during my time at cloud engineering school. While I was already well-versed in the world of development, DevOps introduced me to a new realm—one that initially felt like navigating uncharted waters.

**All About DevOps in 2 Minutes**

I had already written an article titled "All About DevOps in 2 Minutes," but I quickly realized that DevOps was far more than a two-minute read. It encompassed practices, tools, and a culture of collaboration between development and operations teams to automate and streamline software delivery.

**Exploring AWS, Azure, and GCP**

As a DevOps intern, I embarked on a journey to explore cloud platforms, especially AWS, Azure, and GCP. These cloud giants became my playgrounds for deploying applications, managing infrastructure as code, and understanding the nuances of cloud-native technologies.

**Strategies for Learning and Balancing Act**

Balancing my role as a Django developer and a DevOps intern was no small feat. I discovered the importance of:

- Prioritizing tasks based on project requirements.
- Collaborating closely with teammates for efficient workflows.
- Utilizing project management tools like Notion to keep tasks organized.
- Allocating dedicated time for continuous learning, especially in the ever-evolving world of DevOps.

## The Power of Community and Resources

My journey wouldn't be complete without mentioning the invaluable role of communities and resources that have inspired and guided me:

### 1.  [SheCodeAfrica](https://shecodeafrica.org/): Empowering Women in Technology
My journey into cloud engineering and my current role as a DevOps intern began with SheCodeAfrica, a community dedicated to empowering women in technology.
 SheCodeAfrica provided me with a free cloud engineering education, laying the foundation for my current role.
Internship Opportunities: Through SheCodeAfrica, I discovered my DevOps internship, a testament to the community's commitment to nurturing talent.
Volunteer Experiences: I also had the privilege of volunteering during the AWS Cloud Security Community Day, expanding my knowledge and network.


### 2. **Nexascale and FCDC**:
   - These communities have provided a supportive network of fellow developers and DevOps enthusiasts. 
Collaboration and knowledge-sharing are at the heart of these communities.


**Educational Resources**:

**For Web Development**:
   - [MDN Web Docs](https://developer.mozilla.org/): A comprehensive resource for web development documentation.
   - [W3Schools](https://www.w3schools.com/): Offers tutorials and references for web technologies.
   - [JavaScript 30](https://javascript30.com/): Provides free hands-on JavaScript coding exercises to enhance web development skills.

**For DevOps**:

**Free**:
1. [edX DevOps Courses](https://www.edx.org/learn/devops): Offers free DevOps courses from top universities and institutions.

2. [LinkedIn Learning DevOps Courses](https://www.linkedin.com/learning/topics/devops): Provides various free DevOps courses taught by industry experts (with a free trial).

**Paid**:
3. [Udemy DevOps Courses](https://www.udemy.com/topic/devops/): Offers a wide range of DevOps courses with both free and paid options.

4. [Coursera DevOps Specialization](https://www.coursera.org/specializations/wharton-devops): Provides DevOps specialization programs from top institutions, some with free trials but generally paid for certificates.

These resources are essential for expanding both web development and DevOps skills, whether you're looking for free or paid options.

## Conclusion: A Journey of Continuous Learning

My journey as a Django full-stack developer and a DevOps intern is an ongoing adventure.
 I've learned that the world of technology is dynamic, and continuous learning is key. 
By embracing the versatility of full-stack development and the complexities of DevOps, 
I'm not just building web applications; I'm shaping the future of technology—one line of code at a time. 
Embrace your journey, leverage the power of community, and let your learning never cease.