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Weekend Workshop

Modern frontend development with Django, HTMX, Tailwind, Playwright and AlpineJS

In this interactive workshop, you'll learn how to build a modern CRUD application using Django, HTMX, and AlpineJS. It's all about making web development faster, more fun, and accessible for backend developers. With a small group size and hands-on guidance, you’ll create your own project while exploring new tools and simplifying your workflow—all at your own pace.

Details

Once upon a time, if you wanted a truly modern web frontend experience for your Python web app you would have limited options. Many people would reach for heavy frontend tools and frameworks such as React, Vue or one of their many competitors. And those tools generally have their own recommendations around testing.

Times have changed - tools like HTMX and AlpineJS are taking Python Web dev by storm and simplifying the creation of modern frontends

These tools make full-stack web dev fast and fun, they simplify development, shrink code bases, and give backend devs the ability to do modern frontend work. In my personal experience, I've seen the adoption of these tools lead to massive productivity gains for junior and senior devs alike.

This workshop will walk you through the process of building and testing your own unique CRUD application with a rich and modern frontend.

Why HTMX is worth learning

If you are interested in learning more about why HTMX is worth being excited about, here is a webinar that goes into some detail.

The stack

We'll be using the following tools:

• Django
• HTMX
• TailwindCSS
• AlpineJS
• Playwright

Prerequisite knowledge

It would be useful if you are comfortable with the following:

• Python: You should be comfortable writing basic Python code
• Virtual environments
• HTML

Why Django?

Django is brilliant. It's the web framework for perfectionists with deadlines. It's worth knowing about. And, for newer web developers, Django is an amazing teacher in its own right.

That said, if you are not into Django then that is fine! The focus of this tutorial is on building the frontend. The vast majority of what we cover in this tutorial can be used as is with other web frameworks. For example FastAPI, ExpressJS or similar.

Why CRUD?

90% of the web is CRUD. CRUD stands for Create, Read, Update and Delete. Once you know how to implement simple CRUD apps, you will be able to do quite a lot.

My own unique CRUD app?

The workshop will guide you through the process of building a specific application. You will be encouraged to choose your own adventure and make use of the skills covered to build your own project.

In previous workshops learners have worked on projects like:

• A music store for independent creators
• A household chore scheduler
• A conference talk tracker
• A personal learning pathway creator
• Yet another todo list app
• much more

You can do quite a lot with a CRUD app.

About the instructor

Sheena's early career saw her working as a software engineer and technical leader across multiple startups. But it was her passion for education that led her to devote the last 5+ years to reimagining how we teach people to code professionally.

Over the last half decade she had the opportunity to work in the NGO space and build alternative education systems from the ground up. Along the way she have learned a lot about how to teach well, how to build systems that teach well, how to set teachers up for success, and how traditional education systems fall short.

"I've always had a passion for education and had the opportunity to work directly in tech education for the last half decade. The way I think of my work is: I take the science of learning and turn it into the engineering of learning."

Sheena's technical skills are fairly wide ranging, but she has a strong focus on all things Python and web development.

She is also a recognised international speaker, she primarily focuses on spreading tech education best practices around the world.

Want to know more about Sheena? Here are some links:

• Sheena's blog
• LinkedIn
• Mastodon
• X/Twitter