What exactly is a Django backend?

Backend
1

I keep running into the term ‘backend’ in discussions about Django apps, but I don’t fully grasp what it means. I’ve tried searching online, but the results don’t clarify what Django backends are about.

Could someone help me understand this better? For example, I want to know about:

  • django.contrib.auth.backends.ModelBackend
  • django.contrib.sessions.backends.cache
  • Various backends used by the messages framework for temporary message storage

I’m a bit confused about how the first two relate to each other, while the last one seems to be a different concept. I’d really appreciate your insights on the built-in backends in Django apps and their functionalities.

2

Wait, so each backend type handles completely different things? Does the auth backend ever talk to the session backend when someone logs in? I’m curious how they actually work together.

3

Django backends are essentially components that work behind the scenes to manage different functionalities within the framework. They are designed to be interchangeable, allowing Django to select the appropriate backend based on specific needs. The authentication backend determines how user credentials are validated, which could involve a database or other mechanisms. Session backends dictate where session data is stored, whether in a database, cache, or file system. Additionally, message backends are responsible for temporary storage of user notifications. The underlying principle is that Django establishes a standard interface, and backends can implement this in various ways, making it possible to switch from one storage method to another without modifying the application code. This flexibility is particularly beneficial when scaling applications, as you can transition to more efficient storage solutions, such as Redis, seamlessly.

4

so backends in django r basically the unseen helpers that manage user logins n session info. the auth backend deals with signin processes while session backends manage user session data. it might seem odd at first, but once u get it, it makes total sense!