Learning Django: Function-Based vs Class-Based Views

Your English is excellent, and your approach to learning is thoughtful and strategic.

Function-Based vs Class-Based Views

Starting with function-based views (FBVs) is absolutely a valid approach when learning Django. The Django documentation supports both approaches, and many developers follow this learning path:

1. Start with function-based views: They're more straightforward and help you understand the request-response cycle clearly.

2. Gradually introduce class-based views (CBVs): As you become more comfortable with Django and OOP concepts, you can begin incorporating CBVs.

The Django documentation mentions that "many of Django's built-in class-based views inherit from other class-based views or various mixins," which highlights the importance of understanding inheritance in Django's view system. However, this complexity can be overwhelming for beginners.

Learning Strategy for Django

Here's a recommended approach:

1. Build a simple project with FBVs: Create a basic application that handles CRUD operations using function-based views.

2. Refactor to CBVs: Once your application works, try refactoring some views to use Django's generic class-based views.

3. Study the documentation: The Django docs have excellent sections on both writing views (function-based) and class-based views.

4. Understand the base views: Django's documentation explains that "The following three classes provide much of the functionality needed to create Django views. You may think of them as parent views, which can be used by themselves or inherited from."

Using the Documentation Effectively

The Django documentation is comprehensive but can be overwhelming. Consider:

1. Start with the tutorials: The "Writing your first Django app" series (parts 1-8) provides a solid foundation.

2. Use the topic guides: The "Using Django" section organizes information by functionality (models, views, forms, etc.).

3. Reference specific sections: When you need details on a particular feature, the reference guides provide in-depth information.

4. Explore testing early: The documentation section on "Introducing automated testing" is valuable for developing good habits.

Improving Coding Skills

For areas beyond your current understanding:

1. Break down complex concepts: When facing challenging topics like class-based views, break them into smaller, manageable pieces.

2. Read the source code: Django is open-source, and examining how the framework implements features can be enlightening.

3. Practice with small examples: Create minimal examples to test your understanding of specific concepts.

4. Use the Django tutorial projects: The official tutorials, especially parts 4 and 5, introduce forms and generic views in a structured way.

Remember that mastering Django is a journey. Starting with function-based views and gradually incorporating class-based views as your understanding of OOP improves is a solid approach that many successful Django developers have followed.