Feedback on --createurls Enhancement for startapp Command

Your proposed enhancement to the Django startapp command is a thoughtful solution to a common need, especially for beginners. Adding an optional --createurls flag aligns well with Django's philosophy of providing flexibility without enforcing specific patterns.

Analysis of Your Approach

Your implementation approach sounds reasonable:

1. Adding a new optional argument --createurls to the startapp command
2. Checking for this parameter in the execution flow
3. Conditionally creating a urls.py file with predefined content when the flag is present

Implementation Considerations

If you're looking to contribute this to Django, here are some points to consider:

1. Command Option Definition: You would need to add the option to the StartAppCommand class, similar to how the --template option is defined.

2. Template Integration: Rather than hardcoding the urls_content variable, consider adding a urls.py template to the app template directory structure. This would allow the content to be consistent with Django's templating system.

3. Documentation: You would need to document the new option in the Django admin reference, similar to:

--createurls [¶]

When specified, creates a urls.py file in the app directory with a basic URL configuration.

For example:
django-admin startapp myapp --createurls

Alternative Approaches

While your solution is valid, you might also consider:

1. Using Custom Templates: Users can already create custom app templates with a urls.py file included and use them with the --template option:

django-admin startapp --template=/path/to/custom_template_with_urls myapp

2. Creating a Management Command: Alternatively, you could create a separate management command that adds a urls.py file to an existing app.

Conclusion

Your enhancement proposal addresses a real need in a way that respects both sides of the debate. It provides convenience for beginners without changing the default behavior for those who prefer the current approach. This kind of optional flag is consistent with Django's design philosophy of being flexible and accommodating different workflows.

If you decide to pursue this as a contribution to Django, I'd recommend starting with a discussion on the Django developers mailing list or creating an issue on the Django GitHub repository to gauge interest from the core team.