Transitioning from PHP to Django on the sly

on YouTube ↗33m

" summary

Migrates a large legacy PHP site to Django over three years by running PHP and Django in parallel and routing specific URLs in the front-end web server, both stacks sharing the same database. Converts view logic one-by-one — convert views one-by-one — keeping URLs and behavior identical and accepting no new features during conversion. Uses Django, Python, web-server routing and the DB; outcome is a mostly-Django codebase, far less code, easier debugging, and a live site throughout the migration.

AI-written summary · about

" chapters (32)

1. 0:00Transitioning from PHP to Django On the Sly
2. 1:18You can make the switch to Django.
3. 2:04Starting from scratch is a terrible idea.
4. 3:50Keep PHP running and transition one step at a time.
5. 4:52This talk is for me. (of 3 years ago)
6. 9:18Win over your team, your boss and your client.
7. 9:45Why Python?
8. 11:25Why Django?
9. 13:20Everyone wins!
10. 14:22Sudden change hurts your client.
11. 15:37Use behind the scenes magic.
12. 18:25Convert view functionality exactly.
13. 19:33Minimise time between working PHP and working Django.
14. 21:42Neutralise the Rails fans in your team.
15. 21:54Negotiate a maintenance budget with client.
16. 22:20Start with a simple PHP script.
17. 22:35Pony up.
18. 23:23Delete some PHP :
19. 23:37Rest and repeat.
20. 24:41You win!
21. 25:21Tip: Take authentication away from PHP a soon as possible.
22. 25:42Tip: Phone ahead.
23. 26:41Tip: Mix in new shiny things.
24. 27:01Win: Small sprints feel good.
25. 27:35It's life as usual for the client.
26. 27:52Steady cashflow.
27. 28:05Off-peak scheduling.
28. 28:26Pain point: It's a marathon.
29. 28:57Pain point: Conversion alone shows little visible progress.
30. 29:34Pain point: Occasional dependency hell.
31. 30:16Bad alternative: "Would you mind just adding..."
32. 30:45How's that working out?

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