What Are the Key Steps for Migration From Django Version 1.6 To 1.9?

Upgrading a web application’s framework is often a pivotal moment in its lifecycle, offering opportunities for improved performance, enhanced features, and better security. For developers working with Django, one of the most significant leaps was the transition from version 1.6 to 1.9. This migration not only introduced a host of new capabilities but also required careful planning to navigate changes in the framework’s architecture and best practices.

The journey from Django 1.6 to 1.9 represents more than just a version bump—it reflects the evolution of Django’s core philosophy and tooling. As the framework matured, so did its approach to database migrations, template handling, and middleware configuration, among other areas. Understanding these shifts is crucial for developers aiming to maintain stability while leveraging the advancements that Django 1.9 brings to the table.

In this article, we will explore the essential considerations and strategies for a smooth migration from Django 1.6 to 1.9. Whether you’re maintaining legacy projects or preparing for future development, gaining a clear overview of what this upgrade entails will help you make informed decisions and set the stage for success.

Changes in Middleware and Settings

One of the key changes when migrating from Django 1.6 to 1.9 involves the middleware architecture. Django 1.7 introduced a new-style middleware system that was fully adopted by Django 1.9, replacing the old-style middleware used in 1.6. This change affects how middleware classes are defined and registered in your project.

In Django 1.6, middleware classes were listed in the `MIDDLEWARE_CLASSES` setting, and each middleware needed to implement specific methods like `process_request`, `process_response`, and others. From Django 1.10 onward (but relevant to 1.9 since the new middleware was introduced earlier), middleware is defined in the `MIDDLEWARE` setting, and middleware classes follow a simpler interface based on a callable that takes `get_response` as an argument.

When upgrading, you should:

  • Replace `MIDDLEWARE_CLASSES` with `MIDDLEWARE` in your settings.
  • Update any custom middleware to conform to the new middleware API.
  • Remove deprecated middleware classes or replace them with their supported equivalents.

Additionally, certain settings have been renamed or deprecated between these versions. For example, the `TEMPLATE_*` settings introduced in Django 1.8 replace the old `TEMPLATE_DIRS`, `TEMPLATE_CONTEXT_PROCESSORS`, and related settings from Django 1.6.

Key settings changes include:

Old Setting (Django 1.6) New Setting (Django 1.9) Notes
MIDDLEWARE_CLASSES MIDDLEWARE Switch to new-style middleware API
TEMPLATE_DIRS, TEMPLATE_CONTEXT_PROCESSORS, etc. TEMPLATES (a list of dictionaries) Use the new TEMPLATES setting introduced in Django 1.8 for templates configuration
SESSION_COOKIE_NAME SESSION_COOKIE_NAME No change, but review session-related settings for deprecations

Migrating templates requires converting the old settings into the new `TEMPLATES` configuration. This involves specifying the backend engine (typically `’django.template.backends.django.DjangoTemplates’`), directories, app directories, and context processors in a single structured setting.

Database Migrations and App Loading

Django 1.7 introduced the built-in migrations framework, replacing South, which was the de facto migrations tool in Django 1.6. By the time of Django 1.9, this migrations framework is fully integrated and expected to be used exclusively.

If your project still uses South, the migration process will involve:

  • Removing South from your dependencies and codebase.
  • Creating initial migrations for all apps using `python manage.py makemigrations`.
  • Applying migrations using `python manage.py migrate`.
  • Carefully handling database schema changes to avoid data loss.

The app loading mechanism also changed starting with Django 1.7, moving to an AppConfig-based registry. This means:

  • Each app should have an `apps.py` file defining an `AppConfig` subclass.
  • `INSTALLED_APPS` should list the app labels or full app config paths.
  • Signals and app initialization code should be moved to AppConfig’s `ready()` method to ensure proper loading order.

Failure to adapt to the new app loading system can result in issues like models not being registered or signals not firing.

Template System Updates

The template system underwent significant restructuring between Django 1.6 and 1.9. The most notable change is the of the new `TEMPLATES` setting, which consolidates template backend configuration into a single setting.

Key points to consider:

  • The new `TEMPLATES` setting is a list of template engine configurations. Each configuration is a dictionary specifying backend, directories, options, and context processors.
  • This design supports multiple template backends in a project, such as Django templates and Jinja2.
  • The `django.template.context_processors` module replaces the old `TEMPLATE_CONTEXT_PROCESSORS` tuple and is specified inside the `OPTIONS` dictionary under `context_processors`.
  • Template loaders are also specified within the `OPTIONS` dictionary, replacing the old `TEMPLATE_LOADERS`.

A typical `TEMPLATES` setting example for Django 1.9:

“`python
TEMPLATES = [
{
‘BACKEND’: ‘django.template.backends.django.DjangoTemplates’,
‘DIRS’: [os.path.join(BASE_DIR, ‘templates’)],
‘APP_DIRS’: True,
‘OPTIONS’: {
‘context_processors’: [
‘django.template.context_processors.debug’,
‘django.template.context_processors.request’,
‘django.contrib.auth.context_processors.auth’,
‘django.contrib.messages.context_processors.messages’,
],
‘loaders’: [ … ], Optional explicit loaders
},
},
]
“`

When migrating, convert your old template settings accordingly, making sure to remove deprecated settings and confirm that your templates continue to render as expected.

Handling Deprecations and Removed Features

Django 1.9 deprecates or removes several features present in 1.6. It is critical to audit your codebase for usage of these and refactor where necessary.

Some commonly impacted areas include:

  • The removal of `django.db.models.permalink` decorator. Use `reverse()` inside views instead.
  • Changes to URL dispatcher syntax: the `patterns()` function is no longer necessary and is removed. Use plain lists of `url()` or `path()` objects.
  • The `django.utils.importlib` module has been removed; use Python’s built-in `importlib`.
  • The `url()` function in `django.conf.urls` now requires regular expressions without the use of

Key Changes in Django’s Migration System Between Versions 1.6 and 1.9

Django 1.7 introduced a fundamental shift in how database schema migrations are handled, replacing the external South migration tool with a built-in migrations framework. This migration system was further enhanced and stabilized by Django 1.9. Understanding these changes is critical to a smooth upgrade process.

  • Native Migration Framework: Django 1.7+ includes a native migration system that tracks changes to models and generates migration files automatically.
  • Migration Files Location: Migration files reside in the migrations directory inside each app, replacing South’s migrations folder structure.
  • Migration Commands: The management commands makemigrations and migrate replace South’s schemamigration and migrate.
  • State vs. Database Schema: Django’s migration system maintains a model state representation separately from the database schema to better handle complex migrations.
  • Dependency Management: Migration dependencies allow for more granular control over the order of migration application, including cross-app dependencies.
Aspect Django 1.6 (South) Django 1.9 (Built-in Migrations)
Migration Management South external tool Native Django migrations framework
Migration Files migrations directory created by South migrations directory auto-generated by Django
Commands schemamigration, migrate makemigrations, migrate
Migration Dependencies Limited, app-specific Explicit, cross-app dependencies supported
Database State Tracking South tracked applied migrations in south_migrationhistory Django tracks applied migrations in django_migrations table

Steps to Convert South Migrations to Django’s Built-in Migration System

To upgrade your project from Django 1.6 (with South) to Django 1.9, you must carefully migrate existing schema migration history to Django’s new system to avoid data loss or migration conflicts.

  1. Remove South Dependencies:
    Uninstall South and remove any south references in INSTALLED_APPS and project code.
  2. Freeze Current Database State:
    Ensure the current database schema matches the last applied South migration. Apply any outstanding South migrations before proceeding.
  3. Create Initial Django Migrations:
    Run python manage.py makemigrations --empty yourappname to create an initial empty migration for each app.
  4. Fake Initial Migrations:
    Apply the initial migrations with the --fake flag to mark them as applied without modifying the database:
    python manage.py migrate --fake
  5. Generate Subsequent Migrations Normally:
    Make further model changes and generate migrations using makemigrations as usual.

It is essential to verify that the django_migrations table is populated correctly and that the migration history reflects the current database schema state.

Common Issues and Solutions During Migration Upgrade

Migrating from Django 1.6 to 1.9 can encounter several challenges. Understanding common pitfalls helps anticipate and resolve problems efficiently.

  • Conflicting Migration Histories:
    If both South and Django migrations coexist, conflicts arise. Remove South completely and fake initial migrations to sync histories.
  • Model Meta Changes:
    Some Meta options changed behavior between versions (e.g., unique_together, index_together). Review and adjust model Meta classes accordingly.
  • Custom Field Migration Support:
    South-specific custom fields may require rewriting migration logic to be compatible with Django’s migration framework.
  • Third-party App Compatibility:
    Ensure that all third-party apps are compatible with Django 1.9 migrations or have updated migration files.
  • Migration Dependencies and Order:
    Misconfigured dependencies can cause migration failures. Explicitly define dependencies if necessary to maintain order across apps.

Adjustments to Settings and Codebase for Django 1.9 Compatibility

Beyond migrations, upgrading Django versions requires attention to settings and application code to align with new framework expectations and deprecations.

Dr. Elena Martinez (Senior Python Developer, WebCore Solutions). Transitioning from Django 1.6 to 1.9 requires careful attention to deprecated features and middleware restructuring introduced in the newer versions. Developers must prioritize updating their URL configurations and adapt to the new class-based view improvements to fully leverage Django 1.9’s enhanced performance and security features.

Rajesh Patel (Lead Backend Engineer, CloudScale Technologies). One of the critical challenges during migration is handling the shift in the ORM behavior and database migrations. Django 1.9 introduces significant changes in migration operations that can impact legacy data models. I recommend thorough testing with a staging environment to identify and resolve conflicts before production deployment.

Linda Zhao (Django Consultant and Author, Python Web Insights). Migrating across multiple Django versions demands a phased approach, especially moving from 1.6 to 1.9, which spans several major updates. It is essential to incrementally upgrade dependencies and refactor code to comply with new standards, such as the updated template engine and improved support for Python 3, ensuring long-term maintainability and scalability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the major changes in Django 1.9 compared to 1.6?
Django 1.9 introduces significant improvements including a new migrations framework, support for Python 3.4+, enhanced database functions, and the removal of deprecated features from earlier versions. It also includes better template-based widget rendering and improved class-based views.

How should I handle database migrations when upgrading from Django 1.6 to 1.9?
Since Django 1.7 introduced the migrations framework, you must first convert your existing South migrations to Django’s native migrations. Use the `makemigrations` and `migrate` commands carefully, ensuring your database schema matches the new migration files.

Are there any deprecated features in Django 1.9 that I need to remove from my 1.6 codebase?
Yes, several features deprecated in Django 1.7 and 1.8 are removed in 1.9. These include the old `url()` function without `path()` or `re_path()`, certain middleware classes, and some template context processors. Review the Django 1.9 release notes for a full list.

What compatibility issues should I watch out for when upgrading from Django 1.6 to 1.9?
Common issues include changes in middleware ordering and classes, updated authentication backends, adjustments to URL routing, and stricter template rendering rules. Additionally, third-party packages may require updates to support Django 1.9.

How can I test my Django 1.6 project to ensure a smooth migration to 1.9?
Implement comprehensive unit and integration tests before migration. Use a staging environment to run the project under Django 1.9, monitor deprecation warnings, and validate database migrations. Automated tests help identify breaking changes early.

Is it necessary to upgrade incrementally through Django versions before moving to 1.9?
While not strictly required, upgrading incrementally (e.g., 1.6 → 1.7 → 1.8 → 1.9) is recommended. This approach helps manage deprecations and migration changes progressively, reducing the risk of errors and easing troubleshooting.
Migrating from Django version 1.6 to 1.9 involves several critical updates and considerations due to the significant changes introduced across these versions. Key areas of focus include adapting to the updated migration framework that replaced South, revising deprecated features, and ensuring compatibility with the new middleware and template system. The transition requires careful planning to refactor models, update settings, and test thoroughly to maintain application stability and performance.

One of the most important aspects of this migration is embracing Django’s built-in migrations system introduced in version 1.7, which replaces the external South tool used in 1.6. This change streamlines database schema management but necessitates generating new migration files and possibly resolving conflicts or inconsistencies in existing database states. Additionally, developers must address changes in middleware configuration, moving from the old MIDDLEWARE_CLASSES to the new MIDDLEWARE setting, and update any deprecated APIs or third-party packages to versions compatible with Django 1.9.

Overall, the migration from Django 1.6 to 1.9 is a substantial upgrade that enhances the framework’s capabilities and security but demands a methodical approach. By thoroughly reviewing release notes, leveraging Django’s migration commands, and testing in a controlled environment,

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Barbara Hernandez
Barbara Hernandez is the brain behind A Girl Among Geeks a coding blog born from stubborn bugs, midnight learning, and a refusal to quit. With zero formal training and a browser full of error messages, she taught herself everything from loops to Linux. Her mission? Make tech less intimidating, one real answer at a time.

Barbara writes for the self-taught, the stuck, and the silently frustrated offering code clarity without the condescension. What started as her personal survival guide is now a go-to space for learners who just want to understand what the docs forgot to mention.