Start Backend

Start the Django backend development server:

Quick Start

cd backend && source venv/bin/activate && DJANGO_DEBUG=True daphne -b 0.0.0.0 -p 8008 server.asgi:application

The backend will be available at http://localhost:8008

Pre-flight Checks

Before starting, verify:

1. Virtual environment exists:

   ls backend/venv/bin/activate
   

   If not, create it: cd backend && python -m venv venv

2. Dependencies installed:

   cd backend && source venv/bin/activate && pip freeze | head -5
   

   If empty, run: pip install -r requirements.txt

3. Database migrated:

   cd backend && source venv/bin/activate && python manage.py showmigrations --plan | grep -c '\[ \]'
   

   If non-zero, run: python manage.py migrate

4. Port available:

   lsof -i :8008
   

   If in use, kill the process or use a different port

Troubleshooting

• "ModuleNotFoundError": Activate venv and install requirements
• "Port already in use": Run lsof -i :8008 and kill the process
• "Database locked": Wait for other processes to finish
• WebSocket not working: Ensure using Daphne, not python manage.py runserver

Source: Hairash/little-dinos-game — distributed by TomeVault.