liveBook · Manning

Shell_plus

As explained in Django in Action

shell_plus is a django-extensions management command that opens a Django shell with commonly used modules, classes, functions, and optionally selected models pre-imported.

shell_plus is a Django management command that opens a more convenient shell by loading commonly used code before you start typing. section 13.2.1

Its useful shortcuts include:

  • Pre-imports modules, classes, and functions commonly used in Django shell work, including settings, reverse, and Q. section 13.2.1
  • Lets you configure additional imports, including frequently used application models. section 13.2.1
  • Reduces repetitive import statements when exploring or interacting with a Django project. section 13.6

Add shell_plus to a project

Install Django Extensions with `python -m pip install django-extensions`, then add `django_extensions` to `INSTALLED_APPS`. The shell_plus management command can then provide a Django shell with common utilities and configured models ready to use. section 13.2.1

How Django in Action covers it

How deep it goes
Defines configurable pre-import behavior but does not detail configuration syntax or internal implementation.
Examples
Uses settings, reverse, Q, and user-selected models as examples of pre-imported objects.
What it assumes
Assumes a Django project and introduces installation plus INSTALLED_APPS registration without teaching shell mechanics.
What you can do after
Operate a Django shell with common imports already loaded and configure frequently used models to reduce typing.
How it connects
Connects Django shell work with settings, reverse, Q, models, and management commands.
Cover of Django in Action
liveBookmanning.com
Read Django in Action on liveBook Get the book at manning.com

Related concepts

This explainer was generated by Manning's knowledge graph from the text of Django in Action. The section links point to the parts of the book it draws on.