Python · deploy guide

Deploy Django on DockHive

Django web apps and APIs, including Django REST Framework. Push your code, click Drone, and it's live with HTTPS. No deploy config to write, and every push redeploys.

01

Deploy with Drone (zero config)

Drone is DockHive's AI deploy agent. It reads your code, builds your Django app and deploys it, fixing problems along the way so it goes live.

Before you start

  • Your Django project in a GitHub repository, or on your machine if you deploy from the terminal.
  • A DockHive account. The Free Tier is enough to start.
  1. 1 Push to GitHubPush the project to a GitHub repository. No deploy config needed.
  2. 2 Pick the repoIn the DockHive console, open App Hosting and choose the repository.
  3. 3 Deploy with DroneClick Deploy with Drone. It builds and deploys your app, fixes problems along the way and goes live on <app>.dockhive.app with HTTPS.

After the first deploy, every push to the repository redeploys automatically. How Drone works

02

Deploy from the terminal

Install the hivepod CLI, sign in once, then run hivepod deploy in the project folder. It uploads the folder (without .git, node_modules, virtualenvs or secrets) and Drone takes it live.

macOS and Linux
$ curl -fsSL https://dockhive.io/install.sh | sh
Windows (PowerShell)
> irm https://dockhive.io/install.ps1 | iex
Sign in
$ hivepod login
In your Django folder
$ hivepod deploy

Deploying the same folder again updates the same app. Set variables on the way with hivepod deploy --env KEY=value.

03

Deploy from your AI agent (MCP)

The CLI includes an MCP server. Add it to Claude Code, then ask your agent to "deploy this to DockHive". The agent calls the deploy tool and hands back the live URL, or Drone's summary and any missing env vars if something needs your input.

Claude Code
$ claude mcp add dockhive -- hivepod mcp

Using Claude Desktop, Cursor or Windsurf? Set up the DockHive MCP server.

04

Good to know for Django

  • Add your app address (your-app.dockhive.app) and any custom domain to ALLOWED_HOSTS.
  • Keep SECRET_KEY and DEBUG in env vars, and set DEBUG to False in production.
  • Need a database? Create a managed Postgres, MySQL, MariaDB or Redis database on DockHive and add its connection string as an env var.

05

Environment variables and custom domains

Environment variables

If your app needs env vars, Drone tells you which ones. Set the values in the console, with --env on hivepod deploy, or through your agent. Values are write-only. Secrets and .env files never leave your repo.

Custom domains

Every app gets <app>.dockhive.app with HTTPS. To use your own domain, add it to the app and point a CNAME record at DockHive; the Let's Encrypt certificate is issued automatically.

Django on DockHive: FAQ

Do I need any deploy config to deploy Django on DockHive?

No. Push your Django app to GitHub and click Deploy with Drone. There is no config file to write.

Why does my Django app return "Bad Request (400)"?

Usually ALLOWED_HOSTS. Add your-app.dockhive.app and any custom domain to ALLOWED_HOSTS, then push again.

What if the first deploy fails?

Drone fixes problems along the way and retries until your app is live. If it needs something from you, like a missing env var, it tells you what.

How do I set environment variables for my Django app?

Set the values in the DockHive console, with hivepod deploy --env KEY=value, or from your AI agent over MCP. Secrets and .env files never leave your repo.

Can I use my own domain for my Django app?

Yes. Every app gets <app>.dockhive.app with HTTPS. Add your own domain to the app and point a CNAME record at DockHive; the HTTPS certificate is issued automatically.

Does every push redeploy my Django app?

Yes. Once the first deploy is live, every push to the connected GitHub repository redeploys automatically.

Ship your Django app today

Start on the Free Tier. The Developer Plan is $3/month and the Pro Plan $15/month. See pricing