RFiD Tracker: Getting Started

1. The Tech Stack

• Language: Python 3.14 (Managed via Nix)
• Framework: Django
• Package Manager:uv (Fastest Python resolver/installer)
• Environment:Nix (with the std library)
• Command Runner: just ( alternative to make)

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2. Setting Up the Environment

You do not need to install Python or Django manually. You only need Nix.

Step 1: Install Nix

If you don't have it, install Nix and enable "“experimental features"features” (Flakes and Nix Command).

considerConsider doing the latter like that:
1) sudo mkdir /root/.config/nix

2) sudoedit /root/.config/nix/nix.conf

3) In there, add this line experimental-features = nix-command flakes

Step 2: Enter the Development Shell

Navigate to the project root and run:

nix develop

What happens when you run this? Nix reads shells.nix and packages.nix to:

1. Download and provide Python 3.14.
2. Install system tools like curl, git, uv, and just.
3. Set up your PATH to include the project’s virtual environment (.venv/bin).
4. Activate a custom shell prompt (the "“embed console"console”).

Step 3: The "Just"“Just” Command Runner

Once inside the Nix shell, we use a tool called just to run common tasks.

Command	Action
just	Lists all available commands.
just init-db	Run this first. It migrates the DB and asks you to create a SuperUser.Superuser.
just dev	Starts the Django development server.
just make-migrations	Generates new DB migration files after model changes.
just fmt	Automatically formats all code using treefmt.
just test	Runs the Django test suite.

Step 4: Running the dev server

Consider using these commands after all previous steps:

nix init-db creates and initializes the db,DB, prompting for super usersuperuser credentials.
nix dev starts a local dev server.
Congratulations! You are ready to develop.