GSoc 2025 proposal: Integrating instant live server extension in Django

Django Internals Mentorship
1

Hello everyone, my name is Philip Fakrogha and I’m new to the Django framework, which has been an amazing journey so far. This is also my first time participating in an open-source projects, that is if my proposal is accepted.
Overview
I am proposing a GSoC 2025 project to introduce an instant live server extension integrated in Django.
Problem
Django provides localhost URL (http://127.0.0.1:8000/) for built in Django projects. Developers when starting to build a Django app have to:

  1. Manually or periodically go back to their localhost URL on command prompt to stop restart or setup the localhost to update on their application. which can be frustrating and time consuming.
  2. Manually restart the internet for any update on their application.
    Aim Of My Proposal
    I propose creating and integrating an instant live server extension in Django, which:
    -saves a lot of time, without the need of extra setup.
    -Automatically create a port for developers to effortlessly share their localhost URL with the world or to other devices.
    -Automatically add or update as you build in Django.
    Milestone Breakdown
    Phase 1; Research and Preparation
  • Analyze existing extensions in Django and how they are integrated in Django
    -Identify the best practice for integrating an instant live server extension in Django

Phase 2: Requirements

  • Capture the localhost URL dynamically
    -Ensure a secure way of exposing and sharing the localhost URL to the internet
    -Create a custom sharing or tunneling solution using a proxy service.

Phase 3: Implement It in Django
Writing a Django management command to:
. Start the Django server
. Automatically launch a tunneling service
. Retrieve a generated public URL
. Share it securely (maybe via a simple dashboard or API).

Phase 4: Secure Access
. Restrict who can view the server
. Implement authentication and access control for shared URLs
. Use limited exposure time to avoid security vulnerabilities

Phase 5: Package It as a Django Extension
. Finalize structuring it as a Django package, allowing other developers to install and use it.

Seeking Feedback & Mentorship
I’d love to collaborate with the Django community to refine this idea. Your feedback and guidance would go a long way in shaping this proposal. Thank you.