why I cannot import models to a python script without using django.setup() first

Question

According to this answer (Django script to access model objects without using manage.py shell) before I can use Django models in my standalone python script it is enough to point it to the project's settings file:

import os
os.environ.setdefault("DJANGO_SETTINGS_MODULE", "my_project.settings")
from my_app.models import MyModel

This results in the error:

django.core.exceptions.AppRegistryNotReady: Apps aren't loaded yet.

This however works just fine:

import os
os.environ.setdefault("DJANGO_SETTINGS_MODULE", "my_project.settings")
import django
django.setup()
from my_app.models import MyModel

I use Django 2.1.7

Is it required now to use django.setup() in each script where I use Django models?

That linked answer doesn't say that at all. – Daniel Roseman Mar 31 '19 at 07:49 — Daniel Roseman, Mar 31 '19 at 07:49

score 1 · Accepted Answer · answered Mar 31 '19 at 19:31

1

In short, yes. You are required to call django.setup if you want to use Django features.

1 Answers1