Learn Django by Building a Small SaaS App
Build a focused, multi-user journaling app for developers — complete with entries, streaks, reflections, Stripe plans, HTMX-powered UX, and deployment — all in just 6 weeks.
Tech-first, mindset-friendly. You’ll learn Django fundamentals, then layer on Tailwind + HTMX, SaaS (Stripe), and production deployment.
The first Django cohort launches March/April 2026 — will you join us?
Looking for a different track? Try Foundations (beginner), Snipster (intermediate app engineering), Rust (intermediate→advanced), or Agentic Python (AI/agents).
Who Is This Cohort For?
Ideal if you’re a developer who wants to learn Django by shipping a real app:
- Has basic Python skills and wants to learn Django by building
- Wants modern UX without heavy JS (Tailwind + HTMX)
- Wants SaaS fundamentals: billing/tiering and deployment
What You Build in This Cohort
A production-ready developer journaling SaaS (Refactor.Me) with clear weekly milestones:
Weeks 1–3 · Core Product
- Auth + profiles (allauth, email confirm)
- Private journal entries (CRUD, ownership checks)
- Streaks + entries/month (insights v1)
- Daily reflections: wins, blockers, reframes
Week 4 · UX
- Tailwind styling + components
- HTMX inline add/edit/delete
- Live updates for streaks and filters
Week 5–6 · SaaS & Ship
- Stripe plans + webhooks (Free vs Premium)
- Server-side quotas + basic rate limits
- Deploy to Fly.io or Heroku (Whitenoise, env vars)
- Polish & optional tests
High-level plan: features first, then UX, SaaS, and deployment.
Why Developers Love This Cohort
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Ship, don’t just study
A tight, 6-week scope that gets you from “hello world” to a deployed Django app people can use.
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Practical SaaS features
Stripe checkout, plan limits, and secure multi-user logic — the real skills you need at work.
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Modern UX without the grind
Tailwind + HTMX for fast, elegant interactions — no heavy frontend framework required.
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Accountability & momentum
Weekly goals, coach feedback, and a community that actually ships.
Join Refactor.Me
Start: March/April 2026 · Weekly intake · Limited seats
Meet Your Coach
I'm Bob Belderbos, a full-stack Python/Django developer with 15+ years of developer and coaching experience and a passion for teaching. I've helped hundreds of developers stop tutorial-hopping and ship real apps.
Back in 2017, I created CodeChalleng.es, the Pybites learning platform that has grown to almost 50K developers worldwide. Some other Django products I've built include Pybites Platform V2, Pybites Books, our internal CRM system, Pybites Organic, and IronScribe.
I've also taught Django early in Pybites' journey via the popular Talk Python “100 Days of Web” course.
In this Refactor.Me cohort, I'll use those years of experience to teach you practical Django, modern UX, and what it takes to build a small SaaS product, including the habits to keep you building well beyond this cohort.
Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 Program Overview
Is this like a typical course?
No — this is a mentor-led, project-based program. You'll build and ship a real app with live calls, support, and community accountability over ~6 weeks. You can join anytime.
How is this different from your 1:1 coaching?
This program offers structure, support, and live check-ins, but without the intensity of 1:1 coaching. You’ll work independently on the same app with guidance and feedback from us, plus interaction with others in the program through calls and the forum. 1:1 coaching, on the other hand, is more tailored and hands-on.
🧠 Readiness & Expectations
What level do I need?
Comfortable with Python basics and the terminal. Some Django is helpful but not required — we start from fundamentals.
What if I fall behind?
No stress — we record all calls and provide async support via our private community. You’ll always be able to catch up and get feedback.
How much time do I need each week?
Plan for ~6–8 hours per week: live sessions + focused project work.
💻 Project & Collaboration
Do I need my own project idea?
Nope — Refactor.Me is a well-scoped Django SaaS you’ll build from scratch, with room for extensions.
Do we work solo or in teams?
You’ll build independently, but you'll be surrounded by peers and get support from the Pybites team throughout.
Will this help me build my portfolio?
Absolutely. You’ll ship a deployed Django SaaS (auth, insights, reflections, Stripe) with a story you can share.
Do I get access to the Pybites Coding Platform in PDC?
Yes! During the program, you'll get full access to the Pybites Coding Platform — the same platform thousands of developers use to practice Python daily. We use it throughout the program to reinforce concepts, share code, and track your progress.
🚀 Getting Started
How do I get started?
Apply using the form above or book a quick call. We review new applications weekly and admit a limited number at a time.
Is there a fixed start date?
Nope — you can start anytime. Once you're accepted, we'll onboard you and get you building right away.
Can companies enroll developers?
Yes! This format works great for team learning. Email us at info@pybit.es to get started.