Splitting a live Django application in two
Diving into the complexities of managing a live Django application, we recently embarked on a journey to streamline an overly cumbersome app. Initially, a simple text field evolved into a web of models and views, leading us to tackle the monolithic beast it had become. The challenge was not just refactoring but doing so on a live site bustling with traffic. Our goal? To automate and flawlessly execute the migration without disrupting our users. Through a series of calculated steps, from duplicating models to meticulously migrating data and references, we leveraged Django's migration system's power for a smooth transition. This methodical approach not only ensured the integrity of our live data but also made the entire process repeatable and testable, assuring us of its success on our production site. The adventure into refactoring and migration was a testament to Django's robustness and our commitment to maintaining a seamless user experience, even behind the scenes.