Integrating Django, a Python-based free and open-source web framework, with Stripe, an online payment processing service, requires a good understanding of both Django and Stripe APIs. The following is a step-by-step guide:
First, in your Django project, you need to install Stripe Python library using pip:
```
pip install stripe
```
This command installs the necessary Stripe library that your project needs to connect to the Stripe API.
Then in your `settings.py` file, identify your Stripe publishable and secret keys:
```
STRIPE_PUBLISHABLE_KEY = ‘your-publishable-key‘
STRIPE_SECRET_KEY = ‘your-secret-key‘
```
These keys are essential for determining your Django project’s identity when connecting to the Stripe API as they specify the permissions your app has.
To process payments, a `views.py` file needs to be created which will utilize the `stripe` module. A typical `views.py` file with a function to create a charge might look like this:
```
import stripe
from django.conf import settings
stripe.api_key = settings.STRIPE_SECRET_KEY
def create_charge(request):
if request.method == ‘POST’:
token = request.POST[‘stripeToken’]
charge = stripe.Charge.create(
amount=request.POST[‘amount’],
currency=‘usd’,
description=‘Payment description’,
source=token
)
return render(request, ‘your_template.html’, context)
```
After ensuring the server-side logic is correct, proceed to front-end integration in your HTML, using Stripe.js and Elements to securely collect sensitive card details:
```
This HTML form collects necessary payment information and posts it to your Django view. You need to ensure the form uses a `POST` method to avoid exposing sensitive information.
Ensure you handle exceptions returned by the Stripe API operation in your Django views. This is crucial for the reliability of your application and enhances user experience.
Test the Stripe integration in Django thoroughly before deploying it in production. Stripe offers a variety of options to simulate different types of transaction responses.
In conclusion, integrating Stripe with Django involves setting the Stripe API keys, creating views that interact with the Stripe API, and rendering forms that collect necessary payment information using Stripe.js and Elements.
Sources:
1. [Stripe API](https://stripe.com/docs/api)
2. [Django Stripe integration guide](https://django-stripe.readthedocs.io/en/latest/)
3. [Stripe official Python Library](https://pypi.org/project/stripe/)
4. [Source code and examples on Github](https://github.com/stripe/stripe-python).
