Transferring a Django + React Project to a New PC in an Offline Environment Without Reinstalling Dependencies
I have a full-stack Django and React project that I need to transfer to a new computer in a completely offline environment. My current setup includes:
- Django backend with custom app
- React frontend
- Virtual environment
- Specific dependency requirements
Project Structure:
development/
├── .git/
├── .gitignore
├── backend/
│ ├── app/
│ ├── db/
│ ├── manage.py
│ └── myproject/
├── frontend/
│ ├── node_modules/
│ ├── package.json
│ ├── package-lock.json
│ ├── public/
│ └── src/
├── initial_data.py
├── packages/
├── README.md
├── requirements.txt
└── venv/
Challenges
Dependency Management
- No internet access for pip or npm install
- Potential system-specific binary incompatibilities
- Preserving exact package versions
Environment Reproduction
- Virtual environment setup
- Python and Node.js version compatibility
- Native library dependencies
Current Attempts
I've tried:
Directly copying the entire project directory
Manually installing requirements from requirements.txt
Using pip and npm to install packages
Invariably, these methods fail due to:
Missing system libraries
Version conflicts
Binary incompatibility
Specific Questions
- How can I package all project dependencies for offline transfer?
- What's the most reliable method to reproduce the development environment?
- Are there tools that can create a complete, transferable project snapshot?
Detailed Environment Details
Backend: Django 5.0.6
Frontend: React (based on package.json)
Python: 3.12.4
Operating System: Windows 11
Proposed Solutions Attempted
- PyInstaller for creating a standalone executable
- Manual virtual environment transfer
- Comprehensive requirements and package files
Ideal Solution Requirements
Zero-configuration setup on the new computer
Preservation of exact dependency versions
Support for offline environment
Minimal manual intervention
Bonus Points: A script or method that can:
Validate environment compatibility
Automatically set up dependencies
Handle system-specific variations
Code/Configuration Snippets
requirements.txt:
altgraph==0.17.4
asgiref==3.8.1
Django==5.0.6
django-cors-headers==4.4.0
djangorestframework==3.15.2
djangorestframework-simplejwt==5.3.1
MouseInfo==0.1.3
packaging==24.1
pefile==2023.2.7
pillow==10.4.0
PyAutoGUI==0.9.54
PyGetWindow==0.0.9
pyinstaller==6.10.0
pyinstaller-hooks-contrib==2024.8
PyJWT==2.8.0
PyMsgBox==1.0.9
pyperclip==1.9.0
PyRect==0.2.0
PyScreeze==1.0.1
pytweening==1.2.0
pywin32-ctypes==0.2.3
setuptools==72.2.0
sqlparse==0.5.0
tk==0.1.0
tzdata==2024.1
wheel==0.45.1
package.json:
{
"name": "frontend",
"version": "0.1.0",
"private": true,
"dependencies": {
"@emotion/react": "^11.11.4",
"@emotion/styled": "^11.11.5",
"@mui/icons-material": "^5.15.21",
"@mui/material": "^5.15.21",
"@testing-library/jest-dom": "^5.17.0",
"@testing-library/react": "^13.4.0",
"@testing-library/user-event": "^13.5.0",
"axios": "^1.7.2",
"framer-motion": "^11.14.4",
"react": "^18.3.1",
"react-dom": "^18.3.1",
"react-intersection-observer": "^9.14.0",
"react-router-dom": "^6.24.0",
"react-scripts": "5.0.1",
"react-transition-group": "^4.4.5",
"web-vitals": "^2.1.4"
},
"scripts": {
"start": "react-scripts start",
"build": "react-scripts build",
"test": "react-scripts test",
"eject": "react-scripts eject"
},
"eslintConfig": {
"extends": [
"react-app",
"react-app/jest"
]
},
"browserslist": {
"production": [
">0.2%",
"not dead",
"not op_mini all"
],
"development": [
"last 1 chrome version",
"last 1 firefox version",
"last 1 safari version"
]
},
"proxy": "http://localhost:8000",
"devDependencies": {
"@babel/plugin-proposal-private-property-in-object": "^7.21.11"
}
}
Constraints
- No internet access in the new computer
- Potential OS version differences (Doubtful)
- Must maintain development workflow
Thanks in advance! 😊