Python Backend Logic Adding MVC Framework (Django)

Question

I have a Python CLI program, with SQL database models and want to add a frontend with a MVC framework (such as Django). What's the best way to interface my program with the framework, if I've already defined my models?

Do I either:

1. Rewrite the model so it's shared by both Django and my program
2. Write a layer that interfaces between Django and my Program
3. Remove the model from My Program and let Django handle it

Choice #1: Shared Model

          My Program
        /      |    \
  Binaries    Model  Classes
               |
             Django
             /    \
         View     Controller

Choice #2: Create a Bridging Library

          My Program
        /      |    \
  Binaries    Model  Classes
               |
            My-Bridge
               |
             Django
             / |    \
         View  Model Controller

Choice #3: Use Django for Most Work and Remove Model from My Program

  Classes
         \
          My Program
        /      | 
  Binaries     |
               |
            My-Bridge
               |
             Django
             /   |    \
         View   Model   Controller

I'm avoiding Choice #1 (Create a Shared Model) because I don't know how to create a shared model using Django's ORM and SQLAlchemy.

I'm unsure about Choice #2 (Creating a Bridge) because I don't know if this uses Django to its full extent. From the documentation, it seems as thought Django should handle the Model, given that its a MVC framework.

I'm also avoiding Choice #3 (Removing the Model from Program) because I would have to re-write all the SQLAlchemy ORM logic that uses the SQLAlchemy model in My-Program.

What do you guys think? Which choice is best given that I've already written the CLI version of my program?

Answer 1

I love Django but given this scenario, you could also take a look at Pylons too, since they support SQLAlchemy. Or you can still work with SQLAlchemy by importing it into your views. See this post on an example for doing that.