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Django REST Framework: The 80-20 Guide#

Practical guide to building REST APIs with Django REST Framework. Code-focused, concise examples.

🎯 What You'll Learn#

  • Serializers - Convert models to JSON and validate data
  • ViewSets & Views - Handle API requests
  • Routers - Automatic URL routing
  • RESTful APIs - Proper HTTP methods and status codes
  • Query Parameters - Filtering and searching
  • Pagination - Handle large datasets
  • Mixins & Permissions - Reusable components and security

📚 Sections#

1. Setup#

Installation, configuration, and basic setup.

2. Serializers#

ModelSerializer, nested serializers, validation, custom fields.

3. Views & URLs#

ViewSets, APIView, routers (default and nested).

4. RESTful API#

HTTP methods, status codes, REST principles.

5. Query Parameters & Filtering#

Filtering, searching, ordering.

6. Pagination#

Page, limit/offset, cursor pagination.

7. Mixins & Permissions#

Reusable mixins, authentication, permissions.

🚀 Quick Start#

# Install
pip install djangorestframework

# Add to INSTALLED_APPS
INSTALLED_APPS = [
    # ...
    'rest_framework',
]

# Basic view
from rest_framework import viewsets
from rest_framework.response import Response

class PostViewSet(viewsets.ModelViewSet):
    queryset = Post.objects.all()
    serializer_class = PostSerializer

📖 Core Concepts#

Serializer - Converts model instances to JSON and validates input ViewSet - Handles all CRUD operations automatically Router - Generates URL patterns for ViewSets Permission - Controls API access Pagination - Splits large result sets

Pro Tip: DRF follows Django patterns but adds powerful API features. Start with ViewSets and Serializers - they handle 80% of API needs!