Django REST Framework (DRF)

Setup

DRF adds serializers, API views, and authentication on top of your existing models.

What is Django REST Framework?

Django REST Framework (DRF) is a powerful toolkit for building RESTful APIs with Django. It extends Django by providing serializers, API views, authentication, permissions, and many other features that make it easy to build web APIs.

Why use DRF?

• Converts Django models into JSON responses.
• Validates incoming API data.
• Supports authentication and permissions.
• Simplifies CRUD API development.
• Works well with frontend frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.

Serializers convert model instances to JSON and validate incoming data.

Serializers are a core feature of Django REST Framework that convert complex Python objects, such as Django model instances, into JSON format. They also convert incoming JSON data back into Python objects while validating the data before it is saved to the database.

Why use Serializers?

• Convert Django model instances into JSON responses.
• Validate incoming API data before saving it.
• Convert JSON request data into Python objects.
• Automatically generate serializer fields using ModelSerializer.
• Support custom validation rules and error messages.
• Simplify communication between the frontend and backend.
• Ensure consistent API request and response formats.

ViewSets + Routers are the most concise way to expose a full CRUD API.

API Views handle incoming HTTP requests and determine how the server responds. They process requests such as retrieving, creating, updating, or deleting data. An endpoint is a specific URL where clients interact with an API to perform these operations. Django REST Framework provides APIView, Generic Views, ViewSets, and Routers to simplify API development. ViewSets combined with Routers can automatically generate a complete set of CRUD endpoints with minimal code.

Why use API Views & Endpoints?

• Handle HTTP requests such as GET, POST, PUT, PATCH, and DELETE.
• Expose application data through RESTful URLs.
• Reduce repetitive code using Generic Views and ViewSets.
• Automatically generate CRUD endpoints with Routers.
• Integrate authentication, permissions, and serializers easily.
• Create scalable and maintainable REST APIs.
• Allow frontend applications and third-party services to interact with the backend efficiently.