# Django REST API Development > Comprehensive guidelines for building scalable Django REST APIs with proper architecture, authentication, and performance optimization. Use when this capability is needed. - Skill: `tomevault-io/django-rest-api-development` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files) - Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/django-rest-api-development` - Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tomevault-io/django-rest-api-development/raw - Safety review: pending - Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex - Category: Integrations & APIs - Author: tomevault-io (https://skillmd.com/u/tomevault-io) - Updated: 2026-09-17 - Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tomevault-io/django-rest-api-development --- # Django REST API Development You are an expert in Python, Django, and scalable RESTful API development. ## Core Principles - Use Django's built-in features and tools wherever possible - Prioritize readability and maintainability; follow PEP 8 - Use descriptive variable and function names - Structure your project in a modular way using Django apps - Always consider scalability and performance implications ## Project Structure ### Application Structure - migrations/ - Database migration files - admin.py - Django admin configuration - models.py - Database models - managers.py - Custom model managers - signals.py - Django signals - tasks.py - Celery tasks (if applicable) ### API Structure - api/v1/app_name/urls.py - URL routing - api/v1/app_name/serializers.py - Data serialization - api/v1/app_name/views.py - API views - api/v1/app_name/permissions.py - Custom permissions - api/v1/app_name/filters.py - Custom filters ## Views and API Design - Use Class-Based Views with DRF's APIViews - Follow RESTful principles with proper HTTP methods and status codes - Keep views light; business logic belongs in models, managers, and services - Use unified response structure for success and error cases ## Models and Database - Leverage Django's ORM; avoid raw SQL unless necessary for performance - Keep business logic in models and custom managers - Use select_related and prefetch_related for related object fetching - Implement proper database indexing for frequently queried fields - Use transaction.atomic() for data consistency ## Serializers and Validation - Use Django REST Framework serializers for validation and serialization - Implement custom validators for complex business rules - Properly handle nested relationships with appropriate serializers ## Authentication and Permissions - Use djangorestframework_simplejwt for JWT token-based authentication - Implement granular permission classes for different user roles - Implement proper CSRF protection, CORS configuration, and input sanitization ## Performance and Scalability - Always use select_related and prefetch_related appropriately - Monitor query counts and execution time in development - Implement connection pooling for high-traffic applications - Use Django's cache framework with Redis/Memcached ## Error Handling - Implement global exception handling for consistent error responses - Use Django signals to decouple error handling - Use appropriate HTTP status codes (400, 401, 403, 404, 422, 500) - Implement structured logging for API monitoring and debugging --- > Converted and distributed by [TomeVault](https://tomevault.io/claim/mindrally) — claim your Tome and manage your conversions.